Foresight StaffMonday February 06, 2012

Employed by the organisation in July 2003 as Development Manager. My role was to develop the organisation to meet the needs and requirements of the blind and visually impaired people of North East Lincolnshire and the surrounding area. Following our relocation to the ‘Putting the See in Community’ centre I was appointed as Chief Officer of the organisation.

I am responsible for the day to day strategic management of the organisation, advising and reporting to the board of trustees on all major decisions and accessing appropriate funding to move the organisation forward. Other responsibilities include representing the organisation on committees and other steering groups and line management of all other project managers.

Prior to my employment with Foresight I worked as a training officer for the local authority based in the local community working with the long term unemployed. This experience coupled with my current employment has given me vast experience and knowledge of the voluntary sector and the disadvantage facing the local community and I am now well known and respected in the voluntary sector.

Before working for the local authority I was responsible for the management of a local manufacturing unit employing 135 people with an annual turnover of six million pounds. This developed my person management and budgeting skills in a variety of ways in particular, person management, organisational, budgeting and project planning. I was also responsible for negotiating contracts with buyers from major high street stores and selling, promoting and publishing the product. These skills have been extremely useful in my current role.

My qualifications are Level 4 Management, health and safety, 7307 teaching, first aid, OCN level 3 bid writing and funding advice, managing community buildings and various other courses in project management and monitoring and evaluation all of which are extremely relevant for my role in the organisation.

SUSAN BELL – OPERATIONS MANAGER

Employed by the organisation in January 2005 I am now responsible for the day to day running of various projects within the organisation.

Within my previous role as Centre Manager I have been integral for the growth of the learning programme and through vibrant promotion of the organisation, a large increase in user numbers.

Prior to my employment with Foresight I worked in the private sector for 11 years as a senior administrator for a multinational food processing company. This equipped me with vast experience and person management skills which have been essential to my success in the voluntary sector.

I possess NVQ level 2, 7307 teaching qualification, NVQ level 4 Information Advice and Guidance, visual impairment awareness training, first aid training, health and safety qualification. I have attended project management and monitoring and evaluation training courses all of which are highly relevant for my role within the organisation.

ADRIAN WILSON – FINANCE OFFICER

Employed by the organisation in August 2005 on a part time basis and was offered full time employment in January 2006 undertaking a role as finance officer.

In my role of finance officer I am responsible for compiling budgets and spending policies producing annual company accounts ready for audit and all issues in the organisations day to day finances including wages.

Prior to my employment with Foresight I worked for 5 years as a senior administrator for the Legal Service franchise, IT support worker, court desk advisor and accountant for the Grimsby and Cleethorpes and District Citizens Advice Bureau. I am qualified to Association of Accounting Technicians, NVQ Level 3 Business, Finance and Administration, A level Business Law. This equips me with a wide range of administration and finance experience and a good knowledge of the local voluntary sector and disadvantage faced by individuals. I am utilising all this expertise in my present post alongside my qualifications.

JODIE WHOTTON – ASSISTANT TO OPERATIONS MANAGER

Employed by Foresight since August 2008 as an Administrator, I progressed into the role of Befriending Co-ordinator and I recently got promoted to Assistant to Operations Manager.

I am responsible for the co-ordination of the Befriending service, Stepping Forward to Work programme, Adult Engagement project, Adult Safeguarding Learning programme, delivery of the OCN accredited courses and the UK Online Myguide User Journey project.

Since being at Foresight, I have achieved my A1 Assessors and Initial Assessment Awards, NVQ Level 3 in IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance) that has given me the opportunity to deliver IAG sessions to learners within the centre. I have achieved Preparing to Teach in Lifelong Learning Sector (PTTLS) Level 4 that has helped enable me to teach Computing classes and Reception and Business Administration in the centre. I also hold a BA Honours Degree in Business Management.

MARIE BRAY – SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR

I joined the Foresight team in August 2009 as an Administrator. Prior to working at Foresight I worked in sales and marketing at e-Factor. I have also worked in Administration at various companies in Grimsby. I was promoted to Senior Administrator in September 2010.

I am responsible for the running of the daytime learning within the centre, organising new taster sessions and term classes, enrolments of the Adult Safeguarding Learning programme, managing and training our two apprentice Administrators and providing administration support to the Chief Officer, Operations Manager and the Finance Manager.

Since joining Foresight, I have completed training in Challenging Behaviour, Minute Taking and Basic Food Hygiene, Business Administration NVQ Level 2, Institute of Leadership and Management certificate, Safeguarding Children & Adults, Preparing to Teach in Lifelong Learning Sector (PTTLS) and I am currently studying Volunteer Management NVQ level 3.

SARAH YARDY – FINANCE AND GRANTS ASSISTANT

Employed by the organisation in January 2007 as a receptionist, providing a high quality front of house service, meeting and greeting visitors to our community centre.

