Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Deborah Kerrison

Lower Brailes,Oxfordshire

Summary

I am an experienced administrative professional with a strong background in general office administration, policy development, and project management.


I have extensive expertise in administration and management skills - from my time working in the Charity Sector (Let’s Play Project, Warwickshire Vision Support) and the NHS. I have been designated safeguarding lead in two Charities to date - I am committed to safeguarding and promoting it within my role. I have also held the role of lead for Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment within these Charities.


Demonstrates expertise in administrative leadership, budget oversight, and HR policies and procedures. Proficient in Microsoft Office and IT systems, with a proven track record in event planning, document control. An experienced Line Manager and implementing CPD programmes.


Excellent communicator at all levels - has the ability to be an active listener - sometimes people just need to be listened to and have a voice. It then gives an opportunity to support them answer their questions and problem solve in a person centred way, whilst within established frameworks. I cope well in situations which are emotionally demanding am pretty much unshockable and I keep calm in difficult situations I am a kind person and pride myself in communicating in a way that I would like to be treated myself. I have undertaken Mental Health First Aid Training and understand the value of this. One of my strengths is that I am a good team player, I am supportive to my colleagues and not afraid to ask for help if needed, I also have a good sense of humour! I value my colleagues and enjoy being part of a team and the benefits that brings as the foundation to an organisation.


The roles in my career that I have enjoyed most, are those that have involved helping people and “making a difference” in some way. That is what prompted me to apply for this role


Overview

45
45
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education

Work History

South Warwickshire Place VCSE Co-ordinator

WCAVA
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
06.2023 - Current
  • Provided a crucial link between the Voluntary Sector and statutory bodies, information sharing and funding.
  • Coordinated project tasks for successful and timely completion.
  • Managed multiple projects, ensuring organisation and efficiency.
  • Facilitated cross-departmental meetings for improved collaboration efforts.
  • Liaised with external parties to ensure seamless project execution.
  • Conducted research to support decision-making processes.
  • Maintained all project documentation, guaranteeing accuracy and accessibility.
  • Collaborated across departments for strategic planning purposes.

Administration and Finance Manager

Warwickshire Vision Support
Warwick, Warwickshire
04.2021 - 06.2024
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead - responsible for embedding a robust Safeguarding culture within the Charity - for clients/staff and volunteers.
  • Management of Finance/ Income generation and administration systems.
  • Human resources: Safer Recruitment Lead . Oversee employment records, payroll, holiday, expenses and other systems.


  • Responsible for evaluating and updating Charity Policies.
  • Lead for Health & Safety.
  • Lead for maintaining Warwickshire Blind Register
  • Line management of 8 staff
  • Reduced operational costs by implementing cost-saving strategies.
  • Reviewed and updated internal policies, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Freelance Project Manager

FND Friends (Charity)
Bristol, Avon
03.2021 - 06.2024

Consultancy advice in the following areas: Project Management Implement Training Matrix Safeguarding Recruitment & support of volunteers Safer recruitment Funding bids & reporting, Policies & Procedures

  • Developed comprehensive project plans for successful execution and delivery.
  • Identified risks, implemented mitigation strategies for secure project outcomes.
  • Ensured effective resource allocation with meticulous project scheduling.

Administration Team Leader

SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE FOUNDATION TRUST (NHS)
Warwick, Warks
05.2019 - 07.2020

HR & Management of a team of 10 people to ensure all aspects of data inputting within the Child Health Department, covering Warwick, Coventry,Worcester, Hereford and Birmingham. It was a very fast paced role with high levels of data to be inputted accurately under strict deadlines

  • Streamlined administrative tasks by implementing efficient systems and processes.
  • Enhanced team performance through regular training and motivation.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensured timely completion of each project.
  • Organised office operations, boosted overall productivity.
  • Coordinated between teams for seamless project execution.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with other departments for effective resource sharing.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures whilst managing day-to-day operations.
  • Maintained a clean and organised workspace, fostered a productive work environment.
  • Bolstered communication efficiency for improved interdepartmental collaboration.
  • Reduced errors in document processing with meticulous attention to detail.

Project Manager

Let's Play Project
Banbury, Oxon
07.2006 - 09.2018
  • 12 Years’ management/project execution to ensure adherence to budget, schedule and scope for a charity supporting disabled children and young people(aged 2 to 25) in Oxfordshire to access play and leisure activities.
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead, responsible for embedding a robust Safeguarding culture within the charity to provide a safe environment for the children/young people, parent/carers, staff and volunteers that we supported.
  • Early recognition of areas of concern around young people and families, working with them to provide practical support, signposting to other organisations, or the disabled social work team.
  • Attend Social Service Meetings and support and represent families and young people at times of crisis and CIN meetings.
  • Personnel - Line management of 52 staff and 20 volunteers - by the very nature of what we did, work could be challenging and at times upsetting - having an “open door” policy for staff to offer support was essential.
  • Responsibility for fundraising, community engagement, County Council Contracts and subsequent reporting back Ofsted registered lead Responsible for Safer Recruitment
  • Keep policies and procedures up to date, in line with Oxfordshire County Council’s contract requirements. Continuous improvement of all areas of Project, eg. assessing current /future customer needs and priorities through clear communication and a variety of ways.
  • Ofsted named responsible person.
  • Responsibility for payroll. Cash handling, banking and bank reconciliation
  • Worked closely with Trustees and ensured Business plan was keep up to date and relevant.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans for successful execution and delivery.
  • Strengthened stakeholder relationships through regular updates and clear communication.
  • Delivered high-quality results whilst adhering to strict deadlines and budget constraints.
  • Integrated new technologies into existing systems for improved functionality.

