OLIVER Griffith-Salter
Llandovery,Carmarthenshire
Summary
Welsh is my first language educated in a small village Welsh medium school with a Welsh heritage. I first competed in Eisteddfod's at primary school as part of the choir and then into secondary school where I was a member of the choir but also assisted backstage with the lighting and sound system. At the age of 14 I lost the use of my legs and was in and out of hospital struggling with my mental health as well as my physical disabilities. I am now a full time wheelchair user. I saw an advert for wheelchair basketball and decided to give it a go. Since then sport has played a pivotal role in my life, saving me and helping me to save others. I started to play wheelchair basketball as a release for my pent up frustrations but I realised I loved playing sport and being part of a team. My mental health has improved and my overall view of life has got better. I have discovered during my emotional and personal journey that not only do I love playing sport but I enjoy coaching too. I started to help with young teams of children who were just starting out in sport. This has led to me gaining a lot of valuable experience and we have learnt from each other. My main passion in life is making sport and life accessible to everyone.
In year 10 I completed the Duke of Edinburgh Silver award. I was able to walk for the practise run but by the time we were due to compete in the real thing I was in a chair. We all worked together as a team and had to improvise and think outside the box in order to complete the course but it taught us strong teamwork and we all found hidden personal strengths we didn't know we had. The personal achievement was huge and very satisfying.
I want to make life accessible to everyone and be creative with the publics mindset. I want all people of all shapes, sizes, fitness, ages, race and gender to be able to go anywhere and achieve anything they want to without having accessibility as a barrier. Ergo because of this passion I sought out the relevant person at the Eisteddfod Yr Urdd 2023 in Llandovery to voice my concerns regarding accessibility but also to provide solutions to some of the concerns. Following this initial introduction I was invited to Join the team at the National Eisteddfod as well as the Urdd Eisteddfod. I have now completed 3 Nationals and 3 Urdd Eisteddfods. During the course of this work I was introduced to Attitude Is Everything who I now work very closely with and have strong relationships with the team. My lived and worked experience has enabled me to bring new perspective to the Attitude is Everything team which led to them asking me to join the first ever Members Advisory Panel (MAP). I was recently invited to attend a celebratory event held in London hosted by AIE where they unveiled a new Live events access charter.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Accessibility Manager
Urdd Gobaith Cymru
, Wales
2023.07 - Current
- Working with Attitude is Everything (AIE) who are the market leader in all things accessible. Through working with them and building strong relationships I have been able to secure the best providers within the festival industry.
- Enforced safety regulations to reduce workplace accidents.
- Negotiated vendor contracts to secure favorable terms and conditions. Vendors have to adhere to our strict accessibility terms as governed by AIE and the Equality Act 2010
- Maintained inventory control, reduced stock shortages with our high dependency toilets and accessibility buggies.
- Delivered high-quality products to increase customer satisfaction. I was instrumental in securing the purchase of 1 wheelchair accessible golf buggy and 1 5 seater golf buggy to aid in access throughout the festival site and to support visitors with reduced mobility to access the festival from the car park.
- Streamlined communication channels, enhanced internal information flow by an open door policy and full transparency.
- Fostered a positive work environment with regular team meetings in order to nip any potential conflict before it becomes an issue.
- Delegated tasks efficiently to maximise productivity using the teams strengths where needed thus avoiding setting someone up to fail and ensuring they are all working in their area of expertise.
- Optimised resource allocation for increased profits. I was instrumental in hiring high dependency units which in turn made the festival more appealing to a wider audience therefore increasing the number of paying visitors
- Supervised project timelines for timely completion. Prior to the actual festival I complete various reports for AIE with strict deadlines which are essential to receiving accessible event accreditation.
- Liaised with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients to secure repeat business. I created a "quiet room" for visitors who struggle with sensory overload and parents who care for autistic visitors to take time out away from the crowds and noise. This safe space was highly appreciated and became a staple part of any festival I work with.
- Coordinated cross-departmental collaboration for improved workflow. I have a strong relationship with all departments and can call upon them for support or advise during the event.
- Facilitated staff training in many different disability and accessibility needs, resulting in better customer service.
- Maintained smooth-running business operations by delegating priorities to staff abilities.
- Monitored health and safety measures for guaranteed compliance. Having completing a site visit i am then responsible for ensuring all ramps, walkways and stage access meets current health and safety and building regulations
- Coordinated hiring, recruitment and training strategies to build a successful accessibility team.
- Implemented training to further develop staff based on business goals.
- Investigated issues affecting group operations, prepared reports and helped correct problems.
- Oversaw facility maintenance and allocated needed resources to meet standards.
