KAREN McCARTHY

• Implemented risk management strategies within bid processes for minimised losses.
• Facilitated engaging bid presentations, leading to increased win rates.
• Developed organisational policies for administrative oversight and internal controls.
• Analysed and resolved complex resource management issues for optimised scheduling.
• Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations during the bidding process, avoiding any legal complications later down the line.
• Developed a successful library of standard response templates, speeding up proposal creation time.
• Organised financial and operational data to help with yearly budgeting and planning, working closely with our finance business partners.
• Collaborated with other departments to produce comprehensive bid proposals.
• Established clear budgets and cost controls strategies to meet objectives.
• Handled negotiations with outside vendors and service agencies to meet group needs.
• Procurred new partner relationships, developing partnership agreements.
• Part of SLT group to effect change within the organisation.

Responsible for setting up, developing and managing a community interest company ensuring it meets its legal requirements as well as being a company director

Developing and managing friendship and relationship services nationally for adults with learning disabilities and autism addressing issues such as social isolation, loneliness and prevention - Luv2meetU and an innovative model of support (On Your Doorstep) providing opportunities for people with more complex needs to access community led support.

Successfully managing and leading a team of 20 staff, managing performance effectively and setting clear objectives.

Leading on business strategy for the organisation and managing priorities.

Liaising with internal and external stakeholders and establishing strong partnership links and relationships.

Identifying and applying for a wide range of fundign sources and co-ordinating business development tenders to ensure sustainability of the service.

Working with people from varying backgrounds/communities to include South Asian community, BME, education providers, youth and community service.

Organising local and national fundraising events.

Leading on a national volunteering programme and providing support, mentoring and training.

Leading and developing a social activities programme both face to face and online.

Responsibility for a budget exceeding 500k.

Building strong relationships with Local Authorities, Health Authorities, Voluntary Organisations and other bodies relevant nationally and locally.

Overseeing and managing the continuous learning and development of staff and volunteers ensuring all staff have a clear development plan in place with key targets and objectives.

Managing risk and compliance within the organisation.

Monitoring and evaluation and overseeing impact.

Re-developing and designing a brand and logo for the organisation including the design of literature and promotion via social media and website.

Leading and managing a team to work with marginalised groups such as homeless, people with learning disabilities, people with criminal convictions, sex offenders to assist them back into employment.

Managing a funded project through European Social Funding and managing a strict budget.

Leading a team of 4 people.

Building successful partnership links in the community.

Arranging partnership events.

As part of the Intermediate Labour Market Team I was responsible for managing a number of community projects and distributing funding and monitoring outcomes with the key projects.

Working with a wide range of people from marginalised parts of society, supporting people to develop skills, knowledge, confidence, independence and employment.

Supporting community organisations to achieve their goals and working closely with their key personnel in the community.

Closely monitoring budget and responsibility for reporting to funders.