Office Manager and Credit Controller

UK Petroleum Products Ltd
Banbury, Oxon
08.1990 - 03.1993

Overseeing of : Accounts - cash handling, banking, bank reconciliation and credit control Line management of 4 staff Ordering and monitoring of stock levels General office duties

Production Office Administrator

Norbar Torque Tools Ltd
Banburu, Oxon
08.1988 - 08.1990
  • Data Entry
  • Stock Control
  • Purchase /Sales Ledger
  • General production office admin


  • Streamlined office operations by implementing effective filing systems.
  • Enhanced team efficiency for seamless workflow management.
  • Ensured smooth functioning of the office with regular equipment checks.
  • Managed daily scheduling to facilitate organised operations.

Office Manager & Credit Controller

UK Petroleum Products Limited
Banbury, Oxon
09.1983 - 07.1988
  • Cash handling, banking, bank reconciliation and credit control
  • Line management of 4 staff
  • Stock control
  • General Office Duties

Secretary to Managing Director

Steeles Carpets Limited
Bloxham, Oxfordshire
11.1979 - 09.1983

Secretary to Managing Director.

Education

A-Levels equivalent (Access to Higher Education) - Sociology

North Oxfordshire Technical College
Banbury, Oxfordshire
09.2002 - 07.2003

A-Levels equivalent (Access to Higher Education) - Psychology

North Oxfordshire Technical College
Banbury
09.2002 - 07.2003

A-Levels equivalent (Access to Higher Education) - History

North Oxfordshire Technical College
Banbury, Oxfordshire
09.2002 - 07.2003

Bachelor of Arts Foundation Course - Sociology

The Open University
Milton Keynes
09.1992 - 07.1993

RSA Computer Literacy - Stages 1,2 & 3

North Oxfordshire Technical College
Banbury
01.2002 - 07.2002

RSA Typing - Stages 1,2 & 3

North Oxfordshire Technical College
Banbury
09.1978 - 06.1979

Pitman Shorthand - Stages 1,2 & 3

North Oxfordshire Technical College
Banbury
09.1978 - 06.1979

RSA Book Keeping - Stage 1 & 2

North Oxfordshire Technical College
Banbury
09.1978 - 06.1979

GCSEs - English Literature, English Language, Geography, Biology, Religious Ed, Sociology, Commerce, Art.

Warriner School
Bloxham, Oxfordshire
09.1976 - 06.1978

Skills

  • General office administration
  • Policy development
  • Strong IT
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Safer Recruitment Lead
  • Administrative procedures
  • Microsoft Office
  • Administrative leadership
  • Budget oversight
  • Event planning
  • Document control
  • CPD programme implementation
  • Staffing allocation
  • Person-centred practise
  • HR policies and procedures
  • Project Management

Timeline

South Warwickshire Place VCSE Co-ordinator

WCAVA
06.2023 - Current

Administration and Finance Manager

Warwickshire Vision Support
04.2021 - 06.2024

Freelance Project Manager

FND Friends (Charity)
03.2021 - 06.2024

Administration Team Leader

SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE FOUNDATION TRUST (NHS)
05.2019 - 07.2020

Project Manager

Let's Play Project
07.2006 - 09.2018

A-Levels equivalent (Access to Higher Education) - Sociology

North Oxfordshire Technical College
09.2002 - 07.2003

A-Levels equivalent (Access to Higher Education) - Psychology

North Oxfordshire Technical College
09.2002 - 07.2003

A-Levels equivalent (Access to Higher Education) - History

North Oxfordshire Technical College
09.2002 - 07.2003

RSA Computer Literacy - Stages 1,2 & 3

North Oxfordshire Technical College
01.2002 - 07.2002

Bachelor of Arts Foundation Course - Sociology

The Open University
09.1992 - 07.1993

Office Manager and Credit Controller

UK Petroleum Products Ltd
08.1990 - 03.1993

Production Office Administrator

Norbar Torque Tools Ltd
08.1988 - 08.1990

Office Manager & Credit Controller

UK Petroleum Products Limited
09.1983 - 07.1988

Secretary to Managing Director

Steeles Carpets Limited
11.1979 - 09.1983

RSA Typing - Stages 1,2 & 3

North Oxfordshire Technical College
09.1978 - 06.1979

Pitman Shorthand - Stages 1,2 & 3

North Oxfordshire Technical College
09.1978 - 06.1979

RSA Book Keeping - Stage 1 & 2

North Oxfordshire Technical College
09.1978 - 06.1979

GCSEs - English Literature, English Language, Geography, Biology, Religious Ed, Sociology, Commerce, Art.

Warriner School
09.1976 - 06.1978
Deborah Kerrison