1. During my academic career I produced high standard materials in modules such as
understanding the person, contemporary social problems and social policy. I
illustrated effective research and report writing skills and developed a sound
understanding of legislation and theoretical influences.
I have proven leadership experience. I have been responsible for the professional
development of teams, ensuring they are delivering effectively in local communities
to meet needs and improve engagement. I have demonstrated personal energy and
passion to help motivate, inspire and persuade others and have been instrumental in
the implementation of innovative and imaginative ideas, for instance by developing
peer mentor schemes, organising family learning events and launching a mobile unit
to improve access in rural areas. I have promoted participation by empowering and
advocating for the local community, working closely with community groups and
service users to ensure they played a pivotal role in the development of the service.
In my operational management roles I have been responsible for the execution of
strategic and operational plans, report writing, evaluations and income generation. I
have maintained and improved performance targets using and translating statistical
data and evidence. I have been required to represent the services at strategic and
operational forums and have developed the high level of professionalism required
when chairing participating and presenting at meetings. I maintain open
communication with relevant parties and prove my ability to remain calm and
confident in pressurized situations. I understand the values and needs of my own
service and take full responsibility for promoting this positively to others. I am able to
remain objective and independent minded but also on occasions be outspoken and
champion if necessary, particularly to ensure I represented the views or acted as an
advocate for disadvantaged members of the community.
I have good knowledge and experience of both voluntary and statutory agencies and
been required to develop a sound understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a
wide range of agencies, I led on the vulnerable agenda for both Connexions and
Integrated Youth Support and therefore have required an in-depth understanding of
the legislation relevant to children and adults with complex needs.. I have been
involved with mapping services to identify gaps in and implement partnership
agreements with partners to improve access and support. I can establish positive
working relationships and understand the importance of confidentiality and
professional responsibilities and boundaries when working with other agencies
For ten years I worked as Team Coordinator Connexions Service and later as the
East Locality Team Manager for IYSS. This required my strategic and operational
input into developing high quality IYSS. I had direct line management and
supervisory responsibility for a multi-disciplinary team comprising of practitioners
from Careers Information, Advice and Guidance and Youth Service specialism. I

2. established partnerships across the locality with a wide range of service and partner
agencies. Within my role, I had responsibility for ensuring the effective running of a
one stop shop facility, representing the service in relation to vulnerable agenda and
had to manage and forward plan in relation to locality and community projects. It
required a great deal of flexibility and tenacity to ensure I was able to deal effectively
with changing priorities and problems and issues when they arose. Managing
workloads, being able to determine short and long term objectives and staying calm
in a crisis were essential to ensure I effectively managed a number of different
priorities.
More recently I have been working with vulnerable families as Courts Project
Development Officer. Due to my leadership the project has progressed from a basic
proposal to a successful and integrated project. Delivering in both Crown and
Magistrates it delivers a high quality service with families in court. This was a ground
breaking project, in a traditional and structured environment. It has required a great
deal of perseverance and determination to ensure its implementation. I took a lead
role in both championing the service and driving change. Integral within the project
has been the commitment and passion to make a difference. I have ensured
business plans, funding reports and monitoring information are outcome and
achievement focused whilst remaining sensitive to some of the challenges that can
present when working with prisoner families, mainly that they are very often ‘hidden
or hard to reach’. I manage the budget and ensure NEPACS has a clear funding
strategy to ensure sustainability of the project As Court Project Development Officer
I have worked hard to challenge perceptions, remove obstacles and generate
enthusiasm in the project. The success and quality of this project was reinforced
when we won the Innovation Award in the South Tees Excellence in Volunteering
Awards and received national accreditation for quality delivery and standards with
Mentoring and Befriending Foundation.
In work I have developed my interpersonal and organisational skills. I can
confidently produce good quality and professional written material (action plans/
reports) and have the ability to communicate and engage effectively with individuals.
My personality (good humour, persistence and commitment) and key skills
(openness, reflective listening and self- awareness) enable me to relate well to
others. Through open communication I can confidently negotiate, build rapport and
understanding and establish relationships that bring about change. I am skilled and
trained in Youth Work and Advice and Guidance, motivational and solution focused
interviewing, NLP, Conflict resolution and reflective listening and can engage in a
one to one and group work setting. I have strong empathy towards individuals and
challenges they can face and have developed my communication skills to help make
a difference and empower an individual or group to bring about change. I have been
responsible for the coordination and delivery of training for a wide range of
individuals, and have done so competently to ensure I met learning objectives. I

3. have participated on management development programmes and courses and use
self- reflection and independent reading to continually build my skills and experience
in relation to empowering and inspiring others.
Working for the local Authority for 17 years and more recently within voluntary sector
I have a strong understanding of the role of local councillors and elected members
and the importance and influence they can have in community initiatives.
Have taken a lead in ensuring effective communication strategies are introduced
and I am competent in producing materials/ written information that enables this ,via
press release/ web / social media or written articles. .
I have been involved in writing funding applications and have influenced funding
strategies throughout my career, within the youth service to help enhance provision,
within local Authority to develop youth engagement and provision and as Locality
manager to help support charities and community groups to help improve or develop
services within the area As Partnership Coordinator with Cleveland fire brigade.
The role predominantly involved supporting the management and development of
partnership arrangements and increasing income generation, through bids and
funding applications to support the delivery of community safety activities. During
my time at Brigade I completed an NCFE accredited certificate in fundraising skills
which has consolidated my skills and has ensured I am successful in many of the
bids I prepare. .
I am highly motivated and passionate about making a difference in the lives of
vulnerable individuals and communities. I have boldness and vision to initiate new
ideas, complete complex tasks under pressure and implement innovative
approaches. I am a competent and successful practitioner and committed team
manager of public services underpinned with a great sense of humour and excellent
interpersonal and presentation skills.