Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Custom
References
Timeline
BusinessAnalyst

Clare-Louise Duncan

Brixham,Devon

Summary

Accomplished professional with expertise in mental health and counselling, specializing in individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Proven leadership in team management, care system oversight, and performance evaluation. Strong skills in client assessment, risk management, and compliance, with a focus on delivering high-quality, holistic care. Experienced in strategic planning, budgeting, and contract negotiation to enhance organizational efficiency and foster impactful partnerships.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
2026
2026
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Deputy Service Manager

Sanctuary Supported Living
Paignton, UK
11.2021 - Current
  • Managed 23 safe houses, overseeing client assessments and accommodation placements.
  • Directly managed a team of 10 employees
  • Provided support for tenancies and voids processes, ensuring seamless transitions.
  • Reported and managed repairs and redecoration to maintain high standards.
  • Established effective care systems tailored for individual clients' needs.
  • Managed customer complaints for improved business reputation.
  • Led team meetings to set performance goals and review progress regularly.
  • Delegated tasks effectively to maximise team potential and productivity.
  • Fostered strong relationships with clients through excellent customer service skills.
  • Conducted thorough audits on services provided, maintaining top-quality standards consistently.
  • Assessed employee performances regularly, providing constructive feedback where necessary for continuous improvement.
  • Engaged with clients daily, including out-of-hours on-call support.
  • Developed partnerships with external agencies to enhance service delivery.
  • Led team meetings to set goals, report KPIs, and review performance.
  • Reviewed operational policies periodically for improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures which resulted in significant budget savings without compromising service quality or efficiency.
  • Streamlined service operations by enhancing team collaboration and communication.

Private Carer

Self-Employed
Paignton, UK
03.2015 - Current

main client for 3 years, whom had Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia, I cared for him, arranged care cover, supporting family, communicated with occupational therapists, GP and physio, when new equipment was needed.

Appointing, sorting rota and wages for 4 carers whom all supported clients needs towards end of life.

  • When the client passed away, support was continued for clients wife for companionship and personal assistant
  • Improved emotional well-being of clients through companionship and conversation.
  • Monitored changes in client's health; effectively communicated updates to relevant family members or doctors when necessary.
  • Provided transport assistance, enabling easy access to external activities and appointments.
  • Demonstrated understanding and patience whilst dealing with challenging behaviours, maintaining positive interactions with clients at all times.
  • Supervised prescribed exercises improving overall fitness levels of clients.
  • Ensured improved personal hygiene for clients by assisting with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
  • Arranged medical appointments, ensuring continuous healthcare for clients.
  • Managed emergency situations swiftly, ensuring safety of client during crises.
  • Provided on-call assistance to elderly care patients 24/7.
  • Assisted with mobility around the house which resulted in increased independence for clients.

ChildLine Counsellor

NSPCC
Hybrid
11.2020 - 11.2021
  • Home based online counsellor and also a mentor for new volunteers training to become a counsellor.
  • To reply to individuals needs and messages using childline system and to report to supervisors depending on risk assessments.
  • To document all action taken to each contact and send report to supervisors.
  • Team meetings for supervision and mentoring.
  • Referred clients to additional services when necessary, broadening support network.
  • Managed confidential client records, ensuring privacy and security.
  • Provided crisis intervention during critical moments, mitigating risk.
  • Assisted clients in coping with traumatic events, fostering resilience.
  • Developed and implemented effective coping strategies, facilitating recovery.
  • Employed cognitive-behavioural therapy techniques for anxiety reduction.
  • Ensured ethical practices at all times adhering to counselling standards.
  • Completed case notes after each session and collated feedback forms filled by clients at beginning, middle and end of counselling.
  • Participated in professional development training for skill enhancement.
  • Counselled diverse clients on mental health issues, addressing anxiety, depression, relationships, and substance abuse.
  • Assessed clients to identify needs, strengths and challenges, creating tailored treatment plans for positive change.

