Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Sophie Clark

Team Leader/ Swim Teacher
Basildon,Essex
Sophie Clark

Summary

In 2014 at Writtle College I attained a Level 2 Diploma in sport, an Extended Diploma Level 3 in Outdoor Adventure Sports and a wealth of work experience within retail and leisure industries. During this period, I developed strong communication and customer services skills; which have enabled me to communicate with all levels of staff, management, various demographics and age groups in a calm and logical manner. I have learnt and am proficient at defusing confrontational situations to the satisfaction of staff and customers alike. I am proficient in the use of manual/ computerised cash tills and various IT applications found within the workplace.


I have continued to progress and develop my career within the leisure Industry by attaining professional qualifications to become a swimming instructor and now teach adults and child, levels 1-10 (ages 3 and up ) and adults (non-swimmers to swimmers in need of technique improvement).


As a Lead Instructor, I have developed my knowledge of climbing skills relating to teaching junior and adult sessions I am completing the CWA examination for Indoor Rock Climbing. As part of the climbing management team, I fully contribute and am highly conversant with the day-to-day tasks, health and safety procedures and monthly sales targets. I regularly send updates for the social media page "Village Climbing Wall at BSV" (Facebook).

I strongly believe by sharing my knowledge, ideas, and research into new methods with colleagues and customers that not only encourage new clientele but also improve the standard of service and teaching which is provided.


During the past 10 years of working, I have earned the respect and trust of the management, colleagues, and clientele. I have achieved this by being fair with everyone and ensuring we deliver great quality sessions daily. Thus enabling me to have the best relationship with the public and employees alike. I am confident with my commitment, motivation, and approachability I will be an excellent addition to the team.











Overview

12
years of professional experience
9
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Everyone Active
Basildon, Essex

Team leader
01.2024 - Current

Job overview

  • Fostered positive employee relationships through communication, training and coaching.
  • Professionally handled difficult customer complaints and objections to maintain first-class customer service standards.
  • Led performance reviews and tailored employee feedback to facilitate professional development.
  • Followed opening, closing and shift changeover procedures for seamless operations.
  • Provided leadership and direction for employees, supervising activities to drive productivity and efficiency.
  • Observed swimmers attentively, quickly responding to risks and concerns.
  • Supervised pool sessions.
  • Patrolled pools, offering ongoing guidance to swimmers for guaranteed safety and security.
  • Collaborated with team to achieve full pool coverage and cleaning procedures.
  • Minimised accidents by sharing health and safety awareness.
  • Identified and communicated any potential health, safety or accident risks to facility supervisor.
  • Maximised customer satisfaction by greeting guests with courtesy, resolving issues promptly and with enthusiasm.
  • Consistently checked water temperatures, pH and chlorine levels to safeguard swimmers' health.
  • Liaised with pool management to address and rectify safety concerns promptly.

Everyone Active
Chichester, West Sussex

Swimming teacher
10.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Followed all child safety measures related to pool and water hazards.
  • Delivered fun, practical swimming programmes to meet class objectives.
  • Maximised individual swimmer achievement, delivering personalised one-on-one coaching to boost progress.
  • Established and maintained excellent customer relationships, putting pupils at ease with confident, can-do attitude.
  • Followed current swimming instruction frameworks to meet certification standards and best practices.
  • Built positive relationships with staff and swimmers to develop productive lesson environments.
  • Understood and observed safeguarding policies to maintain student safety during and outside of swimming lessons.
  • Documented lesson delivery and recorded attendance to monitor swimmer progress.
  • Set up equipment for swimming lessons and cleaned after use to maintain health and hygiene standards.
  • Observed swimmers abilities and gave tips on improving technique.
  • Adapted teaching to suit individual and group needs for responsive swimming lesson instruction.
  • Created safe, fun environments to improve swimmer engagement whilst maintaining safety.
  • Educated participants on acceptable behaviour and standards of play.
  • Motivated individuals and groups to achieve positive results against set goals.
  • Planned and facilitated regular sessions using evidence-based practices to improve performance.

Everyone Active
Basildon, Essex

Swimming teacher
04.2017 - Current

Job overview

  • Established and maintained excellent customer relationships, putting pupils at ease with confident, can-do attitude.
  • Developed specialised classes for swimmers with disabilities.
  • Prepared lesson plans and comprehensive work schemes in alignment with Learn to Swim Programme requirements.
  • Adapted teaching to suit individual and group needs for responsive swimming lesson instruction.
  • Set up equipment for swimming lessons and cleaned after use to maintain health and hygiene standards.
  • Created safe, fun environments to improve swimmer engagement whilst maintaining safety.
  • Encouraged swimmers through motivational coaching, maximising their potential.
  • Followed current swimming instruction frameworks to meet certification standards and best practices.

