Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
SARAH DALE

SARAH DALE

Middlesbrough

Summary

Journalist and PR consultant with extensive experience in crafting compelling narratives and securing media coverage in regional and national outlets. Expertise in transforming complex press releases into engaging stories while balancing editorial and commercial objectives. Proven ability to develop effective PR and communication strategies, consistently meeting deadlines. Recognised for a warm interviewing style that fosters comfort and openness with subjects.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work history

Board director

NetWORK NotWORK
Stockton-on-Tees
06.2025 - Current
  • Co-directed PR strategy for NetWORK NotWORK, enhancing visibility and engagement with media and business community.
  • Collaborated with board directors to implement effective improvements across networking events and related activities.
  • Promoted and supported networking initiatives through targeted campaigns in traditional and social media.

Company Owner/Director

SASS media Ltd
Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside
06.2022 - Current
  • Liaised with SMEs and charities to devise PR strategy.
  • Written press releases about clients to promote to local, regional, national and trade media.
  • Editorship of eight Chamber of Commerce magazines in London, Kent and Midlands.
  • Written features for Tees Business, Yorkshire Life and Northern Insight.
  • Established company's brand presence by developing comprehensive marketing strategies.
  • Handled crisis management situations for clients.
  • Set company vision and mission for clear strategic direction.
  • Provided high quality written content for websites, newsletters, e-newsletters and blogs.
  • Created a customer-focused culture for improved client retention.
  • Negotiated key partnerships, strengthening business network.
  • Spearheaded major projects, leading to successful completion within deadlines.
  • Applied digital marketing tactics to drive business growth and awareness.
  • Facilitated ongoing website updates and maintenance to align with brand evolution.
  • Formed strong partnerships with other agencies and taken on voluntary roles.

Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner

Linthorpe Community Primary School
Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
11.2021 - 12.2022
  • Provided one-to-one mental health support to KS1 and KS2 children, addressing behavioural issues and delivering targeted support for anxiety.
  • Served as school lead liaison for Headstart South Tees and The Junction Young Carers.
  • Adhered to strict safeguarding regulations and fostered strong relationships with pupils, staff and parents.
  • Acted as qualified attachment lead for several students with emotional regulation difficulties.
  • Developed individualised support plans that enhanced pupils' outcomes.
  • Completed multiple training courses to maintain up-to-date knowledge.

Level 3 Teaching Assistant

Linthorpe Community Primary School
Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
10.2016 - 12.2022
  • Delivered teaching cover across various classes, including French and handwriting.
  • Provided tailored support for children with special needs in English, maths and curriculum lessons.
  • Prepared educational resources and managed administrative tasks efficiently.
  • Led intervention groups to boost students' confidence and scores in reading and writing.
  • Served as an after-school English tutor within national Covid catch-up programme, focusing on phonics and writing skills.
  • Simplified complex topics to enhance student understanding and retention.
  • Coordinated after-school clubs contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
  • Collaborated with teaching staff to develop tailored learning plans for students requiring additional assistance.
  • Managed behavioural issues promptly and effectively, maintaining a calm learning environment.

Multimedia Journalist

The Gazette
Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
12.2000 - 10.2016
  • Served as lifestyle editor, news desk editor, education reporter, and business features writer.
  • Sourced and wrote news stories, business articles and features while editing and proofreading content.
  • Cultivated relationships with colleagues at The Gazette, regional media, PR firms, and local businesses.
  • Collaborated on Family Life platform, determining content direction, conducting interviews, and arranging photo shoots.
  • Liaised with advertising and promotions teams to design layouts, proofread copy, and enhance social media presence.
  • Reported on council meetings, agendas and elections for comprehensive coverage as council and politics reporter.
  • Developed engaging content for supplements including business, weddings, homes and interiors.
  • Maintained ethical standards whilst reporting controversial topics.
  • Gained trust and credibility with sources through respectful communication practices.

Education

NVQ Level 2 - Various business courses

NCFE
Middlesbrough
08.2022 -

Diploma of Higher Education - NCTJ in Journalism

Trinity Mirror Editorial Training, Thomson House
Newcastle
12.2000

Bachelor of Arts - English

Teesside University
Middlesbrough
08.1999

Skills

  • Warm interviewing style
  • Deadline adherence
  • 120 wpm shorthand
  • Quality journalism
  • Team collaboration
  • Diverse writing styles
  • Jargon simplification
  • PR and communications strategy
  • Editorial and commercial balance
  • Effective networking

Timeline

Board director

NetWORK NotWORK
06.2025 - Current

NVQ Level 2 - Various business courses

NCFE
08.2022 -

Company Owner/Director

SASS media Ltd
06.2022 - Current

Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner

Linthorpe Community Primary School
11.2021 - 12.2022

Level 3 Teaching Assistant

Linthorpe Community Primary School
10.2016 - 12.2022

Multimedia Journalist

The Gazette
12.2000 - 10.2016

Diploma of Higher Education - NCTJ in Journalism

Trinity Mirror Editorial Training, Thomson House

Bachelor of Arts - English

Teesside University
SARAH DALE