Leanne Jones

Experience

• 

  Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

  Nov 2000 - Mar 2016

  With extensive experience spanning the voluntary, business, and public sectors, I have cultivated a rich knowledge base and a deep understanding of the challenges and social disparities prevalent in Communities First areas.🔑 Key Contributions:🤝 Community Empowerment: I spearheaded projects aligned with the National Occupational Standards for community development, focusing on addressing power imbalances and driving change rooted in principles of social justice, equality, equal opportunities, and inclusion.🌱 Empowering Hard-to-Reach Groups: My expertise shines in working with hard-to-reach groups facing long-term unemployment. I provided unwavering support and guidance, empowering individuals to access employment opportunities.🤝 Effective Partnership: I regularly attended partnership meetings and provided consistent feedback on the progress and development of initiatives, actively contributing to promoting change by instilling confidence and nurturing relationships within the community.💰 Financial Precision: Excelling in financial management, I meticulously monitored and input data for annual budgets, ensuring precision and accuracy. My exceptional numeracy skills ensured an error-free approach when handling budgets.💼 Operations Efficiency: I managed the daily processing of invoices, guaranteeing timely payments, and efficiently handled stock procurement for both office locations.📊 Budget Oversight: I conducted regular meetings with Project Managers, delivering accurate financial budget overviews to inform decision-making processes, ensuring resources were allocated optimally.🌟 In this role, I effectively combined my expertise in community development, financial management, and effective communication to drive positive change, foster inclusivity, and ensure the smooth operation of various projects and initiatives. 🌟 #CommunityDevelopment #InclusivityChampion Show less My professional journey has been marked by exceptional case management skills, particularly in overseeing a diverse caseload comprising over 30 vulnerable adults.🔑 Key Achievements:📋 Benefits Optimization: I assumed responsibility for managing and optimizing benefits for my clients, maintaining meticulous attention to detail and ensuring the accuracy of their financial accounts.💡 Streamlined Bill Payments: I orchestrated seamless bill payments for essential utilities like gas, electricity, telephone, and council tax on behalf of my clients, enhancing their financial well-being.💰 Financial Process Efficiency: Proficiently, I established standing orders, direct payments, or direct debits whenever necessary, streamlining financial processes for my clients.📊 Financial Reconciliation: Methodically, I reconciled bank statements received on a monthly basis, validating the accuracy of financial transactions and account balances.🤝 Diverse Client Support: Navigating the complexities of diverse clients, including those residing in the community and individuals in various placements and long-term care settings, I tailored support and financial management strategies to each client's unique needs.📆 Deadline Management: I managed a dynamic workload with multiple deadlines, including compliance with regular deadlines set by the Office of the Public Guardian for completing annual administration accounts for each specific client.🌟 In this role, I showcased my expertise in financial management, unwavering attention to detail, and a strong commitment to providing vulnerable adults with the necessary support to manage their finances effectively, ultimately enhancing their quality of life. Let's connect to discuss how my experience can contribute to your organization's mission. 🌟 #CaseManagement #FinancialStewardship #AdvocateforVulnerableAdults Show less

  • Finance/development worker

    Sept 2014 - Mar 2016

  • Court Deputy Case Officer

    Nov 2000 - Nov 2014
• 

  Christina Rees MP for Neath

  Apr 2016 - Mar 2018

  Constituency Support Officer

  My journey in the role of Constituency Officer equipped me with a deep understanding of politics, legislation, and Local Government, while showcasing my adaptability and versatility in a fast-paced environment.🔑 Key Contributions:📅 Efficient Scheduling: I assumed responsibility for organizing all calendar entries in Christina's diary, ensuring efficient scheduling and impeccable time management.📧 Casework Management: I efficiently handled constituency casework, meticulously overseeing Christina's mailbox daily and providing timely responses to constituents.📱 Online Engagement: I developed and managed social media and website content, contributing to a robust online presence and fostering local engagement.📆 Diary Coordination: My excellent organizational skills were evident in coordinating Christina's diary within the constituency and at Westminster.📚 Research & Reporting: I conducted in-depth research on various issues impacting Neath, summarizing findings into reports, agendas, or letters.🤝 Team Collaboration: I collaborated effectively within the team and independently, readily taking on diverse tasks and responsibilities as required.👥 Leadership: I stepped into the role of Office Manager when needed, providing guidance and support to fellow team members.📢 Community Engagement: I orchestrated various events in Neath to address local issues, crafting informative literature and ensuring widespread distribution.📞 Public Interaction: Maintaining constant communication with the public, I responded to inquiries via telephone and in-person interactions.🌟 In this role, I seamlessly blended strong organisational skills, adaptability, and a deep understanding of political dynamics to support Christina and effectively manage a diverse range of responsibilities within a dynamic Constituency Office environment. Let's connect to discuss how my experience can contribute to your organization's success. 🌟 #ConstituencyOffice #PoliticalEngagement # Show less