High sports
Basildon, Essex

Rock climbing instructor
04.2014 - 10.2019

Job overview

  • Kept meticulous records of programme participant data, payment and attendance.
  • Tailored activities to participant needs and abilities, prioritising group activities that brought individuals together.
  • Managed class enrollment and monitored capacity to inform equipment and space needs.
  • Monitored student progress and delivered constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Checked recreational equipment on frequent basis to support longevity and safety.
  • Taught physical education principles covering exercise strategies, sports and safety.
  • Educated students in equipment use and safety.
  • Enforced safety protocols and activity rules to reduce risks.
  • Provided safe, caring and fun learning environment for students and participants.
  • Led by example to maintain team motivation, ensuring daily tasks were performed accurately and efficiently.
  • Performed thorough quality and safety checks, ensuring all specifications were strictly adhered to.
  • Dealt with customer complaints and rectified product and service issues.
  • Maintained clean, organised working areas to create positive, productive environments with minimal risk.
  • Motivated team through providing hands-on practical support to all members of staff on duty.
  • Maintained spotless and tidy working areas to create risk-free and productive environments.
  • Offered instruction, coaching and motivation for enhanced team morale.
  • Built customer retention and satisfaction by delivering top-quality service.
  • Identified operational problems and proposed solutions to management, improving service efficiency.
  • Managed daily planning of workplace operations, clearly communicating targets to staff for smooth, efficient task delivery.
  • Managed store opening and closing, taking key holder responsibilities seriously to uphold robust security.
  • Demonstrated ability to assess risk and respond to issues appropriately, eliminating workplace accidents and incidents.
  • Maintained documents and records to comply with internal policies and external regulations.
  • Managed staff rotas, planning workloads effectively and strategically.
  • Oversaw day-to-day activities of team, ensuring tasks were completed to high standard.
  • Coordinated employee schedules and handled resource management to remove barriers to productivity.

Everyone Active
Basildon, Essex

Membership consultant
10.2016 - 08.2017

Job overview

  • Leveraged market and competitor data to identify market opportunities and gaps.
  • Developed marketing plans to support department strategies.
  • Developed targeted advice for decision-makers on how best to reach target consumers and build awareness.
  • Built public relations strategies for broadened advertising scope.
  • Coordinated placements for television and radio, social media and print publication advertisements.

Strut
Billericay, Essex

Swimming assistant
02.2016 - 06.2016

Job overview

  • Prepared premises and supplies for arriving guests.
  • Followed non-discriminatory practices, serving students of all backgrounds and ability levels.
  • Observed other instructors and lecturers, learning new techniques for future lectures and courses.
  • Mixed traditional and modern learning techniques to deliver diversified instruction.
  • Collaborated with fellow instructors on ways to improve instruction and better serve student needs.
  • Developed hands-on activities to encourage students to explore concepts and deepen understanding.
  • Provided safe, caring and fun learning environment for students and participants.
  • Maintained records of assessments and submitted timely feedback to students.
  • Remained calm in stressful situations, resolving conflicts and solving issues with ease.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with course attendees to ensure satisfaction and learning.
  • Monitored and documented student participation, assignments and attendance.
  • Adhered to course guidelines and applicable standards for instruction.
  • Protected students and staff by following correct health and safety procedures.

Kingswood
Hexham, Northumberland

Outdoor activities instructor
06.2015 - 10.2015

Job overview

  • Taught physical education principles covering exercise strategies, sports and safety.
  • Maintained complex schedule of group activities and related events.
  • Selected and coordinated use of outdoor areas and recreational equipment.
  • Conducted skill assessments and uncovered performance gaps.
  • Checked recreational equipment on frequent basis to support longevity and safety.
  • Assessed effectiveness and participation levels for social events and activities programme regularly.
  • Contributed to development of varied and stimulating activity programmes.
  • Monitored student progress and delivered constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Communicated with prospective participants to answer questions and provide information.
  • Cultivated positive relationships with participants by interacting with groups during classes.
  • Provided safe, caring and fun learning environment for students and participants.
  • Educated students in equipment use and safety.
  • Enforced safety protocols and activity rules to reduce risks.
  • Tailored activities to participant needs and abilities, prioritising group activities that brought individuals together.
  • Demonstrated techniques in a hands-on environment using industry equipment, materials and technologies.

