Sharon Edwards
Forres
Summary
Experienced Senior Manager with a proven track record of leading, inspiring and delivering high-quality personalised services.
Experienced advocate with a robust foundation in communication and social justice, leading initiatives that prioritise non-discrimination and community collaboration.
Proficient in family assessments, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution, delivering impactful support in various contexts. Specialised in relationship and contract management, dedicated to advancing social equity and responsiveness. Focused on improving outcomes for children and young people through targeted partnerships and programs.
Newly Qualified Social Worker relocating to Moray, Scotland, equipped with transferable skills and experience aimed at addressing inequalities. Proficient in duty and assessment, case handling, analysis and planning, including Early Help Continuum of Need assessments and planning, Section 17 Child and Family Assessments, Child in Need Action Planning, co-working Section 47 enquiries and supporting children under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989.
Passionate about contributing to Scotland’s vision to fulfil the Promise, committed to collaborating with communities, public sector, and organisations to redress the balance to create stability and equality for children and young people.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
MA Social Work
University of Bradford
Bradford
2023.04 - 2025.07
- Enhanced understanding of social work responsibilities within legal and policy frameworks.
- Cultivated critical analysis skills to evaluate issues from diverse perspectives.
- Strengthened professional practice skills, including assessment and risk management.
- Acquired effective communication techniques for engaging service users and communities.
- Gained confidence in challenging inequalities through application of social justice principles.
- Refined skills in critical reflection and analysis for continuous personal development.
Head of Mid Corporate Sales - South
Global Payments Inc.
Leicester
2019.10 - 2023.01
- Recruited and managed a pool of top talent to enhance organisational capability.
- Devised Customer Centric Sales Methodology, improving sales processes and training resources.
- Achieved 155% of sales revenue target, recognised as Top Performer.
- Facilitated change management transitioning from contractor to employed model.
Business development manager
Avon UK
Northampton, Northamptonshire
2017.06 - 2019.10
- Generated new business opportunities, maximising sales for Breast Cancer and Domestic Abuse initiatives.
- Achieved all KPIs and bonus incentives consistently.
- Conducted market research to identify potential business prospects.
- Recruited and retained Independent Representatives and Sales Leaders.
- Coached self-employed individuals to enhance business development skills.
- Motivated teams to maximise sales and achieve full earnings potential.
- Fostered client relationships, enhancing brand loyalty significantly.
- Developed networks, organised promotional events, and monitored area performance.
National Customer Service Manager
Scope
London
2010.01 - 2017.01
- Developed customer-centric strategies, leading to improved satisfaction levels.
- Managed National Customer Service department, ensuring compliance with legal standards and good governance.
- Resolved issues proactively to enhance customer experience.
- Collaborated with departments to streamline business operations effectively.
- Prioritised tasks by urgency and importance for optimal workflow.
National Operations Manager
Scope
London
2008.01 - 2010.01
- Successfully managed large-scale projects to completion within budget constraints.
- Monitored budgets and controlled expenditure to optimise financial performance.
- Delivered training programmes that enhanced staff skills and development.
- Provided leadership, support, and guidance to Senior Managers across national teams.
Area/Regional Manager
Scope
Wakefield
2006.01 - 2008.01
- Established transparent communication channels with staff, promoting trust within the team.
- Developed contingency plans that ensured minimal disruption during crises.
- Achieved operational efficiency by streamlining regional processes.
- Provided leadership and guidance to Team Leaders for Ofsted accreditation on national DWP contracts.
Senior Community Fieldworker
Scope
Wakefield
2004.01 - 2006.01
- Responsible for a team of nationwide Community Fieldworkers providing effective support for disabled adults and children
- Collaborated directly with children, parents, and carers to address individual needs
Partnership Committee Administrator
Scope
Wakefield
2002.01 - 2004.01
- Supported 26 groups of disabled individuals by administering grants and organising accessible venues
- Organised key company meetings, facilitating enhanced communication across departments
- Chaired and presented major events to diverse stakeholders, ensuring participation for all
- Compiled essential data into spreadsheets to improve understanding of business performance
- Streamlined office operations through implementation of efficient administrative procedures
- Managed office supplies inventory, ensuring project readiness at all times
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
University of Bradford
Bradford 2023.04 - 2025.07
Bachelor of Arts - Health and Social Care
University of Leeds/The Open University
LeedsCertificate of Higher Education - Managing Care
The Open University
LeedsLevel 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) - Preparing to Teach Lifelong Learning Sector (PTTLS)
Barnsley College
BarnsleyHigher National Diploma - Business and Finance
Wakefield College
WakefieldNVQ Level 3 - Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
Wakefield College
WakefieldCertificate of Higher Education - European Computer Driving License
Wakefield College
WakefieldNVQ Level 3 - Administration
Leeds City College
LeedsQLS Level 2 - Functional Skills Maths and English
Academy for Health and Fitness
SwindonGCSEs - 11 O Level/CSE’s including Maths and English
North Ossett High School
WakefieldDiploma of Higher Education - Special Educational Needs (SEN)
1 Training
UKSkills
- Effective communication
- Social justice advocacy
- Leadership
- Family assessment
- Emotional intelligence
- Reflective practice
- Cultural competence
- Non-discriminatory practices
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Adaptability
- Relationship management
- Conflict resolution
- Contract management
- Change responsiveness
Accomplishments
UBU Volunteering Gold Award for International Placement in South Africa contributing 100+ hours volunteering and as Vice President of UBU Social Justice Society
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
MA Social Work
University of Bradford
2023.04 - 2025.07
Master of Arts - Social Work
University of Bradford
2023.04 - 2025.07
Head of Mid Corporate Sales - South
Global Payments Inc.
2019.10 - 2023.01
Business development manager
Avon UK
2017.06 - 2019.10
National Customer Service Manager
Scope
2010.01 - 2017.01
National Operations Manager
Scope
2008.01 - 2010.01
Area/Regional Manager
Scope
2006.01 - 2008.01
Senior Community Fieldworker
Scope
2004.01 - 2006.01
Partnership Committee Administrator
Scope
2002.01 - 2004.01
Bachelor of Arts - Health and Social Care
University of Leeds/The Open University
Certificate of Higher Education - Managing Care
The Open University
Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) - Preparing to Teach Lifelong Learning Sector (PTTLS)
Barnsley College
Higher National Diploma - Business and Finance
Wakefield College
NVQ Level 3 - Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
Wakefield College
Certificate of Higher Education - European Computer Driving License
Wakefield College
NVQ Level 3 - Administration
Leeds City College
QLS Level 2 - Functional Skills Maths and English
Academy for Health and Fitness
GCSEs - 11 O Level/CSE’s including Maths and English
North Ossett High School
Diploma of Higher Education - Special Educational Needs (SEN)
1 Training