• 

  Neath Town council

  May 2017 - now

  Town Councillor
• 

  ION leadership

  Mar 2018 - Aug 2018

  Project Support Coordinator

  During my tenure as a Project Support Coordinator at ION leadership, I assumed a crucial role in program management, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement.🔑 Key Responsibilities:📊 Program Analysis: I managed program analysis, ensuring strict adherence to quality standards. I proficiently collated data and feedback from course participants to drive program improvement.📈 Data Management: Excel was my trusted ally. I extensively utilized it to input, process, and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data, ensuring accuracy and reliability in decision-making.🤝 Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivating and maintaining valuable connections with stakeholders and key influencers, I actively engaged with course participants to gather data for evaluation purposes.📝 Comprehensive Reporting: I drafted comprehensive reports on program performance, presenting findings to the project steering group and other critical stakeholders. This facilitated informed decision-making.🗓️ Effective Communication: I assumed responsibility for communication within the team, facilitating regular project team meetings by preparing agendas and producing insightful reports.💼 Finance Support: Additionally, I supported the Finance Manager by assisting in compiling reports and ensuring program compliance, contributing to the organization's overall success.🌟 In this role, I played a central part in program oversight, data management, and stakeholder engagement. My proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative analysis, coupled with effective communication and reporting, significantly bolstered the organization's performance and outcomes. Let's connect to explore how my expertise can benefit your organization. 🌟 #ProgramManagement #DataAnalysis #StakeholderEngagement Show less

• 

  DANSA Community Transport

  Sept 2018 - Jun 2019

  Business Development Manager

  I had the privilege of leading the strategic development of DANSA's business activities, ensuring the organization's long-term sustainability while effectively meeting the local transportation needs.🔑 Key Accomplishments:🚀 Partnership Cultivation: I fostered valuable partnerships with public and voluntary sector organizations, including CTA Wales, to explore opportunities for securing Convergence Funding for future transport initiatives across the valleys areas.📜 Contract Acquisition: My proficiency shone as I meticulously prepared and submitted comprehensive tender documentation, successfully securing contracts that fortified the organization's sustainability. Timeliness and cost-effectiveness were my hallmarks.📊 Board Oversight: I maintained vigilant oversight of key business activities and presented critical findings and insights to the Board of Directors, enabling informed decision-making.📈 Holistic Business Strategy: I formulated and refined a holistic business strategy that incorporated the Crynant Business Centre, enhancing DANSA's prospects and securing its future success.🌟 In this pivotal role, I made significant contributions to DANSA's journey toward sustainable growth. My ability to cultivate strategic partnerships, secure crucial funding, and lead meticulous planning and strategic development were instrumental in the organization's ongoing success and future prospects. Let's connect to explore how my experience can drive positive outcomes for your organization. 🌟 #BusinessDevelopment #PartnershipBuilding #FundingStrategist Show less

