Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Wendy Irving

Exmouth,Devon

Summary

Dedicated professional with extensive expertise in child protection awareness, youth engagement, and mentoring. Proven ability to work effectively within multi-agency frameworks to support domestic abuse victims and ensure safeguarding procedures are followed. Skilled in attentive listening, providing emotional support, and offering personal care and daily living assistance to individuals with special needs. Committed to a youth-centred approach, focusing on youth welfare and delivering comprehensive report-writing. Career goal: To continue enhancing the well-being of young people through dedicated support and advocacy.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work history

Art Practitioner

Self Employed
Farnham, Surrey
07.2020 - 01.2025
  • Developed unique textile patterns for enhanced visual appeal.
  • Conducted market research to understand current trends in textile art.
  • Travelled abroad for inspiration and exposure to international textile trends.
  • Collaborated with fashion designers to create custom fabric designs.
  • Promoted sustainable practices through use of eco-friendly materials.
  • Handled customer queries and feedback professionally, enhancing client satisfaction.
  • Oversaw production stages from conception through completion, guaranteeing consistency.
  • Kept abreast of latest industry developments through continuous learning.
  • Managed time effectively whilst juggling multiple projects.
  • Fostered relationships with suppliers to ensure materials were always available.
  • Applied traditional weaving techniques, ensuring authenticity and quality craftsmanship.
  • Maintained studio equipment to ensure optimum efficiency.
  • Created innovative designs by integrating various textile techniques.
  • Participated in trade fairs for wider exposure of work.
  • Taught workshops on textile artistry, sharing skills and techniques.
  • Created detailed designs using manual and digital sketching and rendering techniques.
  • Set project timescales to deliver finished products withing client deadlines.
  • Conceptualised designs and presented ideas for appraisal.
  • Cultivated strong supplier relationships to access favourable material and equipment quotes.

Mobile hairdresser

Self Employed
Farnham, Surrey
02.2012 - 07.2020
  • Utilised latest hair products to ensure optimal results.
  • Kept up-to-date with current fashion trends to deliver modern hairstyles.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing exceptional hairdressing services.
  • Delivered high-quality cuts and styles for a diverse clientele.
  • Travelled across the city for providing on-demand hairdressing services to clients at their preferred locations.
  • Managed payments and invoices promptly following each session, facilitating smooth business operations.
  • Adapted quickly to last-minute changes or cancellations by rearranging schedules accordingly.
  • Built rapport with clients through genuine conversations, achieving 100% client retention.
  • Managed inventory ordering, negotiating preferred rates with suppliers
  • Increased social media account followers to promote services and reach wider client base.

Children's Worker

Ichthus Community Church
Exmouth, Devon
02.2009 - 08.2011

- Led a team of volunteers in running children's lunch, afternoon and evening clubs

- Focussed on children who struggled in relationships and fostered self esteem through play and team building

- Regularly liaised with head teachers and staff regarding achievements and any issues that came up

- Planned and organised lessons

- Planned and organised consent forms, transport, health and safety procedures

- Managed volunteers in areas such as rotas, meetings and ongoing training

- Managed the finances and accounts for the clubs as well as the purchase and maintenance of all equipment



Women's Safety Worker

South Devon Women's Aid
Buckfastleigh, Devon
02.2007 - 12.2008

- Supported women who were victims of abuse while their partners were attending an IDAP course through Probation Services

- Liaised with police, Probation Services and Social Services, sometimes attending Multi Agency Risk Assessment Meetings

- Maintained regular contact with the women I supported through telephone conversations and face to face meetings

- Kept updated records of any contact I had with clients or any new information that came up

- With a huge case load it was crucial to manage my time effectively and to plan each day with flexibility to accommodate emergencies

- Travelled extensively over South Devon showing the need for good navigation skills

- Attended regular training, Meetings with various services, and support meetings for myself


Mealtime and Classroom Assistant

Beacon C of E School
Exmouth, Devon
03.2004 - 08.2005
  • Created an inclusive learning environment by promoting respect and empathy among students.
  • Implemented behavioural management strategies suggested by teachers, maintaining a calm and focused classroom atmosphere.
  • Supported teachers by preparing classroom materials.
  • Accompanied students on field trips for safety and logistic support.
  • Facilitated communication between students and teachers for better understanding.
  • Provided one-on-one assistance to students struggling with coursework, aiding their understanding of complex topics.
  • Aided students with homework, fostering academic success.
  • Ensured a safe learning environment by monitoring student behaviour.
  • Promoted positive behaviour within the classroom setting, enhancing overall learning experience.
  • Managed classroom resources effectively, ensuring accessibility for all pupils.
  • Provided friendly, enthusiastic support to pupils in individual and group support settings.
  • Supervised pupils during lunchtimes and educational visits.
  • Safeguarded student health and wellbeing within educational settings, taking appropriate action when needed.
  • Developed and maintained positive, impactful relationships with students, facilitating improved learning outcomes.
  • Enforced appropriate repercussions in cases of student misbehaviour.
  • Observed pupils closely in classroom environment to foster engagement.
  • Created positive, engaging learning environments to improve student experiences.

