Nikki Cowell

I have nearly 24 years' experience supporting the welfare, safeguarding and wellbeing of children and young people aged 7–18. During this time, I have recruited and interviewed host families providing private foster placements, supported young people living away from home and built strong relationships with students, parents, schools, host families and other professionals. I manage a large caseload, recruit and manage additional staff and deal with a wide range of sensitive welfare situations.

I am calm, approachable and organised and I build positive, trusting relationships with young people and families.

Self-Employed Local Coordinator - WHITE HOUSE GUARDIANSHIP (WHG) - Devon & Somerset

(2002-11)

For nearly 24 years, I have managed the welfare, safeguarding, accommodation and day-to-day needs of international students aged 7–18 across Devon and Somerset. I developed my own area from fewer than 10 students to more than 250 at its peak. As the area has grown, I have recruited and managed additional staff to help support the students and families.

A large part of my role involves recruiting and interviewing prospective host families, assessing whether they are suitable to care for young people and placing students with families who can meet their individual needs. I continue to support those families throughout placements while making sure students are safe, settled and supported.

• Recruit and interview prospective host families, assess their suitability and place students with appropriate private foster families, taking account of their individual needs and circumstances.
• Support young people living away from home, providing practical and emotional support and helping them feel safe, settled and listened to.
• Act as a main point of contact for students, parents, schools, host families and WHG, dealing with welfare concerns and sensitive personal matters.
• Recruit, interview, employ and manage additional staff as the area grows.
• Manage a caseload of more than 250 students, prioritising competing demands and dealing with issues as they arise.
• Deal with problems and difficult situations calmly, working with the relevant people to find practical solutions.
• Keep accurate and confidential records and coordinate the student experience, including arrivals and departures, transfers, transport, school arrangements, accommodation and activities.
• Work independently, making day-to-day decisions and taking responsibility for the welfare and support of students and families within my area.

Administrator / Personal Assistant to Managing Director - D R BALL HOLDINGS

(1986-07 - 1995)

Progressed from an administrative position to Personal Assistant to the Managing Director. The role involved diary management, correspondence, meetings, customer enquiries and confidential administration, developing my organisational and communication skills.

Outpatients Receptionist - TORBAY HOSPITAL

(1995 - 1998)

Worked in a busy outpatient department, managing appointments, patient registration, records and enquiries while providing a professional and reassuring service to patients.

Bridal Consultant - THE BRIDAL BOX, TORQUAY

(2002 - 2005)

Provided a personal service to brides and their families, managing appointments, fittings and customer enquiries and building good relationships with customers.

O Levels - English Language, English Literature, Biology, Domestic Science and Mathematics - Trinity School, Teignmouth

City & Guilds Beauty Therapy - Beauty Therapy - Exeter College