Michele Harding
Middlesbrough,Hambleton
Summary
Experienced in administrative management with a proven track record in conflict resolution and mediation. Demonstrates strong IT proficiency, particularly with MS Office, and holds a full, clean UK driving licence. Adept at fostering employee and stakeholder relations, leading teams, and providing training.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Caseworker
Justice First
Stockton
2024.01 - 2025.01
- Managed casework for asylum claim support, working with vulnerable clients and maintaining high standards of confidentiality and accuracy
- Assisted clients in collating evidence necessary to progress their asylum claims
- Provided informed guidance on case-related matters and signposted clients to appropriate external agencies
- Prepared casework under supervision in line with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner’s guidelines, maintaining comprehensive case notes and accurate records
- Ensured strict adherence to policies and always maintained client confidentiality
- Promoted partnerships between Justice First and other agencies/organisations to enhance support services
Refugee Support Worker
Open Door North East
Middlesbrough
2022.01 - 2024.01
- Supported asylum seekers, refugees, and other migrants in the Tees Valley through the NE RISE programme, empowering clients to move out of poverty and achieve self-sufficiency
- Assisted newly recognised refugees in the collation of evidence required to progress their asylum claims within the 28‑day notice period
- Provided tailored guidance on housing, employment, and community integration, helping clients secure work and access support services
- Liaised with partner agencies across Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool, Redcar and Darlington to coordinate holistic support
- Maintained detailed, confidential case records and ensured compliance with organisational policies and procedures
- Participated in regular training, meetings and conferences to stay updated on best practice and enhance service delivery
- Organised events externally with Teesside University and worked alongside other organisations to help integrate the newly granted Refugees into their communities
Level 3 Teaching Assistant and EAL Lead
Discovery Special Academy
Middlesbrough
2020.12 - 2021.12
- Responsible for managing inclusive classroom support and engaging with diverse family groups, ensuring smooth educational delivery
- This role has honed my skills in conflict resolution, stakeholder communication, and process improvement
- Oversee daily operations in a dynamic educational setting, ensuring adherence to internal policies and safeguarding standards
- Collaborate with the Family Welfare Team to coordinate effective communication channels with EAL families
- Utilise advanced IT tools (e.g
- MS Office, educational software) to monitor progress and streamline administrative tasks
- Design and implement individualised support programmes that improve service delivery and operational efficiency
- Facilitate regular team meetings and training sessions to ensure continuous professional development and the sharing of best practice
Student Ambassador
Teesside University
Middlesbrough
2017.05 - 2020.03
- Served as a key representative at outreach events and recruitment initiatives, supporting the university’s Vision and enhancing stakeholder engagement
- Represented the university at international workshops, summer schools and recruitment events, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills
- Coordinated logistics for large-scale events, ensuring seamless execution and high participant engagement
- Assisted in developing and delivering impactful presentations that clearly communicated the institution’s objective
- Provided tailored support to prospective students, adapting communication to suit diverse audiences
- Collaborated with academic and administrative teams to refine outreach strategies and improve student engagement
Cover Supervisor
Stokesley School
Middlesbrough
2019.01 - 2019.07
- Managed classroom instruction and administrative responsibilities during teacher absences, ensuring continuity and effective discipline
- Delivered substitute teaching across multiple core subjects, maintaining high standards of educational delivery
- Managed classroom behaviour using conflict resolution techniques and proactive engagement strategies
- Coordinated with school administration to adjust lesson plans and ensure smooth transitions during absences
- Provided individualised support to students, tailoring instruction to meet varying learning needs
- Maintained detailed records of student performance and attendance, contributing to overall school improvement
Family Support Worker
Core Assets - The Children’s Services Group
Middlesbrough
2017.01 - 2017.05
- Facilitated confidential meetings and supported family court processes, enhancing communication and resolution between non-resident parents
ESOL Coordinator
Trinity Catholic College
2008.03 - 2016.01
- Managed the ESOL programme for a diverse student body, creating tailored lesson plans that increased language proficiency
- Collaborated with external agencies to enhance the overall educational experience
EAL Teaching Assistant
Teaching and Learning Centre
Middlesbrough
2005.07 - 2008.01
- Provided peripatetic support to refugee and asylum seeker students, facilitating their integration and promoting effective communication
- Assisted families with school admissions, uniform funding and transportation arrangements
Education
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - History
Teesside University
Teessdide University 2015.09 - 2020.05
Level 4 Essay and Writing Skills - undefined
OISC Level 1 - undefined
Asylum and Protection
Level 4 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - undefined
Level 3 Specialist Teaching Assistant - undefined
Skills
- Full, clean UK Driving Licence
- IT Proficiency (MS Office)
- Administrative Management
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Employee & Stakeholder Relations
- Team Leadership & Training
Custom
Available on request
Affiliations
- I enjoy gardening, reading mostly nonfiction, and meeting with friens.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Caseworker
Justice First
2024.01 - 2025.01
Refugee Support Worker
Open Door North East
2022.01 - 2024.01
Level 3 Teaching Assistant and EAL Lead
Discovery Special Academy
2020.12 - 2021.12
Cover Supervisor
Stokesley School
2019.01 - 2019.07
Student Ambassador
Teesside University
2017.05 - 2020.03
Family Support Worker
Core Assets - The Children’s Services Group
2017.01 - 2017.05
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - History
Teesside University
2015.09 - 2020.05
ESOL Coordinator
Trinity Catholic College
2008.03 - 2016.01
EAL Teaching Assistant
Teaching and Learning Centre
2005.07 - 2008.01
Level 4 Essay and Writing Skills - undefined
OISC Level 1 - undefined
Asylum and Protection