Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Additional Information
References
Timeline
Generic

Vanessa De Castro

Carlisle,Cumbria

Summary

Versatile professional with expertise in customer service, financial management, and operational leadership. Demonstrates exceptional skills in risk assessment, project coordination, and team motivation, ensuring seamless execution of organisational objectives. Skilled in IT systems and time management, with a proven ability to maintain resilience under pressure while fostering empathy and compassion in client interactions. Committed to driving impactful results through strategic planning and effective collaboration.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Chief Executive Officer

Cumbria Gateway Ltd
Carlisle, Cumbria
11.2022 - 08.2025

Directed daily operations for 20 employees across four sites, motivating teams to exceed targets.

Established strong relationships with funders and stakeholders to support organisational goals.

Collaborated with board of directors to set objectives and lead operational initiatives.

Managed financial operations, payroll, and accounting processes using Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks.

Authored and submitted funding bids to secure necessary resources.

Ensured compliance with relevant legislation and regulations throughout the organisation.

Recruited and led senior staff to achieve all key performance indicators for funding reporting.

Maintained regular client contact to address needs and enhance service delivery.

Development Manager

Cumbria Gateway Ltd
Carlisle, Cumbria
02.2017 - 11.2022

Launched Gateway 4 Women Carlisle, creating a supportive environment for vulnerable women in Cumbria.
Drafted and submitted funding bids to obtain necessary financial resources for operations.
Cultivated relationships with local organisations for enhanced support services availability.
Partnered with agencies like Police, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol services for holistic care.
Organised activity schedules while leading various group sessions for participants.
Implemented policies, procedures, and referral documents to streamline operations.
Handled all financial transactions including payroll management efficiently.
Directed recruitment and training initiatives as the project scaled.

Office Manager

Bell Decorating Group
Carlisle, Cumbria
11.2016 - 02.2017

Administered payroll system to ensure timely payments without errors or delays.

Organised filing systems and maintained records in compliance with legal requirements.

Handled incoming correspondence, facilitating prompt responses and informed decision-making.

Implemented new filing systems to enhance data retrieval efficiency.

Oversaw daily office operations to maintain workflow continuity.

Coordinated staff holiday schedules, minimising disruptions to productivity.

Project Manager

Cumbria Gateway Ltd
Carlisle, Cumbria
11.2015 - 11.2016

Oversaw management of 17 units of supported accommodation, ensuring operational efficiency.

Coordinated all tenant referrals and completed necessary paperwork.

Supported tenants facing multiple vulnerabilities through tailored assistance.

Managed risk assessments to ensure safety and compliance.

Maintained accurate documentation for all clients.

Collaborated with contractors for property maintenance and improvements.

Processed payroll and managed financial transactions effectively.

Supervised support staff to enhance service delivery.

Support Worker/Group Facilitator

Cumbria Gateway Ltd
Carlisle, Cumbria
01.2015 - 11.2015

Provided daily support to all clients accessing Cumbria Gateway.

Facilitated various groups on diverse topics to encourage engagement.

Supported tenants in the supported housing project to enhance wellbeing.

Led an Arts and Crafts group, promoting creativity and social interaction.

Assisted clients in the Charity Shop to develop new skills and confidence.

Networked with other support organisations to foster collaboration and resource sharing.

Kleeneze Representative/Nail Technician

Self Employed
Carlisle, Cumbria
01.2012 - 12.2014

Ensured high service standards to foster positive customer experiences.

Expanded client base through effective networking strategies.

Developed and nurtured productive client relationships to enhance loyalty.

Delivered exceptional customer care to uphold brand reputation.

Office/Customer Services Manager

Pure Leisure
Carlisle, Cumbria
09.2003 - 12.2011

Managed small office operations for sales of lodges to holiday parks.

Communicated daily with customers to update on lodge progress.

Ordered materials and internal furnishings based on customer specifications.

Processed financial documents, including payroll for workshop staff.

Produced monthly sales reports for head office review.

Resolved complaints and addressed snagging issues efficiently.

Coordinated transport logistics for lodge delivery to parks.

Education

Diploma of Higher Education - Leadership for Health and Social Care

Pearson Education Ltd
Carlisle, Cumbria
11.2015 - 11.2016

VTCT Nail Technology Level 3 Diploma - Beauty

Kendal College
Kendal, Cumbria
04.2012 - 12.2012

Numeracy and Office Management - Administration

Carlisle College
Carlisle
09.1986 - 06.1987

O Level - Maths, English, Biology

Nelson Thomlinson School
Wigton, Cumbria
09.1985 - 06.1986

GCSEs - Maths, English, RSA Typing, Biology, Geography, History

Silloth Secondary School
Silloth, Cumbria
09.1980 - 06.1985

Skills

  • Customer service skills
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Financial management
  • Operational leadership
  • Risk assessment
  • Team motivation
  • Project coordination
  • IT proficiency
  • Time management
  • Resilience under pressure

Accomplishments

I was awarded the social entrepreneur of the year at the 2018 Cumbria Social Enterprise award

I was nominated for Cumbria Women of the year in 2024

Affiliations

May hobbies include Travelling, Music and and Arts and Crafts


Additional Information

I hold a Full Uk Driving Licence

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Chief Executive Officer

Cumbria Gateway Ltd
11.2022 - 08.2025

Development Manager

Cumbria Gateway Ltd
02.2017 - 11.2022

Office Manager

Bell Decorating Group
11.2016 - 02.2017

Project Manager

Cumbria Gateway Ltd
11.2015 - 11.2016

Diploma of Higher Education - Leadership for Health and Social Care

Pearson Education Ltd
11.2015 - 11.2016

Support Worker/Group Facilitator

Cumbria Gateway Ltd
01.2015 - 11.2015

VTCT Nail Technology Level 3 Diploma - Beauty

Kendal College
04.2012 - 12.2012

Kleeneze Representative/Nail Technician

Self Employed
01.2012 - 12.2014

Office/Customer Services Manager

Pure Leisure
09.2003 - 12.2011

Numeracy and Office Management - Administration

Carlisle College
09.1986 - 06.1987

O Level - Maths, English, Biology

Nelson Thomlinson School
09.1985 - 06.1986

GCSEs - Maths, English, RSA Typing, Biology, Geography, History

Silloth Secondary School
09.1980 - 06.1985
Vanessa De Castro