Helen Owens
Finedon,Northants
Summary
Highly skilled administrative professional with expertise in efficient reception area management, consultant diary management, and handling difficult situations. Demonstrates strong verbal communication, tactful communication, and empathetic communication while maintaining confidentiality and professional discretion. Adept at multitasking, prioritisation mastery, and reliable timekeeping to ensure excellent customer service and administrative support. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, document scanning, filing and record keeping, scheduling appointments, and managing stock levels. Committed to self-directed learning and resilient attitude in fast-paced settings.
Experienced HR professional focused on employee relations and talent management. Skilled in fostering positive workplace environments and resolving conflicts through effective communication and strategic planning. Capable of driving HR initiatives to support organisational goals and enhance workforce engagement.
Driven and adaptable, equipped with strong communication and organisational skills, paired with keen ability to build relationships and manage conflicts. Proficient in delivering key HR functions, such as recruitment and employee relations, with focus on fostering positive workplace culture. Ready to contribute and make significant impact in a administrative role.
Motivated and detail-orientated individual with desire to gain work experience and learn from other staff members. Applies methodical, problem-solving approach to challenging tasks. Learns quickly and offers strong digital skills.
Creative and innovative professional with strong administrative background. Proactive and resourceful team player, committed to improving efficiency and productivity of administrative team. Experienced in training and mentoring administrative staff in variety of common tasks and projects.
Skilled Administrator highly effective at motivating teams and streamlining operations. Analytical problem solver and persuasive communicator with talent for thinking outside the box for creative solutions.
Resourceful administrative professional with strong experience in office management, customer service and database management. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of GDPR and relevant regulations to maintain accurate and compliant records. Creative problem-solver keeps office running smoothly.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
HR Advisor
Peterborough Diocese Education Trust
Northampton, Northamptonshire
03.2025 - Current
- Directed initiatives for employee retention, reducing turnover rates significantly.
- Maintained accurate personnel records, ensuring data privacy regulations were met.
- Established clear lines of communication between employees and management; resolved misunderstandings promptly.
- Organised and administered induction programmes for new staff members.
- Implemented effective strategies for talent acquisition, attracting high-calibre candidates.
- Managed, executed and improved recruitment processes.
- Collaborated with hiring managers to define job requirements and specifications.
- Promoted a positive work culture by addressing employee grievances in a timely manner.
- Assisted with payroll administration to ensure prompt salary disbursement.
- Advised on employment legislation to maintain compliance within the organisation.
- Planned, organised and managed recruitment and selection processes, consistently meeting budget targets and recruitment goals.
- Oversaw onboarding process of 9 schools from offer of employment to induction.
School Administrator
Peterborough Diocese Educational Trust
Kettering, Northamptonshire
01.2023 - Current
- Managed a school calendar along with my own calendar, ensuring smooth scheduling of activities and events. Both schools I worked at had over 300 pupils and 20+ staff members.
- Handled sensitive data with confidentiality-upheld GDPR policies strictly.
- Handled correspondence between staff, parents, and students for improved understanding and transparency.
- Enhanced parent-teacher communication for a more cohesive educational environment.
- Facilitated a safe learning environment with strict adherence to health and safety regulations.
- Maintained positive relations with local authorities-ensured compliance with educational standards.
- Improved student attendance records with meticulous tracking and reporting.
- Streamlined office procedures by implementing an efficient filing system.
- Organised after-school clubs and activities – contributed towards enriching student life outside academics.
- Supported head teachers in drafting reports – met deadlines consistently.
- Bolstered administrative efficiency by training in new software systems.
- Recorded student attendance and escalated concerns regarding repeat absences.
- Kept filing, administration and recordkeeping up to date.
- Communicated with parents to address student issues related to behaviour, attendance and academic challenges.
- Answered telephone and email enquiries promptly, signposting requested information.
- Established warm, welcoming reception areas to provide positive first impressions.
- Oversaw activities and functions to maintain compliance with school policies.
- Ordered stationary, first-aid, and sundries for well-maintained office supplies.
- Organised team-building sessions to bolster morale and nurture rapport with staff.
- Kept files organised and up-to-date for accurate record-keeping purposes.
- Scheduled meetings, conferences and appointments.
- Screened incoming phone calls and relayed detailed messages.
Office Clerk
BI Engineering
Wellingborough, Northants
06.2022 - 09.2024
- Supported budget planning process by collecting data from different departments aiding financial management.
- Handled confidential documents ensuring they remained secure contributing to data protection compliance.
- Increased productivity through proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite tools.
- Contributed to team effort by accomplishing related tasks as needed.
School Administrator
Peterborough Diocese Education Trust
Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire
10.2013 - 12.2022
- Assured timely dissemination of memos and newsletters to stakeholders.
- Coordinated school events to foster community engagement.
- Handled correspondence between staff, parents, and students for improved understanding and transparency.
- Assisted in budget preparation, managing expenditure prudently.
- Supported head teachers in drafting reports – met deadlines consistently.
- Maintained school databases, providing up-to-date information at all times.
- Liaised with external agencies to secure resources for school programmes.
- Facilitated a safe learning environment with strict adherence to health and safety regulations.
- Enhanced parent-teacher communication for a more cohesive educational environment.
- Maintained positive relations with local authorities-ensured compliance with educational standards.
- Streamlined office procedures by implementing an efficient filing system.
- Served as a point of contact for queries from staff, parents and students-resolved issues promptly.
