Caroline McKenzie
Hurlford,United Kingdom
Summary
Experienced professional in domestic abuse services with expertise in leadership, team management, and trauma-informed practice. Skilled in safeguarding, risk assessment, and client-centred support planning, with a proven track record in developing and delivering impactful domestic abuse programmes. Adept at building partnerships with statutory and voluntary agencies to enhance service delivery and ensure continuous improvement through monitoring and evaluation. Strong background in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, advocacy, and staff mentoring to foster professional growth and high-quality outcomes. Committed to advancing innovative approaches within the sector to support individuals affected by domestic abuse.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Community and Accommodation Team Leader
East Ayrshire Women’s Aid
01.2022 - 09.2025
- Lead community and accommodation services for survivors of domestic abuse
- Oversee staff performance, safeguarding compliance, and high-quality service delivery
- Develop and maintain partnerships with housing providers, local authorities, and specialist support services
- Ensure delivery of trauma-informed, client-focused care plans
- Monitor outcomes and drive continuous improvement across services
- Ensured adherence to company policy by all team members, maintaining professionalism at all times.
- Resolved conflicts effectively, promoting harmony within the workforce.
Community Team Leader
EAWA – Domestic Abuse Services
01.2011 - 01.2022
- Managed a multidisciplinary team delivering community support to survivors of domestic abuse
- Coordinated safeguarding and domestic abuse initiatives
- Outreach programs to engage and support at-risk individuals
- Staff training in safeguarding, domestic abuse awareness, and professional development
- Built strong relationships with statutory and voluntary agencies to enhance service provision
- Fostered positive relationships with community partners, enhancing cooperation.
- Evaluated performance of team members for individual development plans.
- Provided guidance to team members, boosting morale and productivity.
- Supervised diverse teams, ensuring tasks were completed effectively.
- Organised regular team meetings, promoting open dialogue and feedback.
Counselling Support Worker
EAWA
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Delivered one-to-one and group counseling support to survivors of domestic abuse
- Developed tailored support plans and liaised with external agencies to ensure holistic care
- Advocated for clients’ needs in multi-agency settings
Refuge Support Worker
EAWA
01.2001 - 01.2007
- Supported clients in refuge accommodation, ensuring safety and access to housing, healthcare, and welfare services
- Delivered practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse
- Assisted with risk assessments and safeguarding procedures
Counselling Support Worker
South Ayrshire Women’s Aid
01.1993 - 01.2001
- Offered counseling and guidance to individuals affected by domestic abuse
- Helped clients develop coping strategies and access community resources
- Maintained accurate case records and documented client progress
Skills
- Leadership and team management in domestic abuse services
- Safeguarding, risk assessment, and trauma-informed practice
- Client-centered support planning and case management
- Development and delivery of domestic abuse programs
- Partnership building with statutory and voluntary agencies
- Crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and advocacy
- Monitoring, evaluation, and continuous service improvement
- Staff mentoring, supervision, and professional development
Certification
- SVQ in Community Justice (Work with Victims, Survivors and Witnesses) – 2008
- SafeLives Accredited Training for Gender-Based Violence Service Managers (Level 4) – 2017
- SVQ in Care Services Leadership and Management (Level 10) – 2017
References
References available upon request
Volunteer Experience
- Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), Sheffield, Sheffield, 1990, 1991, Assisted clients with advice on benefits, housing, and debt issues, Supported the provision of information and guidance to the local community, Maintained accurate records of client interactions and outcomes
- Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), Sheffield, Sheffield, 1991, 1993, Continued providing support and guidance to clients on a range of issues, Helped develop community outreach initiatives to raise awareness of CAB services, Contributed to maintaining service quality and client satisfaction
- East Ayrshire Women’s Aid (EAWA), 1992, 1993, Delivered practical and emotional support to women experiencing domestic abuse
Timeline
Community and Accommodation Team Leader
East Ayrshire Women’s Aid
01.2022 - 09.2025
Community Team Leader
EAWA – Domestic Abuse Services
01.2011 - 01.2022
Counselling Support Worker
EAWA
01.2007 - 01.2011
Refuge Support Worker
EAWA
01.2001 - 01.2007
Counselling Support Worker
South Ayrshire Women’s Aid
01.1993 - 01.2001