Gillian Sheldrake

I have many years of experience in administration, customer service and retail, working in both small offices and larger organisations. My work has involved general office administration and dealing with enquiries to cash handling, maintaining databases, assisting with organising events and producing reports and promotional material. I am comfortable using Microsoft Word, Excel and Microsoft 365 and have taught myself many of the systems I use.

I have also helped other people learn new software and ways of working. I am organised, careful with detail and used to dealing with confidential information. I enjoy having a varied role where I can get on with things, solve problems and be useful to the people I work with.

Clerical Assistant - Wiltshire Federation of Women’s Institutes

(2015 - 2026)

• Dealt with daily correspondence, including post, emails, telephone and face-to-face enquiries.
• Maintained accurate administrative records and databases, including updating the MCS database in accordance with GDPR requirements.
• Created and maintained an in-house WI database and accurate ticket sales databases using Microsoft Excel.
• Created events and managed booking information through TryBooking.
• Updated the Federation calendar and website.
• Standardised event flyers and promotional materials.
• Proofread documents and wrote articles for the monthly newsletter.
• Provided basic Microsoft 365 training and support to WI members.
• Created and maintained a Speakers’ database.
• Organised the distribution of the monthly mailing.
• Ordered stationery and office supplies.
• Organised event seating plans and ensured any equipment required was made available.
• Took meeting minutes when the Federation Secretary was unavailable.
• Trained as a Fire Marshal and Emergency First Aider.

Self-Employed Weight Loss Consultant | Part Time - Slimming World

(2002 - 2015)

• Encouraged, supported and gave guidance to members on their weight loss journey and beyond in a friendly, secure environment.
• Maintained accurate records of attendance, finances and stock.
• Planned and undertook promotional activities with other consultants to attract and retain members.

Filing Clerk - Royal Marsden Hospital

(2005 - 2006)

• Accurately filed and maintained confidential patient records to ensure medical notes were readily accessible.
• Demonstrated discretion and attention to detail when handling sensitive information.

Administrative Assistant / Report Production Supervisor - Winton Environmental Management

(1996 - 2005)

• General administrative support, including telephone and email enquiries, post, correspondence and stationery ordering.
• Promoted to Supervisor of the typing pool, overseeing report production and supporting the day-to-day organisation of the team along with assisting in recruitment of staff.
• Worked to ensure smooth transition from WordPerfect to Microsoft Word and helped develop a new report format.
• Provided practical support and training of typing pool staff during changes to software and new working processes.
• Ordered stationery and sourced new products during shift to digital reports.

Cash Office / Customer Services - Index

(1994 - 1996)

• Cashed up tills, accurately recorded daily cash receipts and prepared money for banking.
• Balanced spreadsheets against computer-generated records and identified discrepancies.
• Provided customer service counter cover helping develop communication and customer service skills.

Cash Office | Maternity Cover - Inside Story

(1993 - 1994)

• Cashed up tills, accurately recorded daily cash receipts and prepared money for banking.
• Assisted with returning faulty goods to manufacturers.

Administrative Assistant - Voicepak Sound Marketing

(1989 - 1993)

• Provided general administrative support, including telephone enquiries, post and correspondence.
• Produced letters and documents using audio typing.
• Managed the company's monthly mailing process.
• Employment ended due to redundancy.

Office Administrator - Haymarket Publishing

(1988 - 1989)

• Provided general office administration to the editorial team as required, including post, telephone enquiries, correspondence and filing.
• Maintained the editorial staff expense database.
• Booked hotel accommodation when required.

A Level - Sociology O Levels - English, Mathematics, Physics, Drama, Art, Geography, Geology, Physical Education, Fashion & Design, History and Sociology