I feel that this position is tailored to my competency as a challenge to keep me on my toes since I have the skills outlined in the job description. It will enable me to utilise and employ my skills, knowledge and aptitude. I can make contributions to the establishment and at the same time build upon my existing skills and experience by working in this role.

I have 38 years experience as a Secretary/Administrator and the skills I have acquired are transferable within any organisation. I am a qualified Pitman’s copy typist with speeds of 70wpm, I have also used other email systems such as: GMail, GroupWise, Outlook Express and at home I use Windows Vista Live Mail at home. My IT skills are proven by using on a day to day basis a variety of software and websites. (i.e. Department for Works and Pension – circulars, Horizon (Intranet) for up to date Council information – Policies, room bookings etc. I am competent in use of Microsoft word including Mail merge, excel and power point. I use scan plus scanning software and Adobe to scan and save documents. I undertake a demanding and varied workload daily. I always work and aim at getting things right first time, which is always cost efficient to any department it also takes away the need for repetition of work and I also take into consideration people’s skills and training. I use the Sx3 Northgate database system on a regular basis to amend, update and check relevant data. (Equal Opportunities, National Insurance number checking, data cleansing – Pensioners on the system, Child Benefit record - project and duplicate Landlord entries). I am also confident of using Civica (imaging system), VICTER computerised system in order to track and monitor our claimant’s decisions for Housing Benefit and Oracle Financials payment system. I always strive to achieve the very best and I feel that this results in a high standard of service to our customers.

On a daily basis I used my customer service skills by answering phones and dealing with queries for Principle Officers, Managers and Supervisors. I have the ability to work on my own as well as part of the team. I have demonstrated flexibility by assisting my colleagues during their absence, I have been welcomed by all teams I have worked with. I have helped contribute to updating Northgate records in connection with the new Council Tax reduction scheme, where data had to be updated on how many bedrooms were in the properties within the Borough.

I can work well under pressure and understand the importance of meeting deadlines. I constantly strive to develop and improve my skills. I contributed to the performance, morale and the atmosphere of the team. I consider this to be an important factor in the overall performance of the section. I am quick to learn with an open mind to change. When working at British Waterways I was also responsible for processing all insurance claims as these needed to be processed within 30 days. I also monitored our customer complaints and responded to urgent letters on behalf of the Operations Manager/Moorings Coordinator by letter.

When I worked at British Waterways it was my duty to inform all User Groups of any emergencies that arose on the navigational system. It would seem that the Metropolitan Police Divers would always seem to call when I was working alone in the office. I would then click into emergency mode and inform all parties concerned using: fax machine, telephone, mobile text, email and get the Bank staff organised to put up the display posters.

When I worked at Watford Museum, I was seconded as Museum Manager for six months and was responsible for overseeing the Gallery Assistants. I held monthly meetings to ensure that we could resolve any issues that may arise around the security of the museum. I was responsible for processing the duty weekend roster for the museum staff. I am flexible and pro-active. I am happy to cover when a crisis may arise i.e. staff sickness, tight deadlines etc. I am able to motivate staff and work well with the Team. I have been told that I have a structured work routine, but I enjoy using my initiative and being able to make decisions.