Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Karen Lear

High Littleton,Bristol

Summary

I am a dedicated and motivated individual with a vast experience in administration, including the handling and processing of sensitive data. I take a diligent and proactive approach to tasks and have strong leadership abilities. With over 15 years of experience in working with children and adults (including SEN children and vulnerable adults) from ages 4 and up, I feel I have exceptional communication skills with a diverse range of individuals.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Assistant Manager - Hospitality

Apple Tree Inns
Farrington Gurney, Bath and North East Somerset
05.2018 - Current
  • Supervising Front of House Operations.
  • Provide excellent customer service, leading to repeat business and customer loyalty.
  • Maintain high standards of customer service.
  • Handling Customer Complaints effectively.
  • Accommodating guests as they wait to be seated.
  • Acting as the liaison between the customer's and the kitchen.
  • Increase staff productivity by providing comprehensive training.
  • Ensure all restaurant/bar staff are successfully accomplishing their tasks.
  • Processing bills
  • Create a positive work environment, resulting in higher employee morale.
  • Ensure table plans have been completed based on booked guests.
  • Time management to ensure smooth transition between services.
  • Understanding allergies/food restrictions.
  • Communicate with management on operational issues, providing solutions for better efficiency.
  • Ensure health and safety compliance, maintaining a safe working environment for all staff members.
  • Handle stock control duties diligently, preventing overstocking or shortages.
  • Uphold food safety and hygiene standards.
  • Taking and serving guests food and drink orders.
  • Providing guests with insights on the menu or daily specials.
  • Setting up the dining room prior to service.
  • Ensure tills are balanced at the end of the day, and float ready for the next day.
  • Reporting back to the General Manager.
  • Deputise for General Manager where necessary.

Martial Arts Instructor

UKITF
09.2011 - 09.2022
  • Ability to work well with both children and adults.
  • Organise and assist with social trips for children as part of their life skills training - for example; fire station visits and talks from paramedics.
  • Comply with Policies and Procedures relating to Health and Safety, risk assessments and child safeguarding, and report any issues where necessary.
  • Keep appropriate personal information for students up to date, including medical information and emergency contact details.
  • Working as part of a team and knowing my own position within it.
  • Communicate effectively with a remote manager on a regular basis.
  • Manage a team of instructors to ensure consistent high quality.
  • Good conflict management skills.
  • Ability to build and manage own business.
  • Competent book keeping skills.
  • Provide children with important life skills and basic first aid knowledge as part of our development programme for 4-6 year olds.
  • Ensure all students know the correct respect and etiquette, and remind them to use the Tenets of Taekwondo as a way of life.
  • Ability to adapt lessons to varying ages, abilities and communication levels.
  • Provide regular feedback to all students and parents, to assist with their training progress and development.
  • Encourage all students to actively participate in training sessions and other events, competitions and seminars.
  • Ensure the safety of students at all times.

Lunchtime supervisor

St Vigor & St John Primary School
Chilcompton, Somerset
04.2018 - 12.2018
  • Providing nurture and supporting the well-being of children by; monitoring play, mediating with disagreements and upholding school rules.
  • Supporting and leading active and creative play by; scaffolding and modelling appropriate play activities, encouraging safe co-operation and organising play equipment.
  • Setting up the hall for eating.
  • Monitoring children's eating habits.
  • Managing behaviour
  • Clearing away equipment and making sure the hall is clean and tidy.
  • Maintaining safe practices and procedures to ensure all children are safe and happy.
  • Keeping up to date with First Aid requirements.
  • Facilitated efficient student flow within canteen, minimised congestion during meal times.

Senior Claims Handler

NFU Mutual Insurance Ltd
Bristol
08.2004 - 04.2018


  • Handled customer queries, ensured prompt response and resolution.
  • Input and analyse data.
  • Workload management and planning.
  • Handling electronic, written and telephone enquiries.
  • Use of database/information systems, including spreadsheets.
  • Achieve timely resolution with diligent follow-ups on pending cases.
  • Negotiated fair settlements to achieve customer satisfaction.
  • Maintained accurate records of all communication for future reference.
  • Prepared detailed claim reports for senior management review.
  • Handled all claims and communications within established service level agreements.
  • Kept clients well-informed of claim updates and case progress.
  • Recorded detailed, accurate claim particulars for reliable case notes.
  • Achieved positive claim outcomes through careful case management.
  • Responded to telephone enquiries from clients, vendors and members of public.
  • Handled initial claims enquiries with attention to first-class, personal service.
  • Processed inbound customer calls promptly to meet call-handling timeframe targets.
  • Followed up on all client requests and verified resolution.
  • Gathered, recorded, and distributed complete documentary evidence.
  • Maintained detailed administration and office procedures to improve accuracy and efficiency.
  • Provided claims advice to clients, managing expectations and explaining claims processing timelines.
  • Managed large client portfolio, prioritising claims in line with complexity and demand.
  • Built and managed effective internal and external relationships with all involved parties.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality when dealing with sensitive client information, ensuring staff members followed suit.
  • Get involved in project work and provide ideas for continuous improvement.
  • Dealing with a wide range of General Insurance claims.
  • Audit files and provide coaching/feedback to ensure consistent quality.
  • Able to motivate and be a referral point for other handlers to enable them to make well informed decisions.
  • Work closely and build strong relationships within all areas of the business.
  • Project involvement.
  • Produce new training material.
  • Develop new training plans.
  • Investigated complex claims to determine validity and liability.
  • Liaised with legal teams for dispute resolution.
  • Enhanced team performance by providing regular training on best practices in claims handling.
  • Identified fraudulent activities through thorough investigation and scrutiny of documents.
  • Assessed risk levels in complex cases, made informed decisions.
  • Upheld company's reputation by maintaining professionalism at all times during client interactions.
  • Deputise for Team Leader and Senior Technicians.
  • Escalated high-value claims for management review.

Education

Certificate in Insurance - CII -

NFU MUTUAL INSURANCE
Bristol

AS-Levels -

Kingsfield School Sixth Form
Bristol
09.2002 - 07.2003

GCSEs -

Kingsfield School
Bristol
09.1998 - 06.2002

Skills

  • Work and Business Management experience
  • Administration experience in multiple fields
  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in, and manage a team
  • Effective task management skills
  • Punctual
  • Highly motivated
  • Ability to work with/motivate all ages and abilities

Timeline

Assistant Manager - Hospitality

Apple Tree Inns
05.2018 - Current

Lunchtime supervisor

St Vigor & St John Primary School
04.2018 - 12.2018

Martial Arts Instructor

UKITF
09.2011 - 09.2022

Senior Claims Handler

NFU Mutual Insurance Ltd
08.2004 - 04.2018

AS-Levels -

Kingsfield School Sixth Form
09.2002 - 07.2003

GCSEs -

Kingsfield School
09.1998 - 06.2002

Certificate in Insurance - CII -

NFU MUTUAL INSURANCE

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