Schools Speak Out Stay Safe Service Volunteer

NSPCC
South Devon
03.2020 - 11.2021
  • Commanded attention with dynamic delivery style to engage listeners.
  • Engaged listeners with persuasive and motivational speaking techniques to inspire action.
  • Tailored presentation content according to audience demographics for better engagement.
  • Conveyed key messages using storytelling techniques for effective communication.
  • Facilitated open discussions, encouraging audience participation.
  • Built rapport with large groups of people from different backgrounds.
  • Travelled to locations to arrive with plenty of time to prepare for presentations.

Carer for family member

Self-Employed
Paignton, UK
03.1999 - 06.2021
  • Supported development of social skills and living skills for 28-year-old son with Asperger's and moderate learning disability.
    Managed various challenges related to daily living and social interactions.
    Provided guidance to enhance independence and confidence in everyday situations.

Hairdressing Assistant

style nation
Paignton, UK
09.2008 - 09.2018
  • To answer telephone and make appointments, to greet clients and make them feel comfortable.
  • To assist the stylist with preparation for colour treatments and hair washing.
  • Helped the proprietor with her book keeping and ordering stock, paying bills.
  • Took care in correctly mixing colouring agents to avoid any adverse reactions during application procedures.
  • Ensured smooth operation of salon with diligent stock management duties.
  • Assisted senior hairdressers to expedite service delivery.
  • Upheld high standard of hygiene by regularly sanitising tools and workstations.
  • Greeted clients warmly upon arrival, enhancing their overall experience from start to finish.
  • Handled cash transactions professionally, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each day.
  • Strengthened relationships with clients through friendly conversation during appointments.
  • Supported senior staff during busy periods to maintain punctuality with scheduled appointments.
  • Demonstrated adeptness at simple styling tasks under supervision of experienced stylists.
  • Prepared clients for haircutting or styling with thorough combing and sectioning off hair.
  • Shampooed, conditioned and toned clients hair to professional standards.
  • Created positive, warm salon environment when greeting clients and supplying refreshments.

Carer

Self-Employed
Paignton, UK
04.2013 - 02.2016
  • I help my elderly neighbour take care of his wife with severe dementia.
  • I clean for them. offer respite if he needs to pop out and am on call all day if he requires help with tablets.
  • Adhered strictly to privacy rules, respecting the confidentiality rights of client.
  • Coordinated appointments with healthcare professionals for routine check-ups and treatments.
  • Offered companionship to reduce feelings of loneliness in patients.
  • Provided personal grooming assistance such as bathing or dressing up for enhanced self-esteem among clients.
  • Assisted with mobility to ensure safety and prevent accidents.

Health Care Assistant

Newcross Healthcare Solutions
Torbay
02.2014 - 03.2015
  • Assisted elderly residents with daily tasks such as eating, bathing and dressing up for an enhanced quality of life while living in care homes.
  • Escorted patients for tests or procedures within the hospital premises whilst ensuring their safety and comfort.
  • Prepared meals for patients, ensured balanced nutrition intake.
  • Assisted in patient care, improved comfort and well-being.
  • Liaised between patients and healthcare professionals, facilitated effective communication channels.
  • Ensured infection control measures were adhered to strictly for a safe environment for both staff and patients alike.
  • Managed personal hygiene of bed-bound patients, maintained dignity and respect at all times.
  • Enhanced healing process by changing wound dressings regularly.
  • Kept detailed records of patient progress, assisted medical staff in treatment planning.
  • Assisted in all aspects of personal care, retaining comfort and dignity.
  • Completed care documentation and monitored patient progress to achieve up-to-date records.

Support Group

BLISS
Torquay, UK
03.2007 - 08.2010

A Support Group Facilitator supporting parents of premature babies plays a crucial role in helping families navigate the emotional, physical, and practical challenges of neonatal care and early parenting. The facilitator creates a compassionate and understanding space where parents can share experiences, reduce isolation, and build resilience.

