Alice Sheales
Summary
Highly motivated Psychology graduate with several years of experience in administration and customer-facing roles. Skilled in managing multiple administrative tasks, scheduling appointments, communicating efficiently with a broad range of stakeholders, and maintaining exceptional service standards in fast-paced professional and healthcare environments. Committed to contributing to underdeveloped areas of healthcare research, with a published study investigating the barriers and facilitators to blood donation from the perspective of UK non-donors. Confident in delivering compassionate, person-centred care, specifically working with individuals living with Major Neurocognitive Disorder. Due to commence an MSc in Health Psychology at UCL in September 2026.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work history
Creative Manager
Manningtree Arts Bookshop
Essex
2023.07 - 2026.03
- Delivered administrative support by managing stock levels, processing customer orders, overseeing inventory records, and coordinating with suppliers to expedite deliveries, resulting in lasting customer relationships through responsive service.
- Led and trained a small team to meet organisation quality standards, fostering a supportive environment for individual development and confident performance.
- Developed and maintained regulatory documentation, including training manuals, health and safety records, underage drinking protocols, allergen procedures, and statutory signage. These measures helped the establishment achieve and retain the highest Food Standards Agency rating for three consecutive years.
Restaurant Supervisor
Fields Farm Shop
Suffolk
2021.11 - 2023.06
- Partnered with the Restaurant Manager to plan, test, and roll out new products and service concepts, helping to drive commercial success during the business's launch phase.
- Elevated service standards through targeted staff development, enabling confident, high-quality delivery.
Tea Room Assistant
Oranges & Lemons
Suffolk
2020.06 - 2021.11
- Thrived in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, enhancing communication, adaptability, and the ability to deliver consistent results under pressure.
- Developed expertise as a specialist barista, gaining advanced knowledge of milk texturing, latte art, and coffee extraction methods, which promoted creative expression.
Meetings & Events Consultant
Inntel
Essex
2018.01 - 2020.06
- Built upon established IT skills, particularly with the use of Microsoft Office applications. Managed clients' meetings and events through Inntel's ‘LOGIC' software, utilised for venue sourcing, diary management and budgeting.
- Sourced brand-aligned meeting and event spaces for diverse clients, negotiating effectively with venues to maximise budgets while adhering to tight briefs.
- Set clear client expectations by establishing reasonable time frames and discussing potential challenges related to geography and peak dates that could limit suitable options presented.
Reservation Consultant
Inntel
Essex
2017.01 - 2018.01
- Consistently recognised for exceptional management and timely handling of a high volume of incoming calls, while simultaneously directing ongoing client projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Appointed as an integral part of the staff committee. Informed work teams of critical business changes while regularly managing and updating the intranet page with engaging visuals and informative communications.
Project Coordinator
Capita PLC
Essex
2015.01 - 2016.08
- Coordinated client recruitment by managing candidate interviews, leading a small team, and optimising schedules to minimise disruption and ensure compliance with GDPR practices.
- Audited interview team weekly, providing feedback and tracking individual performance to maintain client standards.
Education
GCSE (11) -
Colne Community School
EssexVRQ Level 1, 2 and 3 -
Colchester Institute
EssexBSc - Psychology
University of Essex Online
EssexPublications
- Miszkiel, A., & Gaffiero, D. (2026). Why are younger-age adults reluctant to give blood? A reflexive thematic analysis of non-donors in the United Kingdom. Cogent Psychology, 13(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2026.2614118
Academic and Professional Interests
- Attending a diverse range of conferences, lectures, and seminars accessible to non-academic audiences, including TEDxNHS 2025 at King's College London, the BPS Psychology Careers Fair 2026, and the upcoming EPIIC conference at the University of Essex in March 2026.
- An active and dedicated member of the University of Essex department of psychology and health's monthly journal club.
- Participating in student-led research in person and online.
- Collaborating member of the Gaffiero Health Behaviour Research Group.
Community Involvement
Feb 2026 - current
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust. Colchester Hospital: Delirium and Dementia Wards. Position: Activities coordinator (voluntary role).
Led compassionate, person-centred interactions through the Magic Table initiative, facilitating meaningful activities tailored to residents' cognitive needs and wellbeing. Coordinated with the Social Happiness Programme and technology service providers to oversee equipment functionality, troubleshoot issues, and support the effective delivery of digital engagement activities.
Timeline
Creative Manager
Manningtree Arts Bookshop
2023.07 - 2026.03
Restaurant Supervisor
Fields Farm Shop
2021.11 - 2023.06
Tea Room Assistant
Oranges & Lemons
2020.06 - 2021.11
Meetings & Events Consultant
Inntel
2018.01 - 2020.06
Reservation Consultant
Inntel
2017.01 - 2018.01
Project Coordinator
Capita PLC
2015.01 - 2016.08
GCSE (11) -
Colne Community School
VRQ Level 1, 2 and 3 -
Colchester Institute
BSc - Psychology
University of Essex Online