Care worker

Bathcare
Exmouth, Devon
01.2003 - 11.2003
  • Offered daily living assistance such as bathing, dressing, feeding; making everyday life more manageable for clients.
  • Communicated regularly with families on client health updates, ensuring transparency and trust.
  • Conducted risk assessments within homes for enhanced safety measures implementation.
  • Utilised patience whilst handling challenging behaviours, promoting a peaceful atmosphere at all times.
  • Provided compassionate care to elderly patients by administering medication and aiding with daily activities.
  • Maintained professional boundaries whilst offering comfort and reassurance to those under hospice or respite care.
  • Handled delicate situations sensitively whilst dealing with end-of-life care.
  • Administered personal care to clients with physical disabilities for improved quality of life.
  • Improved living conditions of elderly individuals, maintaining clean environments and preparing nutritious meals.
  • Delivered high-quality care by adhering strictly to individual care plans.
  • Developed strong rapport with service users through effective listening skills and empathy.
  • Worked flexibly across different shift patterns including weekends and bank holidays to ensure continuous provision of essential care services.
  • Fostered independence amongst service users, encouraging participation in daily tasks where possible.
  • Assisted with mobility needs to prevent accidents and injuries in the home environment.
  • Enhanced comfort of palliative clients by providing emotional support and companionship.
  • Collaborated effectively with healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient care plans.

Waitress

Cavendish Hotel
Exmouth, Devon
01.1998 - 10.1998
  • Optimised workflow in busy periods through successful coordination with the kitchen staff.
  • Utilised professional communication skills to resolve customer complaints.
  • Maintained clean and organised dining area for customer comfort.
  • Showcased extensive knowledge of menu items, heightened customer decision making.

Youth worker

Community Links
London
11.1996 - 12.1997
  • Facilitated open discussions on sensitive topics to promote awareness and empathy among youths.
  • Implemented creative workshops to foster creativity and teamwork among youths.
  • Organised recreational activities, enhancing social skills of young individuals.
  • Conducted risk assessments prior to outdoor activities ensuring safety of all participants.
  • Enhanced community cohesion with the organisation of local events.
  • Assisted young individuals in building life skills through various interactive activities and discussions.
  • Fostered better understanding of societal issues, leading to improved behaviour amongst participants.
  • Assisted in conflict resolution, promoting a peaceful atmosphere within group settings.
  • Provided comprehensive support for youth personal development through mentoring and guidance.
  • Provided emotional support during challenging times, ensuring well-being of youths under care.
  • Maintained safe, positive environment to encourage youth participation and growth.
  • Established effective communication channels between parents and children resulting in stronger family bonds.
  • Encouraged participation and engagement in planned activities.
  • Safeguarded young people in line with national guidelines.
  • Maintained awareness of child protection issues and established procedures.
  • Organised inclusive sporting activities, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.

Education

Master of Arts - Textiles

University for the Creative Arts
Farnham, Surrey
09/2021 - 09/2022

Bachelor of Arts - Textiles

University for the Creative Arts
Farnham, Surrey
09/2017 - 07/2021

Access to Higher Education - Art and Design

University for the Creative Arts
Farnham, Surrey
09/2013 - 06/2014

Access to Higher Education - Humanities and Social Science

Open College Network of the South West
Exmouth, Devon
09/2005 - 07/2006

Skills

  • Child protection awareness
  • Youth engagement
  • Youth mentoring
  • Multi-agency working
  • Domestic abuse support
  • Safeguarding procedures
  • Attentive listening
  • Special needs familiarity
  • Youth welfare focus
  • Report-writing
  • Youth-centred approach
  • Personal care and daily living assistance
  • Emotional support and companionship

Timeline

Art Practitioner

Self Employed
07.2020 - 01.2025

Mobile hairdresser

Self Employed
02.2012 - 07.2020

Children's Worker

Ichthus Community Church
02.2009 - 08.2011

Women's Safety Worker

South Devon Women's Aid
02.2007 - 12.2008

Mealtime and Classroom Assistant

Beacon C of E School
03.2004 - 08.2005

Care worker

Bathcare
01.2003 - 11.2003

Waitress

Cavendish Hotel
01.1998 - 10.1998

Youth worker

Community Links
11.1996 - 12.1997

Master of Arts - Textiles

University for the Creative Arts
09/2021 - 09/2022

Bachelor of Arts - Textiles

University for the Creative Arts
09/2017 - 07/2021

Access to Higher Education - Art and Design

University for the Creative Arts
09/2013 - 06/2014

Access to Higher Education - Humanities and Social Science

Open College Network of the South West
09/2005 - 07/2006
Wendy Irving