Key Responsibilities:
Create a Safe and Supportive Environment: Foster a warm, non-judgmental space where parents feel comfortable expressing their emotions, fears, and hopes.
Facilitate Peer Support: Encourage mutual support among parents, helping them connect through shared experiences and reduce feelings of isolation.
Provide Emotional Containment: Offer empathetic listening and validation, helping parents process complex emotions such as guilt, grief, anxiety, and hope.
Share Information and Resources: Signpost to relevant services, such as neonatal care teams, mental health support, and early years services, while respecting each family’s unique journey.
Adapt to Group Needs: Tailor sessions to the emotional and developmental stages of the group, whether parents are still in the NICU journey or adjusting to life at home.
Promote Empowerment and Confidence: Support parents in recognising their strengths and capabilities, helping them feel more confident in their role as caregivers.
Skills and Qualities:
Deep empathy and understanding of the neonatal journey
Trauma-informed and family-centred approach
Strong facilitation and communication skills
Ability to manage sensitive topics with care and professionalism
Knowledge of local and national support services for neonatal families

Patient Representative

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Torquay, UK
03.2007 - 05.2010
  • I was the patient representative for Torbay Hospital within the neo-natal and Special care Baby Unit.
  • This required me to visit units in the area and see what facilities they had and what as a patient I would feel could be improved.
  • I also attended board meetings with everyone concerned and gave my findings and discussed my feelings towards and plans or procedures that were to take place within the trust.
  • Improved hospital's reputation by resolving potential conflicts professionally.
  • Mediated between medical team and patients with effective communication skills.

Play assistant

Acorns Pre-School
Torquay, UK
03.1999 - 10.2001
  • Observed and reported any signs of emotional or developmental problems amongst children contributing towards early detection and intervention measures.
  • Coordinated field trips delivering enriching experiences beyond the regular play setting for participants.
  • Addressed concerns or issues raised by parents promptly, improving parental satisfaction levels with the service provided.
  • Assisted teachers in classroom management tasks enhancing organisation and efficiency within the learning space.
  • Scheduled and supervised outdoor activities, promoting physical activity and health awareness among the children.
  • Administered first aid when necessary ensuring immediate care during minor accidents or injuries.
  • Supported children with special needs enabling equal participation opportunities during all activities conducted at the facility.
  • Boosted children's creativity by organising imaginative play sessions.

Care Assistant

Solsbro House Residential Home
Torquay, UK
03.1999 - 10.2001
  • Ensured safe environment by maintaining orderliness and cleanliness in the facility.
  • Collaborated with healthcare team for effective patient care delivery.
  • Encouraged independence among patients whilst assisting them with tasks.
  • Provided emotional support to patients, improving their mental wellbeing.

Care Assistant

Woodrow Residential Home
Torquay, UK
03.1990 - 08.1992
  • Facilitated smooth communication between patients and medical staff, fostering understanding and trust.
  • Monitored vital signs of patients for early detection of health complications.
  • Documented reports on daily observations accurately, helping in keeping track of every resident's progress over time.
  • Maintained a calm demeanor during crisis situations thus providing reassurance to both the residents and their families.

Education

OCNLR Level 4 Certificate in Progression (QCF) - Service Manager

Safelives
Bristol
09.2024 - 04.2025

CPD - HR Policy- Recruitment and Onboarding

People Services
07.2025 - 07.2025

CPD - Legionella and water Hygiene awareness

ROSPA
04.2024 - 04.2024

CPD - Safeguarding

People Services
Paignton, Torbay
04.2024 - 04.2024

CPD - Business Continuity Management

People Services
04.2024 - 04.2024

Certificate of Higher Education - Responding to Sexual Violence Disclosures and Trauma Stabilisation

Devon Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse
Torbay
03.2024 - 03.2024

OCNLR Level 3 certificate in Domestic Abuse - Independent domestic violence advocate

