Alana Robertson

• Created corporate branding, designing cohesive looks from logos to letterheads.
• Creatively interpreted client briefs to develop and produce unique, engaging designs
• Oversaw design development from concept to completion, including branding graphics, print design and marketing collateral.
• Delivered client projects on time, within budget and to strict deadlines.

Volunteer Mentor Manager, 01/2013 to Current

Home-Start Hertfordshire - Stevenage, Hertfordshire

Assist in the recruitment and assessment of volunteers as part of our mandatory pre-volunteer training programme.

Assist in the ongoing development and delivery of our annual volunteer training programme including the 40 hour Preparation Course.

Assess opportunities, and match appropriate volunteers with those opportunities.

Provide ongoing supervision to volunteers, supporting and overseeing their placement.

Review the volunteer placement at allotted times to ensure standards, expectations and best practises are always maintained.

Assist in the development of volunteer policies and procedures, codes of conduct and volunteer standards.

Deliver an exceptional level of service to all parties by listening to concerns and answering questions.

Promote Home-Start volunteering opportunities and act as a volunteer champion/ambassador when in the community and at Fundraising events.

Maintain volunteer database and update recording system in line with Home-Start Policy.

• Applied positive customer service approach to increase satisfaction levels.
• Consistently arrived at work on time and ready to start immediately.

Whilst my son was young and he needed me, I decided to work at home and set up the Hertford Vintage Fayre in response to that need.

Developed idea and designed image.

Identified appropriate venue and negotiated terms and price.

Fixed dates for forthcoming bi-monthly events over initial 18 months period.

Designed and produced flyers/posters and editorial for local media.

Set up social media and communication pathway for sellers and vintage traders.

Actively sought out and encouraged Vintage traders to sign up for my events.

Successfully grew and held event for 28 months in total

Scaled up event and held Vintage Fairs at Knebworth House, Enfield Pagent and Woburn Abbey.

Nurtured interested volunteers and vintage traders to assist with the events.

Sold The Vintage Fayre for a profit in 2012

As a house manager, I was in overall charge of the day-to-day running of the children's home, the staff and the care plans of the children who lived at the home. All children's homes are overseen and inspected by the CQC and Ofsted annually to ensure minimum standards were met and in our case exceeded. It was quite a high-pressure environment with a staff team of 14 to manage alongside the needs of the children. I enjoyed the job and found it interesting and inspiring in many many ways.

• Upheld high level of discretion and professionalism in managing household
• Met health and safety guidelines to maintain compliant working environments.
• Oversaw emergency procedures and administered first aid.
• Coordinated staff training sessions, enhancing team competencies and service standards.
• Led by example, embodying positive work ethic and motivating staff for peak performance.
• Directed staff schedules and rosters, optimising workforce efficiency.
• Recruited and onboarded new staff to meet performance standards.

• Assisted with day-to-day operations and completed assigned management tasks.
• Gained skills, knowledge and experience working across various departments including production, marketing and operations.
• Evaluated business processes to identify and recommend areas for improvement.
• Maintained organisational compliance with applicable legislation and regulations.
• Created and led successful business culture focused on performance.

Worked closely with 16+ care leavers to ensure their successful transition from care into own accommodation.

Supervised Lilac Road accommodation - ultimately leading to its closure and the opening of 18 independant self contained units for care leavers.

Helped open and run the Head Room project for care leavers in Chesthunt.

• Carried out routine housekeeping tasks to maintain safe, clean, uncluttered work environment.
• Recorded findings and submitted reports to manager.
• Processed samples, labelled containers and completed required paperwork.
• Tracked samples and updated records with progress and outcomes.
• Stocked rooms with appropriate equipment and supplies to enable efficiency
• Monitored stock use and reordered materials
• Purchased supplies and completed associated invoicing and payments.
• Rotated and ordered stock to minimise waste and loss.

• Suggested ideas for creative and engaging community events
• Collaborated with marketing manager, clients and partners to support marketing strategy development.
• Generated compelling content for marketing materials, boosting audience interest.
• Produced bespoke client presentations to support pitching and proposals.
• Coordinated logistics for trade shows and exhibitions.
• Coordinated promotional events to enhance brand visibility and engagement.