Laura Shepherd
Barnsley
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in business and administrative support, governance and compliance, and customer service. Proficient in minute-taking, data management, and diary coordination, ensuring seamless operations. Skilled in Microsoft 365 applications and adept at handling confidential information with precision. Demonstrates strong capabilities in procurement, invoice processing, and stakeholder engagement. Committed to enhancing organisational efficiency through effective multitasking and workload prioritisation.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Operations Manager
2014.01 - 2026.05
- Providing high-quality operational, administrative, and compliance support across education and training programmes.
- Key Responsibilities
- Managing administrative processes, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with audit, funding, and regulatory requirements.
- Producing operational reports and managing data using Microsoft 365.
- Coordinating meetings, staff training sessions, and organisational activities.
- Supporting policy development and maintaining organisational documentation.
- Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to support effective programme delivery.
- Handling confidential learner and organisational information in line with data protection requirements.
- Supporting recruitment, onboarding, and staff development processes.
- Key Achievements
- Contributed to achieving Ofsted “Good” rating (Ofsted Nominee).
- Supported organisation in achieving CIMSPA Enhancing Provider status.
- Contributed to successful Matrix Accreditation.
English & Maths Tutor
Dearne Valley College
2011.01 - 2014.01
- Delivered Functional Skills programmes from Entry Level to Level 2.
- Maintained accurate learner records and supported progress tracking.
- Provided administrative and pastoral support.
Activities Coordinator
Dearne Valley College
2011.01 - 2012.01
- Planned and delivered events and activities for learners.
- Liaised with external partners and produced participation reports.
Tutorial Assistant
Dearne Valley College
2009.01 - 2011.01
- Supported tutors with administrative and pastoral tasks.
- Conducted initial assessments and maintained learner records.
Administration Assistant
Dunelm Soft Furnishings Ltd
2007.01 - 2009.01
- Provided administrative support to managers and staff.
- Produced documents and maintained spreadsheets and databases.
- Handled cash and maintained office systems.
Customer Service Advisor
Centura Call Centre
2005.01 - 2006.01
- Delivered high-quality customer service and handled enquiries professionally.
- Demonstrated strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Education
PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education -
University of Huddersfield
2009.01 - 2011.01
BSc (Hons) - Psychology
University of Hull
2006.01 - 2009.01
A-Levels - English Language, Psychology, Physical Education, Mathematics
Wath Sixth Form
2004.01 - 2006.01
GCSEs -
The Foulstone School
Barnsley 1999.01 - 2004.01
Skills
- Business & administrative support
- Governance & compliance support
- Minute-taking & documentation
- Data management & reporting
- Diary & meeting coordination
- Procurement & invoice processing
- Customer service & stakeholder engagement
- Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint)
- Handling confidential information
- Prioritising workload & multitasking
Certification
- Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
- YMCA Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Nutrition
- YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Performance Massage
- YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training & Instruction
- Multiple YMCA Level 2 Awards (Fitness Instructing, Strength & Conditioning, Group Cycling, Circuit Training, Kettlebells, Children’s Exercise, Suspended Movement Training) Want this shorter? shorten my qualifications.
Timeline
Operations Manager
2014.01 - 2026.05
English & Maths Tutor
Dearne Valley College
2011.01 - 2014.01
Activities Coordinator
Dearne Valley College
2011.01 - 2012.01
Tutorial Assistant
Dearne Valley College
2009.01 - 2011.01
PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education -
University of Huddersfield
2009.01 - 2011.01
Administration Assistant
Dunelm Soft Furnishings Ltd
2007.01 - 2009.01
BSc (Hons) - Psychology
University of Hull
2006.01 - 2009.01
Customer Service Advisor
Centura Call Centre
2005.01 - 2006.01
A-Levels - English Language, Psychology, Physical Education, Mathematics
Wath Sixth Form
2004.01 - 2006.01
GCSEs -
The Foulstone School
1999.01 - 2004.01