Nicola Bown
Chester,Cheshire
Summary
Dynamic professional with a strong foundation in organisational and communication skills, adept at stakeholder relationship management and public speaking. Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, effectively manage deadlines, and support vulnerable individuals. Proficient in data analysis and MS Office, with an enhanced DBS check and a full UK driving licence. Committed to leveraging skills in effective networking and team collaboration to drive success in future roles.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work history
Outreach Coordinator (Events)
UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER
Chester, Cheshire
2023.04 - 2026.04
- Assist in maintaining communications with local schools, colleges, and charities.
- Organise staff visits to deliver educational talks and workshops for students and parents.
- Support academic colleagues in their outreach initiatives.
- Conduct engaging talks and workshops both on-site and off-site.
- Identify new opportunities for engagement during school visits.
- Plan resources delivered during sessions to ensure engagement and accuracy.
- Facilitate understanding of higher education and student finance for students and parents from diverse economic backgrounds.
- Collaborate with colleagues for open days and marketing events.
- Trained student ambassadors, enhancing their effectiveness during events.
- Developed partnerships with local organisations by conducting regular outreach activities.
- Identified potential partnership opportunities, leading to increased collaborative endeavours.
- Promoted independence and positive wellbeing when working with vulnerable adults and children.
Teacher of English
St Nicholas Catholic High School
Northwich, Cheshire
2019.09 - 2023.04
- I taught students from age 11 to 18 with varying academic abilities. This includes English (11 – 16) to GCSE level and Social and moral education to 6th form students (16+).
- Delivered a consistently high standard of education through presentations and lessons
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance, supporting administrative tasks.
- Fostered a positive learning environment with clear classroom management strategies.
- Form tutor
- Pastoral care of students
- Behaviour management and built trust between staff and student
- Worked with disadvantaged students
- Supported students with EHCPs (autism resource centre on site)
- Safeguarding students
- Project lead on a mental health programme for students
- Break and lunch supervision
- Data analysis and interventions
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans for students' improved understanding of the English language.
- Liaised with parents regularly for better student progress tracking.
- Delivered assemblies
- Prepared students for standardised tests, contributing to their successful performance.
- Engaged students in remote learning
- Provided guidance and support to struggling students, leading to significant improvements in their grades.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay updated on educational trends.
Customer Advisor
MBNA
2017.08 - 2018.08
- Assisted customers with credit card inquiries at MBNA.
- Helped resolve individual issues efficiently.
- Provided information on new credit contracts, including balance transfers.
- Closed customer accounts as requested.
- Communicated empathetically with customers facing financial difficulties and guided them to relevant support.
- Identified potential fraud threats through attentive monitoring.
- Supported team as temporary leader and aided in training new staff members.
- Followed all required legal procedures and ensured high standards during phone interactions.
Youth Worker
Youth Fed, Ellesmere Port
2017.06 - 2018.06
- Supported team efforts in revitalising local youth centre in Ellesmere Port.
- Managed opening and closing of facility to ensure operational efficiency.
- Ensured safeguarding of all young people in attendance by adhering to policies.
- Planned and delivered engaging activities to promote youth development.
- Completed first aid training to provide immediate assistance when necessary.
- Achieved mental health first aid certification to support emotional well-being.
- Created a safe and welcoming environment for young people to thrive.
Retail Assistant
Chester Zoo
2012.03 - 2017.08
- Assisted customers in enjoying their experience at charity events.
- Supported team members in maintaining a tidy and stocked store environment.
- Organised stock and ensured shop floor was replenished regularly.
- Operated tills while providing friendly customer service.
- Counted cash and balanced tills at the end of shifts.
- Addressed customer concerns and resolved issues promptly.
- Aided in training new staff members on customer service protocols.
- Gained knowledge of Chester Zoo’s charity initiatives and promotional offerings.
- Ensured customers left with memorable experiences through exceptional service.
Education
PGCE - Secondary education
Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool and Cheshire 2018.08 - 2019.06
NVQ 2 - Customer service
West Cheshire College
Chester, Cheshire 2013.01 -
Bachelor of the Arts with Honours - English (language and literature)
University of Liverpool
Liverpool 2014.09 - 2017.06
Diploma of Distinction - Psychology, sociology, educational studies and English literature
South Cheshire College Access Course
Crewe, Cheshire East 2013.09 - 2014.07
GCSEs (A to C) - English, science, maths, art, history, French, R.E and music
The catholic High School, Chester
Chester, Cheshire 2004.09 - 2009.07
Skills
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Stakeholder relationship management
- Public speaking
- Team collaboration
- Self-motivation
- Full UK driving license
- Data analysis
- Support for vulnerable individuals
- Leadership and mentoring
- Deadline management
- Enhanced DBS check
- Effective networking
- MS office proficiency
Accomplishments
Received the Price Memorial Scholarship: 2014 - 2017
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Outreach Coordinator (Events)
UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER
2023.04 - 2026.04
Teacher of English
St Nicholas Catholic High School
2019.09 - 2023.04
PGCE - Secondary education
Liverpool John Moores University
2018.08 - 2019.06
Customer Advisor
MBNA
2017.08 - 2018.08
Youth Worker
Youth Fed, Ellesmere Port
2017.06 - 2018.06
Bachelor of the Arts with Honours - English (language and literature)
University of Liverpool
2014.09 - 2017.06
Diploma of Distinction - Psychology, sociology, educational studies and English literature
South Cheshire College Access Course
2013.09 - 2014.07
NVQ 2 - Customer service
West Cheshire College
2013.01 -
Retail Assistant
Chester Zoo
2012.03 - 2017.08
GCSEs (A to C) - English, science, maths, art, history, French, R.E and music
The catholic High School, Chester
2004.09 - 2009.07