Ruw Shears
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Researcher
Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council
07.2023 - Current
- Increased understanding of local issues by conducting qualitative interviews with residents, with a particular focus on marginalised communities.
- Reached out to existing contacts to book in 1-2-1 interviews, contacts from local faith groups and local stakeholders.
- Carried out interviews online and in person.
- Assisted project staff in conducting research, analysing findings and providing content for reports and presentations.
- Enhanced community engagement by conducting thorough research and presenting findings to stakeholders.
- Presented research findings at festival fostering a culture of knowledge sharing among professionals working in similar fields.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through pre-and post-intervention assessments, providing valuable feedback for continual improvement opportunities.
- Worked on multiple projects as a community researcher including West Midlands Combined Authority covering Solihull, Natural England Outcomes for Natural Spaces in inner city Birmingham. University of Birmingham I sit on a community researcher panel to share expertise on increasing access to green spaces to under privileged groups.
Life Coach
Sound Heart Healing
07.2024 - Current
- I work with Muslim women to help them heal, grow and thrive.
- Guided clients to overcome limiting beliefs and barriers, resulting in increased self-confidence and personal empowerment.
- Established strong rapport with clients, fostering trusting and supportive coaching relationships.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Empowered clients to achieve personal and professional goals through tailored coaching sessions.
- Facilitated group workshops on topics such as goal setting, limiting beliefs, promoting overall wellbeing.
- Self Administrative, I run my own business and organise and arrange all my client meetings, workshops, promotion with the local and wider community.
Programme Manager
Change Grow Live
04.2019 - 04.2023
- Maintained positive and productive contractual and stakeholder relationships.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees.
- Managed a team of sixteen staff members across three projects.
- Managed multiple strategic projects with numerous sub-projects.
- Balanced priorities of complex stakeholder groups for positive programme outcomes.
- Produced and delivered presentations and monthly and annual reports for leadership and stakeholder review.
- Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training for team members.
- Stakeholders included: Social Services, Schools, Prisons, Police, Colleges, Faith groups, Community Centres, the Council
Programme Manager
Sova
10.2017 - 04.2019
- Managed a large project of 27 staff members and two apprentices.
- Recruitment, selection and interviewing of staff.
- Used a technique called Values based interviewing, this allowed interviewees to speak about what mattered to them and allowed me to asses whether they were the right fit for the organisation.
- Worked remotely and independently with minimal supervision from Line Manager
- Successfully ran project that delivered positive outcomes for under privileged young people, at risk of offending.
- Developed monthly reports for contract manager and stakeholders.
- Motivated operational teams to consistently meet productivity and performance KPIs for continual company growth.
- Delivered high-quality results by setting performance metrics and monitoring progress against targets.
Volunteering Manager
Sova
08.2015 - 10.2017
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Managed 3 staff members and spearheaded the Midlands Volunteering hub managing 120 volunteers.
- Lead the recruitment, selection and training of volunteers. Trained volunteers in Level 2 Mentoring Skills
- Matched volunteers to appropriate opportunities by conducting skills-based assessments.
- Followed up with staff and managers to assess volunteer needs and opportunities.
- Enhanced volunteer performance through incentivised goals, maintaining high retention rate.
- Increased gender and ethnic diversity in our Volunteer pool through targeted recruitment
- Organised volunteer events, newsletter and additional volunteer training.
- Trained volunteers and staff in equality and diversity as well as sensitivity when working with people who use our service.
Resettlement Officer
Reducing Reoffending Partnership
05.2015 - 08.2015
- A secondment for three months to assist with the implementation of the new Through the Gate probation model. Seconded due to prison experience.
- Worked with people from all faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, interviewing them on highly sensitive matters.
- Built excellent client relationships by staying compassionate and caring throughout.
- Built trusting client relationships by displaying an in-depth understanding of needs, providing solutions and delivering on-going support.
- Referred clients to various community resources for additional support with housing, transport or childcare.
English as a Foreign Language Teacher
St Andrews Refugee Centre
06.2010 - 09.2010
- Supported refugees from all over Africa to develop their English skills. Organised a placement for myself whilst I was studying Arabic in Cairo.
- Educated students in basics of English grammar and conversational speaking.
- Gave one-on-one attention to each student while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Improved overall classroom management, resulting in a more focused and productive learning environment.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering a positive atmosphere that promoted academic growth and personal development.
Researcher
BBC
02.2005 - 02.2007
- Gathered and organised information for research purposes.
- Researched and arranged interviews with potential interviewees/ contributors
- Coordinating logistics for filming
- Managed multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Presented research findings to the producer/director.
Education
Level 5 - Health and Social Care Adults
Sutton College
2016
Master of Arts - Arab World Studies
University of Manchester
Manchester, MAN02.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Media and Communications
University of Central England in Birmingham
Birmingham, BIR2004
Skills
- 10 years experience of interviewing people
- An excellent researcher
- Passionate about faith
- Experienced at working with people from diverse backgrounds
- Trauma informed specialist
- Work well independently
- Experienced in putting together reports and presenting findings
- Experienced in building relationships with community groups and stakeholders
- Strong ability to balance multiple priorities
Additional Information
- 2021 Shortlisted for Leaving Care Category Children and Young Peoples Award. Positive outcomes for young people
- 2018 Finalist Award winner ERSA employability award for positive outcomes working with young offenders
- 2009 recipient of highly competitive studentship £29K funded by Economic and Social Research Council
- 2007-2009 Solo traveled around South East Asia, Korea, India and the Middle East
Languages
English
First Language
Arabic
Upper Intermediate
B2
Timeline
Life Coach
Sound Heart Healing
07.2024 - Current
Community Researcher
Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council
07.2023 - Current
Programme Manager
Change Grow Live
04.2019 - 04.2023
Programme Manager
Sova
10.2017 - 04.2019
Volunteering Manager
Sova
08.2015 - 10.2017
Resettlement Officer
Reducing Reoffending Partnership
05.2015 - 08.2015
English as a Foreign Language Teacher
St Andrews Refugee Centre
06.2010 - 09.2010
Researcher
BBC
02.2005 - 02.2007
Level 5 - Health and Social Care Adults
Sutton College
Master of Arts - Arab World Studies
University of Manchester
Bachelor of Arts - Media and Communications
University of Central England in Birmingham
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