Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Cheryl MacDonald

Isle of Barra

Summary

Customer service professional with extensive experience in high-pressure cruise industry settings. Proven ability in complaint resolution, inquiry management, and fostering team collaboration. Strong organizational skills facilitate effective task prioritization and adherence to deadlines. Committed to supporting children's development and education through dedicated service.

Dedicated professional with expertise in training and mentoring, driving team development and growth. Proactive in task completion, ensuring high-quality results and efficient workflows. Strong commitment to teamwork enhances collaboration and productivity across the organization.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Youth Centre Manager

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
2008.04 - Current
  • Coordinated planning, organisation, and execution of diverse activity sessions for ages 6 months to 17 years.
  • Project management on implementing new entertainment initiatives.
  • Conducted interviews in line with HR procedures to onboard new youth staff.
  • Generate program revenue from afterhours babysitting as well as onboard Nursery program and precious management of an onboard retail shop. (Pets at Sea).
  • Maintain strict safety standards in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Safety Quality Management (SQM).
  • Documented gratuity and voyage reports to enhance accuracy and accountability.
  • Coordinated engaging activities for ill children through Make-A-Wish Foundation.
  • Conducted performance appraisals to ensure employee development and alignment with organisational goals.
  • Led budget management and ordering processes in line with operational needs. Maintained inventory levels through accurate ordering procedures.
  • Assisted in managing crowd control and safety during events. Coordinated embarkation and disembarkation processes.
  • Coordinated dispatch of tours to guests. Supported tour escorting activities to enhance customer experience.
  • Facilitate English language acquisition for Chinese and Japanese children and their families through engaging and interactive lessons.
  • Designed new activity programmes to enhance appeal of centre to wider demographic and streamlined operational procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Facilitated open dialogue with parents or guardians to foster collaborative engagement regarding child's involvement at centre.
  • Conducted training sessions on best practices in youth engagement strategies to enhance team effectiveness and knowledge.
  • Evaluated performance data to enhance effectiveness of programmes offered at centre.
  • Maintained clean and safe facilities while strictly enforcing health and safety regulations.
  • Guided and motivated team of up to 34 staff to enhance daily operations and foster a collaborative environment.
  • Managed childrens waterpark area in line with public health policies.

Test and Trace Customer Service Advisor

Public Health England
2020.07 - 2022.04
  • Provide detailed isolation guidelines, focusing on key protocols and procedures to ensure community understanding and adherence.
  • Facilitated the integration of diverse resources and assistance programmes, ensuring delivery of extensive emotional and financial support tailored to client requirements.
  • Employed advanced data analysis techniques and software tools to meticulously compile detailed reports, ensuring thorough examination for departmental review.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams during daily public health meetings to present and discuss the latest health guidelines, ensuring clarity and adherence among participants.
  • Executed thorough assessments to identify safeguarding needs and liaised with local authorities, utilising established protocols to address concerns effectively.

Seasonal Youth Club Worker/Organiser

Isle of Barra
Isle of Barra
2007.06 - 2008.04
  • Supervise youth clubs for 12-17 year olds to foster personal development and community engagement.
  • Organised and coordinated activities to ensure efficient execution and seamless operation.

After Schools Activities Organiser

Isle of Barra
Isle of Barra
2007.02 - 2008.04
  • Facilitated the operation of several clubs such as badminton to promote social interaction and physical activity among members.

Playscheme Co-ordinator

Isle of Barra
Isle of Barra
2007.06 - 2007.08
  • Facilitated funding acquisition and organised playschemes to provide enriching and safe activities for children aged 1-12.
  • Recruit staff and train them to enhance team capabilities and improve overall service quality.
  • Facilitated a range of activities to foster collaboration and promote team cohesion.

Waitress/Barmaid/Receptionist

Isle of Barra Hotel
Isle of Barra
2003.05 - 2007.04
  • Managed high-volume service in a dynamic setting, ensuring timely delivery of food and beverages while maintaining excellent customer relations.
  • Achieved accurate cash handling and minimised discrepancies through diligent oversight. Enhanced safety and security by executing thorough closing procedures. Optimised stock availability and reduced shortages through proactive ordering processes.
  • Executed reception responsibilities by checking guests in and out, managing telephone reservations, and performing various administrative duties efficiently.
  • Coordinated diverse entertainment activities for tour parties, including live performances, interactive games, and themed events.

Highland Dancing Teacher

Barra Dancing Association
Isle of Barra
2000.08 - 2002.08
  • Teach dance to children aged 3-11 to prepare them for examinations and competitions, enhancing skills and performance.

General Assistant/Till Operator

Co-op, Castlebay Branch
Isle of Barra
2000.06 - 2002.08

Stock control duties to maintain efficient operations and support organisational objectives.

