Vivienne Richards

A capable, approachable and results-focused employment professional with over thirteen years' experience supporting residents across Torfaen into meaningful volunteering placements and sustained employment. I bring extensive expertise in employer engagement, participant coaching, programme coordination and safeguarding, with a proven ability to build trusted relationships with partner organisations, community groups and internal departments. Skilled at delivering tailored employability support, developing learning and development plans, conducting progress reviews and ensuring high standards of compliance, documentation and quality assurance.

Recognised for my strong work ethic, attention to detail and ability to manage complex caseloads while meeting challenging targets and deadlines. I am committed to empowering individuals to overcome barriers, develop confidence and secure long-term progression opportunities, contributing positively to both community and workforce development. I am currently seeking a role where I can continue to utilise my experience in employability, training, community engagement and employer partnership work, ideally within a supportive organisation that values high-quality service delivery and long-term outcomes for participants.

Employment Liaison Officer - Torfaen County Borough Council - Torfaen

(2013-06)

• Delivered core volunteering officer activities on the Success Plus programme, placing 63 participants into volunteering roles through close partnership working and role design with host organisations.
• Secured sustained outcomes by moving 64 people into employment; implemented fortnightly/monthly employer-employee reviews to monitor progress and agree improvements (e.g. timekeeping, travel), including practical solutions such as sourcing a bicycle for commuting.
• Applied a holistic approach: agreed clear timescales and checkpoints with employers, aligned placements to participants' professional development goals, and translated requirements into actionable plans.
• Implemented learning and development plans and facilitated access to training courses to enhance employability and progression.
• Communicated programme vision to employers to provide meaningful, skills-enhancing placements that improve future employability.
• Managed high-volume placement administration: maintained accurate documentation in line with data protection, met TGRC payroll deadlines to ensure contracts and payments were processed on time, and handled in-term amendments and multiple concurrent terminations.
• Coordinated with multiple departments (e.g. Street Scene, Highways, Cemeteries, SEMCOM, Torfaen HR) to confirm health & safety assurances, insurance and risk assessments, and to arrange inductions prior to start dates.
• Promoted the programme through regular engagement, employer information packs and staffing a stall at job fairs; maintained positive relationships with partners and employers.
• Supported the community by monitoring a food bank service in Cwmbran, creating a welcoming environment, identifying wider family support needs and onboarding participants to Success Plus.
• Coached and trained colleagues on policies and procedures for supported employment; contributed to a positive, compliant and performance-focused team culture.

Self-employed Internal Verifier - Torfaen County Borough Council - Torfaen

(2012-09 - 2015-01)

• Conducted monthly verification for Hospitality/Catering qualifications and completed assessor standardisation activities.
• Ensured compliance with awarding body and council requirements, maintaining robust IQA documentation.

Employment Support Officer - Torfaen County Borough Council - Torfaen

(2012-09 - 2013-06)

• Supported Work Programme clients back into the labour market by addressing barriers and arranging targeted courses.
• Maintained and updated confidential databases; worked closely with Jobcentre Plus to coordinate support.

Centre Manager - ITEC Training

(2011-12 - 2012-08)

• Oversaw internal verification systems, award body compliance and programme delivery to specification.
• Led learner experience, safeguarding and enrichment; set and monitored team and individual KPIs.
• Recruited, coached and appraised staff; managed performance, grievances and disciplinary matters.

Area Manager, South Wales - First4Skills (formerly Protocol Skills/Spring Skills/Link Training) - South Wales

(2007-12 - 2011-11)

• Drove learner recruitment and achievement to exceed national success rates; led field observations and QA monitoring.
• Managed external quality visits; ensured contractual, administrative and financial compliance.
• Led team communications, performance reviews and continuous professional development.

Training Manager, Internal Verifier, Centre Support Manager, Training Consultant

(1993-01 - 2007-12)

Across my earlier role as a Training Manager, Internal Verifier/Centre Support Manager and Training Consultant, I delivered high-quality vocational training and assessment by standardising programme delivery, verifying assessor practice, and ensuring full compliance with awarding-body and funding requirements. I led recruitment, performance management and staff development, conducted audits and self-assessment activities, and oversaw sampling, observations and standardisation processes. In addition, I delivered a wide range of NVQs (Levels 1–3), carried out workplace assessments, provided information, advice and guidance (IAG), and maintained rigorous documentation while monitoring health and safety and equality and diversity standards.

O levels - Maths, English, Chemistry, Needlework, Cookery, History - Trevethin Comprehensive School