Eithne Cusack

I currently manage a boutique-style retail store specialising in fashion, homeware and furniture in Porthcawl. I mentor and support Emmaus "Companions"—people experiencing homelessness who are supported by the organisation. The shop recently won the Welsh Enterprise Award for Charity Retail Shop of the Year for South Wales.

Shop Manager at Emmaus South Wales (2024-05 – Present)

Manage a boutique-style retail store specialising in fashion, homeware and furniture. Mentor and support Emmaus "Companions"—people experiencing homelessness who are supported by the organisation. The shop recently won the Welsh Enterprise Award for Charity Retail Shop of the Year for South Wales.

Shop Manager at Cerebral Palsy Cymru (2022-04 – 2024-04)

• Increased profits by 48% through sales and business management.
• Consistently met and exceeded key performance indicator (KPI) targets.
• Managed paid staff and a team of 16 volunteers, fostering positive working relationships and a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
• Held First Aid and registered PAT tester qualifications.

Independent Living Support Worker at Huggard (2020-01 – 2022-12)

• Supported people experiencing homelessness in emergency accommodation.
• Responded to high-pressure situations using crisis-management, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Worked collaboratively with colleagues to provide consistent support.
• Completed ASIST training in suicide prevention.

Manager and Training Shop Manager at Scope, Taunton (2017-01 – 2020-12)

• Delivered induction training to new staff and supported shop managers across the South West with troubleshooting and refresher training.
• Supported volunteer recruitment, safeguarding and health and safety, including creating placement agreements and risk assessments.
• Mentored volunteers and facilitated training for Lead Volunteer qualifications and NVQs, from customer service to retail management.
• Helped develop and deliver Scope's "Springboard to Success" training programme for new shop managers and assistant managers.
• Led the relocation of a busy town-centre shop, from finding a new location to overseeing the refit, layout and displays.
• Completed a three-day "Train the Trainer" workshop and developed coaching skills while supporting volunteers with a range of needs.

Manager at Cancer Research UK (2015-10 – 2017-12)

• Took over shops that were not profitable and helped both become profitable within six months.
• Recruited, interviewed, trained and developed paid staff and volunteers.
• Managed health and safety, including preparing risk assessments for the shop and staff.
• Completed management training in customer service, recruitment and retention, confidence-building, stock generation, KPIs, visual merchandising, health and safety, and diversity and equality.

Assistant Manager at Cancer Research UK (2013-06 – 2015-10)

• Developed experience in charity retail, store management and customer engagement.
• Built a strong foundation in retail operations before progressing to shop management.

Activities Coordinator (2012-01 – 2013-06)

Nail Technician and Business Owner at Poison Ivy Nails (2010-09 – 2012-12)

Established and ran a home-based nail business, specialising in personalised gel and acrylic nail designs.

Bar staff and waitress at The Sir Solomon (2005-01 – 2009-12)

Call centre and sales representative at Home Style Kitchen & Bathrooms (2005-01 – 2009-12)

Undertook various roles while still in education.

Pro bono legal work at North East Lincolnshire Council / Legal Services (2006-01 – 2009-12)

Completed two periods of pro bono legal work in 2006 and 2009, including work in law and legal services and with the Child Services legal team at North East Lincolnshire Council. This experience provided insight into legal practice and developed skills in professional teamwork and working in high-pressure environments.

AS Levels in Law, English Literature and Expressive Arts – South Axholme Community School

GCSEs in English Language (A), English Literature (A), Mathematics (C), Science Double Award (C), Expressive Arts (A*), Food Technology (A), Religious Education Short Course (A*), Religious Education Full Course (A*), Law (B), Music (B) – South Axholme Community School

Elements of an ILEX qualification in Law and legal practice