Wednesday March 10, 2010Foresight Staff

PAUL SILVESTER – CHIEF OFFICER
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 – PROJECTS 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 multi national 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 posses 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.

BEVERLEY MILSON – CENTRE MANAGER
Employed by the organisation since February 2005 as Volunteer Co-ordinator, then onto Befriending Manager, I have now taken on the role of Centre Manager.

I am responsible for the day to day running of the organisation and involved in liaising with external agencies and learning providers, managing funded projects and responsible for line management duties of administrative/ receptionist staff involved with the centre activities.

During my period of employment with Foresight I have been integral for the growth of the learning programme and through vibrant promotion of the organisation, a large increase in user numbers.

Foresight provide placements for Social Workers in training from local universities, I supervise and assess these students ensuring they reach their full potential. I am also responsible for delivering Disability Awareness training.

Prior to my employment with Foresight I worked at a local learning centre connected to a multi-national food processing company. I was employed as a champion learner representative undertaking initial assessments and supporting learners throughout their studies. I gained experience in working on a one to one basis with individuals; target setting and evaluating, this has been a very important aspect to my progression route. I possess a level 3 managing volunteers qualification, level 3 IAG and am qualified in Disability Awareness, first aid, health & safety, child protection, moving and handling, work based learning, 7302 practice teaching and have recently successfully completed a Certificate in Education. I am currently working towards level 4 Information, Advice and Guidance qualification.

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.

ALAN FINNIGAN SPORTS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER – TAKING THE DIS OUT OF DISABILITY THROUGH ACTIVE RECREATION.

Employed by the organisation since April of this year 08. My responsibilities are the day-to-day running of the outdoor activity programme through the Active Recreation initiative and to develop new, innovative, and sustainable leisure opportunities. I also manage our holiday activity programmes for children with disabilities throughout the year. My role also requires me to research and liaise with other leisure providers, agencies and our service users (through our service user forums) to ensure a high standard of service provision and delivery and ensuring that disability is not a barrier to participation.

Prior to commencing my employment with Foresight I was employed by the local authority (1990 to 2008) as a Programme worker within a day centre environment for adults with Learning Disabilities. Through this role I have gained a vast knowledge base of the local leisure industry and a wide and diverse range of disabilities. I also have first hand experience of assisting and empowering individuals with a disability to overcome personal fears and break down potential barriers, as they work towards achieving their goal of living the life of their choice.

In addition I have, I consider, good communication skills both verbal and non verbal (Mankato sign language) and experience in the use of specialist I T communication packages and equipment. This experience and knowledge has enabled me to assist in developing individually tailored communication programmes.

I am also a qualified First Aider and a professional counsellor these qualifications have enabled me to deal with extremely sensitive and on occasions life threatening situations.

KATHY WINTON – PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO THE CENTRE MANAGER
Employed by the organisation in October 2006 my initial role was to co-ordinate the ‘Eye need information’ desk at the eye clinic at the local hospital.
I have now progressed to the role of assisting the centre manager with the day to day running of the community centre and also managing the centre when the centre manager is not present.

I was employed by Foresight following a work placement programme where I worked for the organisation on a voluntary basis. This helped me gain the skills and experience needed to enter employment within Foresight.
I have attended health and safety, manual handling, lone worker, visual awareness, first aid, vulnerable adults, disability awareness, walk leader and coaching disabled people training. Gained 3 credits at level one in skills for volunteers, level 2 in NVQ Business and Admin, OCN level 3 in Chair based exercise and Child protection level 1.

SARAH YARDY – RECEPTIONIST – ‘PUTTING THE SEE IN COMMUNITY’ PROJECT
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. My other duties include operating the switchboard, photocopying, filing and basic administrative duties. I am responsible for the health and safety register and basic cash handling with regard to lunches and social outings.

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.

JODIE WHOTTON – BEFRIENDING CO-ORDINATOR

Employed by Foresight since August 2008 as an Administrator, I have progressed into a dual role as a Befriending Co-ordinator and Senior Administrator.

My Befriending Co-ordinator role involves meeting and assessing service users, matching client to volunteer and liaising with community care to ensure the smooth running of the service. Other responsibilities include regular monitoring and evaluation of the project and using the relevant information to develop the project to meet the needs of the user.

I am working towards A1 Assessors and Initial Assessment Awards. I have achieved Preparing to Teach in Lifelong Learning Sector (PTTLS) Level 4 that has helped enabled me to teach Computing classes and Reception and Business Administration within the centre. I am a qualified first aider and I also hold a BA Honours Degree in Business Management.

LEAH SHARP – ADMINISTRATOR

I joined the Foresight team in August 2009. Prior to working at Foresight I was student also working part time at Morrison’s to support my studies.

My duties include involvement of the children’s scheme, outdoor activities and general day to day administration; I also provide administration support to Alan, our Sports Development officer. Since working for Foresight I have completed training in challenging behaviour and minute taking and also I have taught arts and crafts. I am currently undertaking a Business Administration NVQ level 2.

I graduated my foundation degree in Hospital and Health Care in October 2009. I also have 2 A levels in Health care and a GNVQ in Health and Social Care.

My hobbies are kickboxing, socialising with friends and going to the gym.

MARIE BRAY – ADMINISTRATOR

I also joined the Foresight team in August 2009. Prior to working at Foresight I worked in sales and marketing at e-Factor. I have also worked as an administrator, receptionist, cashier and trainee accountant at various companies in Grimsby.

My duties include day to day administration, involvement of the enrolments for adult learners, keeping registers up to date, providing administration support to our Centre Manager, arranging the changes and updates to make to our website and I have also taught digital photography within the centre.

I have completed training in Challenging Behaviour, Minute Taking and Basic Food Hygiene. I am currently undertaking a Business Administration NVQ Level 2.

My hobbies are socialising with friends, shopping, cinema and various sports.