- Focused on continuous professional development – attended relevant workshops and seminars regularly.
- Managed the school calendar, ensuring smooth scheduling of activities and events.
- Organised after-school clubs and activities – contributed towards enriching student life outside academics.
- Improved student attendance records with meticulous tracking and reporting.
- Handled sensitive data with confidentiality-upheld GDPR policies strictly.
- Oversaw procurement of supplies-controlled cost without compromising on quality or quantity required.
- Recorded student attendance and escalated concerns regarding repeat absences.
- Kept filing, administration and recordkeeping up to date.
- Communicated with parents to address student issues related to behaviour, attendance and academic challenges.
- Answered telephone and email enquiries promptly, signposting requested information.
- Established warm, welcoming reception areas to provide positive first impressions.
- Oversaw activities and functions to maintain compliance with school policies.
- Managed and maintained comprehensive school and staff diaries.
- Addressed and resolved incoming inquiries related to academic programs and enrollment.
- Took and distributed detailed administrative meeting minutes.
- Organised meeting bookings and prepared spaces and catering in advance.
- Coordinated and oversaw planning and execution of school trips.
- Ordered stationary, first-aid, and sundries for well-maintained office supplies.
- Hired, trained and counselled staff regarding school mission, values and policies.
- Issued invoices, managed accounts receivables and monitored school budget development.
- Identified maintenance and repair issues and coordinated service to maintain school grounds and equipment.
- Kept files organised and up-to-date for accurate record-keeping purposes.
- Screened incoming phone calls and relayed detailed messages.
- Drafted documents and reports for management review.
- Photocopied and printed presentations and reports for meetings.
- Supervised administrative work in School office and set goals for staff.
- Arranged supplies, documents and spaces for meetings.
- Oversaw and trained clerical support staff to accomplish challenging objectives.
Administrator
Age Concern Day Centre
Kettering, Northamptonshire
01.2008 - 10.2010
- Processed expense reports, resulting in accurate financial records maintained consistently.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining confidentiality at all times as required by protocol.
- Coordinated travel arrangements for executives, contributing towards seamless business trips without disruption.
- Managed office supplies inventory, ensuring readiness for all projects at any given time.
- Resolved minor technical issues swiftly avoiding unnecessary delays in workflow.
- Provided comprehensive secretarial support to the managing director, ensuring smooth daily operations within the executive suite.
- Sorted incoming mail promptly, reducing clutter and improving organisation in the workplace.
- Improved record keeping system with attention to detail and thoroughness.
- Increased efficiency of document retrieval with a well-organised filing system.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient administrative procedures.
- Answered inbound phone calls, resulting in excellent customer service provided to clients.
- Contributed towards positive work environment by maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in shared spaces.
- Interacted with customers professionally by phone, email and in-person to deliver accurate service information.
- Assisted clients with daily enquiries and addressed incoming correspondence to maintain timely responses.
- Effectively managed incoming and outgoing mail to maximise office efficiency.
- Oversaw database to maintain updated records and accuracy.
- Managed office supply inventory, performing stocktake duties and ordering additional supplies to meet staff needs.
- Liaised with customers to resolve enquiries, appointment requests and billing questions.
- Produced high-quality documents, spreadsheets and presentations for internal and customer-facing needs.
Education
GCSEs - Qualifications
Sir Christopher Hatton School
Wellingborough, Northamptonshire 09.1987 - 07.1991
Diploma of Higher Education - Administration
Wellingborough College
Wellingborough, Northamptonshire 06.1992 - 06.1993
Diploma of Higher Education - Business and Finance
Tresham College
Kettering, Northamptonshire 06.2022 - 06.2022
Skills
- Administrative tasks execution
- Prioritisation mastery
- Respectful assertiveness
- Automatic call distribution system
- Reliable timekeeping
- Filing and record keeping
- Reception desk operation
- Multitasking efficiency
- Follow-Up punctuality
- Strong verbal communication
- Adaptable to changes
- Handling difficult situations
- Efficient reception area management
- Tactful communication
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Document scanning
- Typing speed
- Empathy and compassion
- Professional demeanour
- Telephone etiquette
- Confidentiality maintenance
- Scheduling appointments
- Polite phone manner
- Multitasking
- Empathetic communication
- Service signposting
- Resilient attitude
- Excellent customer service
- Administrative support
- Methodical multitasking
- Self-directed learning
- Excellent customer care
- Subject Access Requests (SAR)
- Patient discretion
- Managing stock levels
- Time efficiency
- Professional phone etiquette
- Professional discretion
- Interpersonal savvy
- Consultant diary management
- Decision-Making in fast-paced settings
Affiliations
- I like to crochet, spending time with my family and friends, eating out and reading books.
Timeline
HR Advisor
Peterborough Diocese Education Trust
03.2025 - Current
School Administrator
Peterborough Diocese Educational Trust
01.2023 - Current
Office Clerk
BI Engineering
06.2022 - 09.2024
Diploma of Higher Education - Business and Finance
Tresham College
06.2022 - 06.2022
School Administrator
Peterborough Diocese Education Trust
10.2013 - 12.2022
Administrator
Age Concern Day Centre
01.2008 - 10.2010
Diploma of Higher Education - Administration
Wellingborough College
06.1992 - 06.1993
GCSEs - Qualifications
Sir Christopher Hatton School
09.1987 - 07.1991