Fenella Hughes
Woking,Surrey
Summary
Highly organised professional with extensive experience in administration operations and project coordination in charity and commercial sectors. Manages complex public programs & events at one of the UK's highest-visited horticultural visitor attraction, large teams, and significant budgets while ensuring efficient processes and clear communication. Holds a first-class honors degree in forensic accounting and has previous experience as a finance manager, demonstrating a detail-oriented approach and strong stakeholder-management skills. Brings accuracy, reliability, and organisation to all roles.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work history
Public Programming Manager
Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley
2024.02 - 2026.04
- Managing a team to plan and deliver the annual programme of activities and events at RHS Garden Wisley.
- Recording and analysing programming KPIs, including visitor footfall; engagement; and income.
- Leading on the creative development of our programmes designed to engage existing and target audience groups with the aims and objectives of the society.
- Supporting the Wisley growth strategy, suggesting and executing methods of engaging new audience groups and generating income.
- Leading on the management of an annual budget of c.1million and tracking expenditure and income.
- Maintaining an up to date knowledge of H&S regulations and current news, and ensuring events and activities follow all necessary H&S requirements.
- In acting role from Feb 2024 - Feb 2025. Permanent from Feb 2025
Acting Public Events Team Leader
Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley
2023.07 - 2024.02
- Oversight of the delivery of seasonal and large-scale public events, including budget oversight.
- Act as a deputy to the Events Manager, coordinating internal communications and stakeholder briefings.
- Respond to public and supplier queries, managing relationships with accuracy and professionalism.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements.
Events Coordinator
Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley
2021.11 - 2023.07
- Commercial event sales and client communications including site visits and planning meetings.
- Manage administrative and operational aspects of events including invoicing and supplier contracts.
- Schedule meetings and ensured accurate documentation for event planning.
- Represent the RHS at promotional events, supporting revenue-generation objectives.
General Assistant, Plant Centre
Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley
2021.04 - 2021.11
Finance Data Administrator
Rigby Capital, Weybridge
2020.08 - 2021.04
Finance Manager
Sesame Access Systems Ltd, Byfleet
2015.06 - 2017.08
Education
BA (Hons) - Forensic Accounting
University of South Wales
AAT Levels 2, 3, & 4 - undefined
Brooklands College
Apprenticeship - Sales, Finance, & Administration
Sesame Access Systems Ltd
Skills
Organisational and time management
Creative project development
Event delivery
Stakeholder management
Audience development
Communication skills
Affiliations
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming
- Hiking
Timeline
Public Programming Manager
Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley
2024.02 - 2026.04
Acting Public Events Team Leader
Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley
2023.07 - 2024.02
Events Coordinator
Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley
2021.11 - 2023.07
General Assistant, Plant Centre
Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley
2021.04 - 2021.11
Finance Data Administrator
Rigby Capital, Weybridge
2020.08 - 2021.04
Finance Manager
Sesame Access Systems Ltd, Byfleet
2015.06 - 2017.08
AAT Levels 2, 3, & 4 - undefined
Brooklands College
Apprenticeship - Sales, Finance, & Administration
Sesame Access Systems Ltd
BA (Hons) - Forensic Accounting
University of South Wales