- Represented organisations at seminars, conferences and business events. I work closely with the Press during the festivals I work with instances of going on live radio both in English and Welsh to promote the accessibility standards at the festival
Safeguarding Officer
Welsh Wheelchair Basketball Association
Wales, Wales
2020.03 - 2026.03
- Prevented loss of life by executing rescue functions, including First Aid and CPR.
- Acted quickly in emergency situations, I was made aware of serious safeguarding issues exercising expert judgment to determine most appropriate course of action.
- Minimised risk for victims and their families by providing information and support surrounding case progress.
- Maintained strict confidentiality through careful and correct storage of case documents, in line with our internal policies and GDPR.
- Produced comprehensive reports on the relevant issues with meticulous attention to detail.
- Assessed and verified information given in victim and witness statements to improve investigation workflow.
- Aided investigations through strategic interviewing and statement taking of victims and witnesses.
- Responded quickly to allegations following all protocols.
- Dealing with aggressive parents who are unhappy with decisions made by the association.
Accessibility manager
Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru
, Wales
2023.08 - 2025.08
- Working with Attitude is Everything (AIE) who are the market leader in all things accessible. Through working with them and building strong relationships I have been able to secure the best providers within the festival industry.
- Enforced safety regulations to reduce workplace accidents.
- Negotiated vendor contracts to secure favorable terms and conditions. Vendors have to adhere to our strict accessibility terms as governed by AIE and the Equality Act 2010
- Maintained inventory control, reduced stock shortages with our high dependency toilets and accessibility buggies.
- Delivered high-quality products to increase customer satisfaction. I was instrumental in securing the purchase of 1 wheelchair accessible golf buggy and 1 5 seater golf buggy to aid in access throughout the festival site and to support visitors with reduced mobility to access the festival from the car park.
- I spotted a opportunity where customer needs weren't being met due to a shortage of High dependency changing units within rural Wales, I decided I wanted to build my own unit on site. Working closely with the carpentry team, we built a HDU inside a tent with running hot and cold water, sink, raised toilet, Grab rails, adjustable changing table, privacy screens, Couch roll supplies, cleaning products and a door with a Radar key lock. All of these amenities have been bought by us and therefore we build and dismantle on site every year in a different location due to being a traveling festival which changes location every year from North to South Wales
- Streamlined communication channels, enhanced internal information flow by an open door policy and full transparency.
- Fostered a positive work environment with regular team meetings in order to nip any potential conflict before it becomes an issue.
- Delegated tasks efficiently to maximise productivity using the teams strengths where needed thus avoiding setting someone up to fail and ensuring they are all working in their area of expertise.
- Optimised resource allocation for increased profits.
- Supervised project timelines for timely completion. Prior to the actual festival I complete various reports for AIE with strict deadlines which are essential to receiving accessible event accreditation.
- Liaised with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients to secure repeat business. I created a "quiet room" for visitors who struggle with sensory overload and parents who care for autistic visitors to take time out away from the crowds and noise. This safe space was highly appreciated and became a staple part of any festival I work with.
- Coordinated cross-departmental collaboration for improved workflow. I have a strong relationship with all departments and can call upon them for support or advise during the event.
- Facilitated staff training in many different disability and accessibility needs, resulting in better customer service.
- Maintained smooth-running business operations by delegating priorities to staff abilities.
- Monitored health and safety measures for guaranteed compliance. Having completing a site visit i am then responsible for ensuring all ramps, walkways and stage access meets current health and safety and building regulations
- Coordinated hiring, recruitment and training strategies to build a successful accessibility team.
- Implemented training to further develop staff based on business goals.
- Investigated issues affecting group operations, prepared reports and helped correct problems.
- Oversaw facility maintenance and allocated needed resources to meet standards.
- Represented organisations at seminars, conferences and business events. I work closely with the Press during the festivals I work with instances of going on live radio both in English and Welsh to promote the accessibility standards at the festival
Professional Wheelchair Basketball Player
ASD Santo Stefano
Porto potenza picena, Italy
2021.09 - 2023.05
- Learnt to speak and communicate in Italian.
- Worked with coaches in developing and refining tactics and strategies.
- Represented institution, region or nation at different competitions and events.
- When injured and unable to play I assisted the head Coach to modify game plans in order to maximise the team.
- I trained for 8 sessions a week plus gym time observing dietary regimens to maintain peak physical and mental health.
- Assessed competitors and conditions at venues to ascertain competitive advantages.
- Followed specific workout plans to prepare for new events and performances.
- Obeyed rules and regulations during competitions and games to remain compliant.
- Checked sporting equipment for faults and organised repair.
- Reviewed past performance to determine and address weaknesses for future events.
- Received and implemented constructive criticism from coaches and mentors to boost performance development.
