Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Carolyn Joyce

Rainford,St. Helens

Summary

I am a highly experienced education and community engagement professional with a strong background in secondary teaching, curriculum leadership, and widening participation. My career spans over 16 years in education, where I have worked directly with young people to support their personal development, progression, and access to future opportunities. I have since transitioned into a community-facing role as Fundraising Manager for Wigan Warriors Community Foundation, where I continue to lead initiatives that align closely with Edge Hill University’s mission to create and harness knowledge to deliver opportunity for everyone.

Throughout my career in education and the charitable sector, I have led and inspired informal teams and networks to achieve shared goals that closely reflect Edge Hill University’s strategic values-particularly in widening access, fostering personal development, and strengthening community engagement.

Alongside leadership roles as Curriculum Leader for Personal Development and School Sports Coordinator working in Knowsley, I have developed a deep understanding of the barriers learners face when progressing into Higher Education. These include low confidence, lack of information about pathways, financial concerns, limited parental experience of HE, and restricted access to enrichment activities. I have worked directly with young people to overcome these challenges through tailored guidance, inclusive programming, and sustained engagement - work that strongly reflects Edge Hill University’s mission “to create and harness knowledge, to deliver opportunity for everyone.”

As a teacher of Health and Social Care at Key Stage 4, I connected students with real-world learning opportunities through placements in local primary schools. These experiences supported their personal and academic development while encouraging them to consider their progression into FE and HE. In leading on personal development, I engaged pupils in discussions around careers, mental health, and decision-making, while also coordinating transition activities to support post-16 planning - demonstrating a strategic and learner-focused approach to progression.

In my current role as Fundraising Manager for Wigan Warriors Community Foundation, I work with schools, families, and community organisations across areas with historically lower levels of HE progression. I design and deliver outreach and engagement initiatives that not only raise aspirations, but also provide tangible opportunities for development, teamwork, and leadership. I have also launched a digital fundraising platform and a monthly prize draw in partnership with Raise Your Game - programmes that build social capital and create accessible entry points into positive pathways for young people.

I am fully aware of the national policy landscape surrounding widening participation, social mobility, and fair access to higher education. I understand the importance of delivering measurable impact aligned with Office for Students (OfS) priorities, including addressing gaps in access, success, and progression for underrepresented groups. My experience on the ground combined with my ability to analyse data, understand strategic goals, and respond to policy drivers enables me to contribute meaningfully to the university’s student recruitment and outreach strategies.

I share Edge Hill’s commitment to community enrichment, student-centred experience, and inclusive opportunity, and have consistently embodied its core values embracing challenge, working collaboratively, and acting with integrity. I am enthusiastic about the chance to support learners across the North-West and beyond to see higher education as a place where they belong and can thrive. I believe I can bring both professional credibility and practical impact to the role of Education Liaison Officer.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work history

Fundraising Manager

Wigan Warriors Community Foundation
Wigan, Greater Manchester
10.2024 - Current

1. Develop and Deliver Fundraising Strategy
-Create and implement a fundraising plan aligned with the Foundation’s goals.
- Identify short- and long-term income opportunities to support community programmes.
2. Generate Income from Multiple Streams
- Manage and grow income through individual giving, corporate sponsorships, events, and digital campaigns.
- Launch and maintain fundraising platforms (e.g. Enthuse) and community initiatives like community prize draws.
3. Build Relationships with Donors and Sponsors
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with individual donors, local businesses, corporate sponsors, and supporters.
- Create tailored sponsorship packages and recognition opportunities.
4. Campaign and Event Management
- Plan, promote, and oversee community fundraising events and campaigns.
- Work collaboratively with the Marketing and Media team to maximise exposure and engagement.
5. Data and Impact Reporting
- Track income and engagement using fundraising software.
- Produce regular reports on fundraising performance and impact to internal and external stakeholders.
6. Volunteer and Staff Coordination
- Recruit, brief, and manage volunteers and part-time staff involved in fundraising activities and events.
- Provide training and support where necessary.
7. Compliance and Governance
- Ensure all fundraising activities comply with charity law and ethical standards.
- Maintain accurate records and adhere to data protection regulations.
8. Represent the Foundation Externally
- Attend events, meetings, and presentations as an ambassador of the Foundation.
- Promote the Foundation’s mission and engage potential supporters across the North West and beyond.

Teacher of Physical Education (Secondary)

Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy
Whiston, Merseyside
09.2007 - 10.2024

1. Plan and Deliver Engaging PE Lessons
- Teach a broad and balanced PE curriculum across Key Stages 3 and 4.
- Adapt lessons to meet the needs of students with different abilities and learning styles.
2. Promote Physical Fitness and Healthy Lifestyles
- Encourage participation in physical activity, teamwork, and personal wellbeing.
- Educate students on the importance of exercise, nutrition, and mental health.
3. Assess, Monitor and Report on Progress
- Use a range of assessment strategies to track student progress.
- Provide regular feedback to students, parents, and colleagues.
4. Organise and Deliver Extracurricular Activities
- Run lunchtime and after-school sports clubs, practices, and fixtures.
- Lead school teams in local and regional competitions and tournaments.
5. Maintain a Safe and Positive Learning Environment
- Ensure all activities are carried out safely and in line with school policies.
- Promote positive behaviour, inclusion, and respect in all lessons.
6. Support Whole-School Priorities
- Contribute to wider school initiatives such as health promotion, transition events, or cross-curricular projects.
- Take part in school events including open evenings, parents’ evenings, and residential trips.
7. Collaborate with Colleagues and External Partners
- Work with other departments to integrate physical education into broader learning.
- Liaise with sports clubs, coaches, and governing bodies to enhance provision.
8. Undertake Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- Attend training sessions and engage in CPD to stay up to date with curriculum developments and best practices.