Altons Garden Centre
Basildon, Essex

Cashier
10.2011 - 12.2014

Job overview

  • Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
  • Displayed and restocked merchandise by following brand guidelines.
  • Resolved customer complaints and answered queries about store products.
  • Educated customers on promotions, offers and special events to enhance product sales.
  • Reduced customer wait times through optimised checkout processes.
  • Processed sales, exchange and refund transactions efficiently to reduce customer waiting times.
  • Delivered outstanding customer care with proactive sales and listening skills.
  • Handled cash and card payments with precision, maintaining customer confidentiality and discretion throughout.
  • Completed opening and closing procedures each day.
  • Made sure baskets, bags and trolleys were available for customers and didn't obstruct aisles or entrances.
  • Kept checkouts areas and general store clean and orderly.
  • Assisted customers to locate obscure items on shop floor.
  • Helped customers to pack away shopping for improved customer experience.
  • Scanned products quickly, memorising codes and prices for unmarked products.
  • Engaged in pleasant chit chat for friendly and personalised service.
  • Checked notes carefully to spot counterfeit currency.

Education

The Basildon Upper Academy
Basildon

GCSEs
10.2007 - 07.2011

University overview

  • English C
  • Science's Distinction* (A*)
  • Art and Designs Merit (B)
  • Maths D
  • Textiles Merit (B)

Writtle College
Chelmsford

Diploma of Higher Education from Level 2 in Sports Diploma
09.2011 - 06.2012

University overview

This one-year, full-time programme has been developed for those wishing to take the first steps into the Sports and Fitness industries.

The range of sporting disciplines required for this course include: Personal Fitness, Sports Coaching, Personal Training, Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition and Outdoor Adventure Activities.


  • Fitness for Sport and Exercise
  • Practical Sports Performance
  • Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Performance

Writtle College
Chelmsford

Diploma of Higher Education from Level 3 in Outdoor Adventure in Sports
09.2012 - 06.2014

University overview

Endorsed by the Institute of Outdoor Learning (IOL), the Level 3 BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities is aimed at post-16 learners looking to progress to employment as an Assistant Outdoor Activities Instructor.



  • Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
  • Health, Wellbeing and Sport
  • Personal Skills Development in Outdoor Activities
  • Health and Safety Factors in Outdoor Learning
  • Outdoor Activity Provision Sport Development
  • Nutrition for Physical Performance
  • Impacts and Sustainability of Outdoor Activities
  • Expedition Experience

CYQ

from Level 1 & 2 Personal Instructor
09.2011 - 06.2012

University overview

Gym Qualification understanding how the gym floor is run and how the equipment works with gym user's.

CYQ
Basildon, Essex

Diploma of Higher Education from Level 3 Personal Trainer
09.2019 - 12.2020

University overview

Delivering a quality program to your clients and making different goals that are achievable for them to be able to achieve within reason. showing and help them with different techniques.

Swim England
Basildon, Essex

ASA Level 1 from Level 1 swimming instructor
04.2016 - 05.2016

University overview

Basildon Community Centre
Basildon, Essex

GCSEs from Maths
09.2020 - 06.2021

University overview

Skills

Cashier

Sports Leadership

Communication Skill's


Timeline

Team leader
Everyone Active
01.2024 - Current
Swimming teacher
Everyone Active
10.2022 - Current
Basildon Community Centre
GCSEs from Maths
09.2020 - 06.2021
CYQ
Diploma of Higher Education from Level 3 Personal Trainer
09.2019 - 12.2020
Swimming teacher
Everyone Active
04.2017 - Current
Membership consultant
Everyone Active
10.2016 - 08.2017
Swim England
ASA Level 1 from Level 1 swimming instructor
04.2016 - 05.2016
Swimming assistant
Strut
02.2016 - 06.2016
Outdoor activities instructor
Kingswood
06.2015 - 10.2015
Rock climbing instructor
High sports
04.2014 - 10.2019
Writtle College
Diploma of Higher Education from Level 3 in Outdoor Adventure in Sports
09.2012 - 06.2014
Cashier
Altons Garden Centre
10.2011 - 12.2014
Writtle College
Diploma of Higher Education from Level 2 in Sports Diploma
09.2011 - 06.2012
CYQ
from Level 1 & 2 Personal Instructor
09.2011 - 06.2012
The Basildon Upper Academy
GCSEs
10.2007 - 07.2011
Sophie ClarkTeam Leader/ Swim Teacher