• 

  Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

  Apr 2019 - now

  As a councillor, my primary mission is to serve and represent my ward or division and the incredible people who call it home. I take pride in being the vital link between our vibrant community and the governing council.🤝 Building Bridges:I am committed to advocating for the needs and aspirations of our local residents. Guiding them towards the right channels within the council is one of my essential responsibilities. Keeping our community well-informed about the issues that directly impact them is my top priority.🌟 Fostering Strong Relationships:To effectively champion local views and priorities, I place a strong emphasis on cultivating meaningful connections. I actively encourage our community members to voice their opinions and engage with both me and the council. Effective communication and engagement are the cornerstones of my role as a councillor.👥 Meeting Resident Expectations:As a trusted local councillor, I am dedicated to meeting the expectations of our residents. Here are some of the key responsibilities I take on:📞 Responding to Queries and Investigating Concerns (Casework): I am here to address concerns and provide solutions.📢 Communicating Council Decisions: Keeping residents informed about decisions that impact our community.🔍 Knowing the Patch: I'm in touch with our community's pulse and am vigilant about addressing any challenges.🤝 Collaborating with Local Stakeholders: Working hand-in-hand with local organizations, interest groups, and businesses for a thriving community.📣 Leading Local Campaigns: I champion causes that matter to residents, spearheading campaigns that bring positive change to our neighborhood #CommunityFirst #LocalLeadership #CouncillorLife Show less I am a dynamic and results-driven leader who has left an indelible mark on the local council, providing effective political leadership and charting a strategic course for success.🔍 Key Achievements:🚀 Strategic Direction: I played a pivotal role in shaping the council's strategic direction, leveraging my visionary leadership to guide its path to success.📊 Comprehensive Strategies: I led the development of comprehensive strategies, budgets, and policy arrangements, providing the roadmap for the council's operations and growth.🔍 Efficiency Enhancement: Through thorough service reviews, I optimized efficiency, effectiveness, and overall quality, ensuring that the council operates at its best.🤝 Community Engagement: As the primary representative of the council in the community, I fostered positive relationships and engaged with constituents, making their voices heard and their needs met.🌐 Global Collaboration: I represented the council in discussions with regional, national, and international organizations, contributing to collaborative initiatives and forging valuable partnerships.📣 Advocacy & Alignment: I tirelessly advocated for the council and the political administration within the community and beyond. Transparent communication and alignment with organizational goals were at the forefront of my efforts.🌟 In this influential role, I provided unwavering political leadership, shaping the council's direction through strategic planning, policy development, and effective representation. My dedication to community engagement and collaboration was instrumental in the council's success, both locally and on broader scales. Let's connect to discuss how my leadership can drive positive change in your organization or community. 🌟 #PoliticalLeadership #StrategicPlanning #CommunityAdvocate Show less During my tenure as a Cabinet Member for the local authority, I assumed a strategic leadership role, overseeing a diverse portfolio encompassing critical areas such as Community Safety, Counterterrorism, Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence, Anti-Social Behaviour, Substance Misuse, Area Planning Board, Business Continuity Planning, Emergency Planning, CCTV, and Environmental Health.🔑 Key Contributions:🤝 Community Advocacy: I acted as a dedicated advocate for local communities, forging strong connections with constituents and addressing their queries, concerns, and issues.🌐 Public Engagement: Proactively engaging with members of the public, community groups, and stakeholders, I worked tirelessly to understand and address community needs.📢 Effective Communication: Leveraging strong communication skills across various channels, including face-to-face interactions, social media, letters, telephone calls, and emails, I ensured constituents' voices were heard.🏠 Direct Community Connections: I organised and participated in surgeries, advice sessions, and doorstep calls, establishing direct connections with constituents to better serve their needs.📜 Policy Development & Advocacy: My role extended to contributing to policy development and campaigning on key issues arising from casework. I consistently advocated for positive change in the community.🌟 In this role, I shouldered significant responsibilities as a Cabinet Member, tirelessly working to address the needs of my constituents and enhance the quality of life within the community. My multifaceted approach, from casework resolution to policy advocacy, reflected my unwavering commitment to public service and the welfare of our community. Let's connect to discuss how my experience can contribute to meaningful change in your organization or community. 🌟 #CommunityAdvocate #PolicyChampion #PublicService Show less