Curriculum Leader for Personal Development

Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy
Whiston, Merseyside
09.2018 - 07.2022

1. Curriculum Planning and Delivery
-
Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive Personal Development curriculum, including PSHE, RSHE, citizenship, and careers education.
- Ensure content is age-appropriate, inclusive, and aligned with statutory guidance and whole-school priorities.

2. Staff Support and Coordination
-
Provide guidance and resources to staff delivering Personal Development lessons.
- Lead CPD sessions and support colleagues in confidently delivering sensitive or complex topics.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation
-
Track the impact of the Personal Development programme through student feedback, lesson observations, and data analysis.
- Report on progress and recommend improvements to senior leadership.

4. Student Engagement and Wellbeing
-
Promote student voice and involvement in shaping the curriculum.
- Support initiatives that contribute to student wellbeing, safeguarding, and personal growth.

5. Compliance and Policy Alignment
-
Ensure delivery meets statutory requirements (e.g. DfE guidance on RSHE and PSHE).
- Keep up to date with national policy changes and embed them into school practice.

6. External Partnerships
-
Liaise with external agencies, charities, and guest speakers to enrich the programme.
- Coordinate visits, workshops, and themed events to support personal development topics.

7. Cross-School Collaboration
-
Work with pastoral leaders, safeguarding staff, and careers advisors to deliver a joined-up approach to pupil development.
- Contribute to the wider school ethos of inclusivity, aspiration, and resilience.

School Sports Coordinator

Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy
Whiston, Merseyside
09.2009 - 05.2012

1. Promote Participation in Physical Activity
-
Increase access to and participation in PE, school sport, and physical activity for all pupils.
- Encourage inclusive opportunities for both competitive and recreational sport.

Education

PGCE - Physical Education (Secondary)

Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool
09/2006 - 07/2007

Bsc (Hons) - Sport with Coaching and Exercise Science

Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester
09/2001 - 07/2004

BTEC - National Diploma in Sports Studies

St.Helens College
St.Helens
09/1999 - 07/2001

Skills

    1 Leadership and Coordination
    Curriculum development as a Curriculum Leader for Personal Development and coordinated multi-school PE initiatives as a School Sports Coordinator These roles required motivating informal teams, organising events, and aligning activities with strategic goals—key for coordinating outreach and liaison programmes

    2 Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
    Experienced in engaging diverse audiences—from students and parents to school leaders, external partners, and community donors Clear and confident in both verbal and written communication, essential for delivering presentations, school visits, and promoting higher education pathways

    3 Project and Event Management
    Successfully planned and delivered school-based programmes (eg health and careers events), sports competitions, and community fundraising campaigns Proven ability to manage logistics, meet deadlines, and evaluate outcomes—skills that transfer directly to organising outreach and transition activities

    4 Strategic Awareness and Planning
    Familiar with aligning projects with wider educational and organisational strategies, including national priorities around progression and widening participation Understanding of the policy context in which universities operate, including OfS objectives and outreach benchmarks

    5 Adaptability and Problem Solving
    Able to respond flexibly to changing school or community needs, timetable constraints, or evolving guidance Skilled at finding creative solutions to increase student engagement, especially among hard-to-reach or underrepresented groups

    6 Data-Informed Decision Making
    Used pupil performance data, participation rates, and fundraising analytics to guide planning and demonstrate impact Able to monitor and report on engagement metrics to inform future outreach strategy

    7 Creativity and Innovation
    Designed engaging lessons, extracurricular activities, and digital campaigns—such as launching the Enthuse platform and a monthly prize draw at Wigan Warriors Demonstrated a fresh and dynamic approach to engaging young people in learning and aspiration

    8 Advocacy for Inclusion and Progression
    Strong track record of supporting students from all backgrounds to achieve personal and academic goals Passionate about removing barriers to education, promoting access to higher education, and aligning closely with Edge Hill’s values of inclusion, opportunity, and community impact

Timeline

Fundraising Manager

Wigan Warriors Community Foundation
10.2024 - Current

Curriculum Leader for Personal Development

Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy
09.2018 - 07.2022

School Sports Coordinator

Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy
09.2009 - 05.2012

Teacher of Physical Education (Secondary)

Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy
09.2007 - 10.2024

PGCE - Physical Education (Secondary)

Liverpool John Moores University
09/2006 - 07/2007

Bsc (Hons) - Sport with Coaching and Exercise Science

Manchester Metropolitan University
09/2001 - 07/2004

BTEC - National Diploma in Sports Studies

St.Helens College
09/1999 - 07/2001
Carolyn Joyce