Safelives
Bristol
03.2023 - 07.2023

CPD - Homicide Timeline

Professor Jane Monkton-Smith
06.2023 - 06.2023

CPD - Homour Based Abuse

Karma Nirvana
10.2023 - 10.2023

CPD - LGBT + Awareness training

Intercom Trust
03.2023 - 03.2023

Diploma of Higher Education - Depression Counselling Diploma Level 3

Course Cloud

Level 4 Diploma - Counseling and CBT in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Association of Learning
12.2020 - 02.2021

Level 3 Dipolma - Domestic Abuse/Violence

OCN
London
06.2020 - 12.2020

Diploma of Higher Education - Level 3 Counselling Children and Adolescents

Training Qualifications UK
03.2020 - 04.2020

Level 3 Diploma - Counselling

Torbay
Torbay
09.2018 - 09.2019

Diploma - Wedding Planner

ICOES
07.2014 - 09.2014

Skills

  • Counseling and therapy
  • Client assessment
  • Crisis intervention and resolution
  • Documentation management
  • Leadership and team delegation
  • Mental health support
  • Personal and home care
  • Relationship building
  • Emotional support and empathy
  • Time management and organizational skills
  • Data analysis proficiency
  • Customer relations management
  • Risk assessment and mitigation
  • Service delivery expertise
  • Business communication skills
  • Vendor relationship management
  • Accommodation placement
  • Complaint management
  • Team leadership

Certification

  • ACCPH Accredited Member, Present
  • Driving Licence

Custom

Diploma of Higher Education

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

CPD - HR Policy- Recruitment and Onboarding

People Services
07.2025 - 07.2025

OCNLR Level 4 Certificate in Progression (QCF) - Service Manager

Safelives
09.2024 - 04.2025

CPD - Legionella and water Hygiene awareness

ROSPA
04.2024 - 04.2024

CPD - Safeguarding

People Services
04.2024 - 04.2024

CPD - Business Continuity Management

People Services
04.2024 - 04.2024

Certificate of Higher Education - Responding to Sexual Violence Disclosures and Trauma Stabilisation

Devon Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse
03.2024 - 03.2024

CPD - Homour Based Abuse

Karma Nirvana
10.2023 - 10.2023

CPD - Homicide Timeline

Professor Jane Monkton-Smith
06.2023 - 06.2023

OCNLR Level 3 certificate in Domestic Abuse - Independent domestic violence advocate

Safelives
03.2023 - 07.2023

CPD - LGBT + Awareness training

Intercom Trust
03.2023 - 03.2023

Deputy Service Manager

Sanctuary Supported Living
11.2021 - Current

Level 4 Diploma - Counseling and CBT in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Association of Learning
12.2020 - 02.2021

ChildLine Counsellor

NSPCC
11.2020 - 11.2021

Level 3 Dipolma - Domestic Abuse/Violence

OCN
06.2020 - 12.2020

Diploma of Higher Education - Level 3 Counselling Children and Adolescents

Training Qualifications UK
03.2020 - 04.2020

Schools Speak Out Stay Safe Service Volunteer

NSPCC
03.2020 - 11.2021

Level 3 Diploma - Counselling

Torbay
09.2018 - 09.2019

Private Carer

Self-Employed
03.2015 - Current

Diploma - Wedding Planner

ICOES
07.2014 - 09.2014

Health Care Assistant

Newcross Healthcare Solutions
02.2014 - 03.2015

Carer

Self-Employed
04.2013 - 02.2016

Hairdressing Assistant

style nation
09.2008 - 09.2018

Support Group

BLISS
03.2007 - 08.2010

Patient Representative

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
03.2007 - 05.2010

Carer for family member

Self-Employed
03.1999 - 06.2021

Play assistant

Acorns Pre-School
03.1999 - 10.2001

Care Assistant

Solsbro House Residential Home
03.1999 - 10.2001

Care Assistant

Woodrow Residential Home
03.1990 - 08.1992

Diploma of Higher Education - Depression Counselling Diploma Level 3

Course Cloud
Clare-Louise Duncan