Prior to my commencing my employment with Foresight I undertook both work experience and voluntary work with the Citizens Advice Bureau assisting with the older peoples’ benefits service. As I am disabled being offered employment at Foresight was a fantastic opportunity to work with an organisation which promoted the rights of disabled people. My work experience was arranged through Scope who also delivered my initial reception and administrative training which allowed me to build up the confidence to undertake a work placement. I have since undertaken the following training, reception, desk top publishing, visual impairment awareness, first aid, health and safety courses, telephone handling courses all of which have proved essential to my employment.

CLARISE SOUTHERN – ADMINISTRATOR

I was employed by Foresight in November 2010 through an apprenticeship course by the Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education. Since finishing my apprenticeship I have been taken on full time as an administrator.

I am responsible for inputting the data, completing the enrolment process, also minute taking, correspondence and reception duties and I also liaise with people on a regular basis. I have achieved my NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration and I am now working towards my Level 3.

Before starting at Foresight I attended the Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education studying Uniformed Services, this course helped me gain brilliant punctual skills, time management skills and also gave me a huge amount of confidence and skill of being able to deal with many different circumstances through life.

JASON PORTER – ADMINISTRATOR

I was employed by Foresight in November 2010 through an apprenticeship course by the Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education.

My job role as an administrator involves enrolling for the new term, updating registers, filing, covering reception, troubleshooting computer problems and day to day office duties. I am currently working towards a level 2 NVQ in administration and hope to achieve this by November 2011.

Before working for Foresight, I attended Franklin College where I studied Travel and Tourism, Applied ICT and Business studies at AS level. At Franklin College I gained many skills such as organisation skills, time management and customer service skills which help me with my role as an administrator.

STACEY WILLIS – VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR

I started my employment with Foresight on August 2010, my previous job was a Receptionist and Personal Assistant for the YMCA in Grimsby.

My role at Foresight is Volunteer Coordinator, my duties are as a Volunteer co-ordinator is I am responsible for both the recruitment and day to day management of the volunteers for all of Foresight’s projects.

I have currently gained a NOCN Level 3 Volunteer Management and I am currently gaining Business Administration Level three, I have gained Business Administration Level two and CACHE Level two in Childcare.

NIGEL EVE – SPORTS DEVELOPEMENT OFFICER

Employed by the organisation since May 2010 as the sports development officer, my role is to maintain and develop the sports and activities program for both the adult and children; I am constantly trying to find new sports and activities that are challenging, safe, accessible to all and within budget.

Prior to foresight I ran a business renovating houses in the local area, but an accident in 2000 forced me to change my career. This allowed me to pursue my passion for sports and completed a sport and exercise degree and worked both locally and abroad as a sports coach.

I have an interest in all sports and regularly participate in snow and water skiing, sailing, hand cycling and the gym. My qualifications include BSc (Hons) Sports Performance & Coaching, foundation degree in Sports and Exercise science, safeguarding children level 1 & 2, Safeguarding adult’s level 1 & 2, managing challenging behaviour level 1 and first aid.

LISA COOK– YOUTH HUB SUPPORT WORKER

My job as a Youth Hub Support is to support the young people and young adults that attend the hub in an evening and on a Saturday.

I have achieved a Level 2 in Children’s Learning and Development NVQ.

I am currently studying Level 3 in Children’s Learning and Development NVQ at Franklin College. I am currently undertaking a PTLLS teaching qualification. Before Foresight I was volunteering in a school setting.

BECKY KURZ – YOUTH HUB SUPPORT WORKER

I joined Foresight in August 2010 as a Youth Hub Support Worker.

I assist Children and Youths who attend our Hub to take part in activities and learning on weekday evenings and Saturday daytimes.

Since I have been at Foresight I have achieved Visual Impairment Awareness Training, Volunteer Training and Heart Start First Aid. I am currently undertaking a PTLLS teaching qualification.

MALCOLM HAYNES – CARETAKER

I joined Foresight in January 2010 on a work trial through the Care Trust Plus and I was taken on permanently 2 weeks later. I was employed as Foresight’s first Caretaker and I have become part of a team.

In my role as a Caretaker, I am responsible for the daily Health and Safety checks, arranging the classrooms ready for activities and classes, making sure that rooms are being kept at a comfortable temperature, filling the vending machines, general caretaking duties and troubleshooting any problems which may occur.

I have trained in Safeguarding Children and Adults since I have been a staff member at Foresight.

My interests include playing Football and Tennis with friends, Going to concerts and socialising on weekends.

PAUL CREAMER – CHEF

I joined Foresight in 2010 working in the Runner Bean Cafe which was located in Freeman Street. Now I work in the canteen in the Foresight centre.

In my role as a Chef, I am responsible for the the menu, day to day running of the canteen and making and preparing hot meals.

MICHELLE SWINSON – CHEF

I became a member of the Foresight staff in 2011 after volunteering in the cafe for a number of months. I am based in the canteen which is located within the Foresight centre.

In my role as a Chef, I am responsible for the I am responsible for the the menu, day to day running of the canteen and making and preparing hot meals.