- Competed in matches and competitions, aiming to win rewards.
- Joined practice and training sessions and attended meetings to improve skills and teamwork.
- Practised with teammates, staff and alone to acquire new skills and improve skill levels.
- Performed on courts and scored baskets
- Participated in community outreach programs, promoting athletic teams within Italian Secondary schools.
Casual Dragon Sports Mentor
Carmarthenshire County Council
Llanelli, Carmarthenshire
2017.09 - 2018.09
- I am Welsh first language.
- Communicating with school staff on the advantages both physically and mentally of all young people participating in physical education and extra curricular sport.
- Educating school staff on the current Information, Advice and Guidance to make all sports and facilities inclusive in line with all current guidelines.
- Worked with staff and parents to devise a robust plan going forward which would ensure longevity after I had moved on to University.
- Advocating for young disabled people to ensure their needs are met and to give them the outcomes they require within a mainstream education.
- Supporting in a school for young people with LD, Autism and severe disabilities and ensuring that their physical and mental needs are met.
- Created presentations and teaching materials to enhance learning experience for teachers, carers and students.
- Customised curriculum to fit interests and potential of students. PE was changed by me to IZB (Inclusive zone basketball) instead of the standard curriculum of Basketball. I was able to procure 4 wheelchairs per school in Carmarthenshire to assist with this activity.
- Using my contacts I was able to reach out to a third party company to support with an IZB tournament allowing disabled young people to play in a competition but also for abled body students to be involved working alongside in a fully inclusive activity.
- Responded to enquiries to address needs of students.
- Recommended campus adaptions including:
- a) changes to layouts of rooms, Redesigned the disabled changing room which led to the school creating a new disabled changing room incorporating my recommendations
- b) Recommending wider doors be installed to ensure full accessibility for wheelchair users
- c) Following consultation with a disabled student who advised me of the difficulties in accessing the sports hall I recommended the installation of a platform lift which the school implemented following my advice.
- Organised student meetings to engage and encourage feedback in order to support all students needs.
- Collaborated with teachers and staff to elevate their understanding and execution of inclusivity.
- Planned extra-curricular activities for students to explore various interests. I was a major participant in the DSW organised "insports series". These days support young people to participate in various different sports in order to experience different activities.
- Keeping a register to verify absences and punctuality which also needed to be input onto the Local Authorities portal in order to maintain the correct level off funding and resources.
- Established professional relationships with staff, employers and business partners to boost rapport.
- Practiced confidentiality to adhere to privacy regulations and guidelines.
- Coached and mentored individuals to pursue sport.
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - Sports Conditioning, rehabilitation and massage
Cardiff Metropolitan University (Prifysgol Metropolitan Caerdydd)
Cardiff, CRF 2018.09 - 2021.03
NVQ Level 3 - Diploma in Sports Development, Coaching & Fitness
Coleg Sir Gar
Llanelli, CMN 2016.09 - 2018.05
GCSEs - GCSE
Ysgol Bro Pedr
Ceredigion 2015.06 - 2015.06
Skills
- Communication in Welsh, English and Italian
- Sports equipment maintenance
- Accessibility coordinator
- Risk assessments
- Keeping up to date with Health and safety guidelines
- Adapting use of language and course material to cater to all participants
- The ability to think outside the box and be creative with the agenda if issues arise
- First Aid & CPR trained
- General DIY and mechanics
Accomplishments
- Autism awareness certificate
- Mental health awareness certificate
- Child protection in Sport and physical activity
- Disability inclusion training
- Go lead by sports leaders UK
- Safeguarding and protecting children
- Papyrus prevention of young suicide
- Coach clean certificate
- Level 1 and 2 Wheelchair basketball coach certificate
- Level 1 running basketball coach certificate
Languages
English
Welsh
Italian
Languages
4,6,6
Timeline
Accessibility manager
Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru
2023.08 - 2025.08
Accessibility Manager
Urdd Gobaith Cymru
2023.07 - Current
Professional Wheelchair Basketball Player
ASD Santo Stefano
2021.09 - 2023.05
Safeguarding Officer
Welsh Wheelchair Basketball Association
2020.03 - 2026.03
Certificate of Higher Education - Sports Conditioning, rehabilitation and massage
Cardiff Metropolitan University (Prifysgol Metropolitan Caerdydd)
2018.09 - 2021.03
Casual Dragon Sports Mentor
Carmarthenshire County Council
2017.09 - 2018.09
NVQ Level 3 - Diploma in Sports Development, Coaching & Fitness
Coleg Sir Gar
2016.09 - 2018.05
GCSEs - GCSE
Ysgol Bro Pedr
2015.06 - 2015.06