About Me

An experienced educator dedicated to providing high quality, inclusive learning opportunities for people and organisations. A strategic and creative professional continuously striving to motivate and inspire personal and team performance through effective communication and marketing. A proven track record of supporting, coaching and training staff and students to achieve goals. An effective communicator with excellent writing skills. Looking for a new challenge working in visual media.

Presenting

Experience

Specialist Areas

Employment History & Experience

Working for Lancashire Wildlife Trust in Merseyside I was responsible for the research and co-ordination for the production of four short films to demonstrate biological recording skills to viewers. I am the lead presenter in these films and they are available to view on YouTube.

Languages Spoken

Experience & Qualifications

General Experience

Experience and knowledge
Over the past ten years I have gained considerable experience of working with a variety of people from a wide range of backgrounds in the delivery of formal teaching/lecturing, environmental education, training, community group/partnership working and practical conservation tasks. I hold a BSc (Hons) Conservation & Countryside Management degree for which I was awarded a grade 2:1. I worked for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust for six years during which time my duties involved delivery of curriculum-linked environmental education, fund-raising, budgeting and project management. In my most recent post I was employed as a lecturer and deliver training in topic areas ranging from sustainable development to agriculture. I was responsible for writing assignments, producing teaching materials as well as planning and running practical sessions. Last summer I carried out some consultancy work for City and Guilds writing units and associated assignments; this year I have acted as lead moderator for the same organisation. Whilst at South Staffordshire College, I ran a programme of extra curricular activities for students entitled ‘Countryside Capers’ which has successfully involved students from across the college in wildlife gardening, survey and monitoring work, greenwood craft and cookery opportunities.

I have experience of writing press releases and have appeared in the media and on radio to promote the work of South Staffordshire College, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and associated projects.

My commitment to completing a BSc (Hons) Conservation & Countryside Management degree as a mature student reflects my interest and involvement in conservation issues, ecology and the management of land for agriculture, recreation and conservation. I am familiar with the processes in carrying out wildlife surveys and have conducted student practicals to assess this.

Skills
My standards of written and spoken English are excellent and I am able to disseminate information enthusiastically. I am IT literate and regularly use computer software packages for the production of teaching materials, presentations, communication, funding applications, financial management and reports.

Personal Qualities
I am determined and self-motivated in my work and I find that leading by example is a powerful means of motivating others. I enjoy being creative and have a ‘hands-on’ approach to inspiring those around me. I maintain a tidy filing system and am aware of the importance of keeping accurate records. I have experience of a variety of farming techniques and land management practices and, in addition, run a small allotment growing fruit and vegetables at home. I am very interested in botany and enjoy wildflower and grass identification both professionally and personally. I keep abreast of current land-based issues and environmental issues through magazines, journals and web sites. Prior to studying for a degree I worked in agriculture and related industry including setting up and running a small business growing and selling organic fruit and vegetables. I have undertaken several training courses during my career and am willing and able to continue to learn and develop both personally and professionally.

I am physically fit and active, I enjoy working outside and am able to work flexibly and during out of office hours. I am keen to continue in this exciting area of work and would especially like to undertake a more community-focused role as part of my personal development. I am creative and enjoy challenges such as finding innovative ideas for new projects. I feel that my rich and varied experience plus my interest in the countryside and related issues would enable me to be an effective preseter/extra. My capacity for sustained work, commitment, energy and enthusiasm, together with my sense of humour, will ensure my effectiveness in this post.

Qualifications & Training

PGCE (Teaching qualification, FE)
BSc (Hons) Conservation & Countryside Management
GCSE German
The Phase Four Certificate in Agriculture & Horticulture Business Management
6 O Levels including Maths, English and Commerce
City & Guilds Certificate in Agriculture/Horticulture Grades 1 - 3 (NVQ Equivalent)
National Certificate in Agriculture (NCA)
City & Guilds Certificate in Tractors, Power Units and Mechanisms

Other Information

Interests & Hobbies

Allotment gardening, reading, writing and cooking.