Facilitated seamless checkout processes to ensure customer satisfaction and retention.

Addressed customer queries swiftly to enhance client satisfaction and loyalty.

Oversaw loading operations to ensure timely dispatch of deliveries. Enhanced workflow efficiency through strategic support of operational processes. Streamlined procedures to consistently meet delivery schedules.

Education

Bsc Psychology Degree -

Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow
2002.01 - 2005.04

PGDE Primary Teaching Degree -

Glasgow University
Glasgow
2005.01 - 2007.04

TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language

TEFL
2012.01 - 2012.04

Skills

  • Microsoft Word and Excel Adobe InDesign and PowerPoint Statistical analysis software Research methodologies
  • Gaelic language proficiency
  • First aid certification
  • Highland dancing
  • Childcare Nursery course certification
  • Leadership training experience
  • Safeguarding knowledge
  • Team Leadership
  • Fundraising
  • Budget administration

References

Available on request

Accomplishments

  • Certificate of Crisis Management and Human Behaviour - 2014
  • Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (Life Boat Commander Course) 2013
  • Certificate of Crowd Management – 2013
  • Certificate of Proficiency Security Awareness – 2013
  • The Oz Principle Training Course – 2013
  • Developing Leaders Course including trainings on: Writing and Delivering Performance Appraisals, How to Create a Win Win Workplace, Managing Change, Communication Counts and more – 2012 to 2014
  • Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Course - H.S.E accredited (April 2010 and valid for 3 years).
  • Scottish Executive Mental Health First Aid Course (June 2009).
  • Safety Course for Personnel Nominated to Assist Passengers in Emergency Situations – including basic first aid, survival craft basics, basic fire fighting and human relationships (May 2008).
  • Reached the finals of the International Society of Photographers and gained an outstanding achievement in photography (March 2008).
  • Assist Suicide Prevention Skills course in April 2007.
  • Gained entry into the finals of the International Open Amateur Photography Contest 2007. My photo is also being published in the photographic anthology “Endless Journeys”.
  • Completed in competitions across Scotland and won numerous awards for Highland Dancing and completed various exams in Highland Dancing leading up to gaining my teaching certificate through the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing.
  • A Hodder and Stoughton Certificate of Merit in the 1999 Historical Essay Writing Competition
  • A poem published in “Spellbound” in 1998.
  • Took part in the BP Gruff and Grizzly Community Challenge to reach the semifinals in 1997.

Certification

  • STCW Basic Safety Training (HBST) 2025
  • Certificate of Completion on Accountability Training 2025
  • Certificate of Completion on Accelerating Leadership Performance Series (Alps) - 2025
  • American Red Cross First Aid/CPR Trained December 2024 (valid 2 years)
  • Certificate of Completion for Conversations that Connect Course 2024
  • Certificate of Crowd Management – 2023
  • Certificate of Crisis Management and Human Behaviour – 2023
  • Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (Certified Lifeboatman) - 2022
  • Nursery Certification Training Certificate 2022
  • Google Digital Garage – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing (40 hours) – July 2020
  • Training Record of Achievement from the World Health Organization on Emerging respiratory viruses, including COVID-19: methods for detection, prevention, response and control – June 2020
  • Record of Training from ServSafe: Reopening Guidelines: COVID-19 Precautions – June 2020
  • eCornell Achievement Award from Ecornell Online University for completing Management Training 2019
  • Certificate of Proficiency Security Awareness – 2014
  • The Oz Principle Training Course – 2013
  • Scottish Executive Mental Health First Aid Course - June 2009.
  • Teaching certificate through the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing 2008
  • Assist Suicide Prevention Skills course - April 2007

Timeline

Test and Trace Customer Service Advisor

Public Health England
2020.07 - 2022.04

TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language

TEFL
2012.01 - 2012.04

Youth Centre Manager

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
2008.04 - Current

Seasonal Youth Club Worker/Organiser

Isle of Barra
2007.06 - 2008.04

Playscheme Co-ordinator

Isle of Barra
2007.06 - 2007.08

After Schools Activities Organiser

Isle of Barra
2007.02 - 2008.04

PGDE Primary Teaching Degree -

Glasgow University
2005.01 - 2007.04

Waitress/Barmaid/Receptionist

Isle of Barra Hotel
2003.05 - 2007.04

Bsc Psychology Degree -

Glasgow Caledonian University
2002.01 - 2005.04

Highland Dancing Teacher

Barra Dancing Association
2000.08 - 2002.08

General Assistant/Till Operator

Co-op, Castlebay Branch
2000.06 - 2002.08
Cheryl MacDonald