Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic
Sharon Edwards

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
04.2023 - 07.2025


  • 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
10.2019 - 01.2023
  • 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
06.2017 - 10.2019
  • 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
01.2010 - 01.2017
  • 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
01.2008 - 01.2010
  • 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
01.2006 - 01.2008
  • 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
01.2004 - 01.2006
  • 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
01.2002 - 01.2004
  • 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
04.2023 - 07.2025

Bachelor of Arts - Health and Social Care

University of Leeds/The Open University
Leeds

Certificate of Higher Education - Managing Care

The Open University
Leeds

Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) - Preparing to Teach Lifelong Learning Sector (PTTLS)

Barnsley College
Barnsley

Higher National Diploma - Business and Finance

Wakefield College
Wakefield

NVQ Level 3 - Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)

Wakefield College
Wakefield

Certificate of Higher Education - European Computer Driving License

Wakefield College
Wakefield

NVQ Level 3 - Administration

Leeds City College
Leeds

QLS Level 2 - Functional Skills Maths and English

Academy for Health and Fitness
Swindon

GCSEs - 11 O Level/CSE’s including Maths and English

North Ossett High School
Wakefield

Diploma of Higher Education - Special Educational Needs (SEN)

1 Training
UK

Skills

  • 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
04.2023 - 07.2025

Master of Arts - Social Work

University of Bradford
04.2023 - 07.2025

Head of Mid Corporate Sales - South

Global Payments Inc.
10.2019 - 01.2023

Business development manager

Avon UK
06.2017 - 10.2019

National Customer Service Manager

Scope
01.2010 - 01.2017

National Operations Manager

Scope
01.2008 - 01.2010

Area/Regional Manager

Scope
01.2006 - 01.2008

Senior Community Fieldworker

Scope
01.2004 - 01.2006

Partnership Committee Administrator

Scope
01.2002 - 01.2004

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
Sharon Edwards