  • County Borough Councillor

    May 2017 - now

  • Deputy Leader

    Mar 2021 - May 2022

  • Cabinet Member for Community safety and public Protection

    Apr 2019 - May 2022
• 

  Business @ NPTC Group of Colleges

  Feb 2021 - Jun 2022

  Business Engagement Advisor

  Throughout my career, I have been at the forefront of building and nurturing strategic relationships with local and regional employers. My focus has consistently been on understanding their unique workforce development needs, resulting in tailored training solutions.🔑 Key Contributions:🤝 Relationship Cultivation: I established and nurtured solid relationships with employers, delving into their workforce development needs to identify training solutions that precisely met their requirements.📞 Responsive Service: As the primary point of contact for existing employers, I consistently delivered responsive and exceptional service to fulfill their ongoing needs.💡 Consultative Approach: My approach to sales was consultative, carefully identifying both active and latent training requirements among employers to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their needs.📊 Data-Driven Insights: I analysed sales trends to gauge customer performance, utilising data insights to craft and present compelling proposals to employers, showcasing the value-added solutions we offered.🤝 End-to-End Engagement: I managed customer engagements from initial contact through to closure, ensuring that account management activities were meticulously overseen to maintain sustained customer satisfaction.🌐 Strategic Partnerships: I played an active role in key account management arrangements, fostering mutually beneficial long-term partnerships. 🌟 In this role, I leveraged my strong interpersonal skills, consultative sales techniques, and an in-depth understanding of the training landscape to establish and maintain robust relationships with employers. I consistently provided tailored training solutions to meet their evolving needs, ultimately contributing to their success and growth. Let's connect to explore how my expertise can drive positive outcomes for your organization. 🌟 #WorkforceDevelopment #ClientEngagement Show less

• 

  Swansea University

  Jul 2022 - Feb 2024

  I thrive in the dynamic realm of project and transformational initiative management within the academic landscape. With a diverse portfolio spanning multiple faculty departments, I am dedicated to steering projects towards success while fostering robust collaborations.🔹 Project Leadership: I take the helm in managing a diverse project portfolio, orchestrating transformative initiatives across various faculty departments.🤝 Collaborative Synergy: Leading a dedicated project team, I prioritize close collaboration to ensure the seamless execution of projects.🎓 Academic Enhancement: I partner with esteemed faculty and university personnel to conceive, plan, and oversee projects aimed at elevating academic offerings in Enterprise Innovation, Research, Learning, and Teaching.🌐 Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong relationships with stakeholders from academic, public, and private sectors, I facilitate engagement and drive project delivery that aligns with shared goals.🎯 Operational Excellence: My role is pivotal in managing critical operational and strategic projects. I consistently achieve objectives while adhering to timelines and budgets.🤲 Stakeholder Prioritization: I understand that successful projects hinge on stakeholder involvement. I prioritize their needs to maximize adoption and ensure project success.📢 Transparent Communication: I maintain open and transparent communication with senior management and key stakeholders. Regular updates on project progress, milestones, and budgetary matters are part of my commitment.🌟 My passion lies in blending leadership, collaboration, and project management skills to drive the successful implementation of projects that elevate the academic landscape within the university. Ultimately, these efforts benefit students and stakeholders, shaping the future of education. Connect with me to explore opportunities for collaboration and transformation in academia. 🌟 #AcademicInnovation #ProjectManagement Show less As a key contributor to the Awen Institute, I assumed a pivotal role in driving daily operations and ensuring operational excellence.🔑 Key Contributions:🚀 Operational Leadership: I provided effective leadership by overseeing a team responsible for administrative support and spearheading marketing and communications efforts.💰 Financial Accountability: Taking charge of financial matters, I meticulously managed budgets and resource allocation to optimize operational efficiency.📊 Compliance Assurance: My central role included guaranteeing strict compliance with industry standards. I conducted audits, managed risks, and ensured unwavering adherence to established norms.🔍 Regulatory Expertise: Demonstrating strong capabilities in assurance, I managed audit processes and ensured full compliance with regulatory requirements, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability.🌟 In this role, I played a critical part in overseeing the day-to-day functions of the Awen Institute, where I assumed responsibility for operational, financial, and compliance-related aspects. My leadership and unwavering commitment to quality standards were instrumental in the Institute's success. Let's connect to explore how my expertise can contribute to your organization's growth and operational excellence. 🌟 #OperationalLeadership #FinancialManagement #ComplianceExpert Show less

  • Senior Project Officer

    Mar 2023 - Feb 2024

  • Project Manager

    Jul 2022 - Mar 2023
• 

  Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

  Feb 2024 - Oct 2024

  Community and Engagement Manager
• 

  Tomato Energy

  Nov 2024 - now

  Community and Engagement Manager