Penelope Thompson

Office Manager / Polling Clerk

I am a motivated, dependable and professional individual with experience across office management, floristry, nursery nursing, bureau de change operations, retail management, petty officer duties and polling clerk work. I work well as part of a team, sharing information clearly, supporting colleagues, and contributing to a positive and cooperative working environment. I am equally confident working on my own initiative, using an organised and methodical approach to complete tasks accurately. My communication skills help me engage professionally with colleagues, customers and stakeholders, and I remain calm, adaptable and effective under pressure or changing priorities. I apply clear analytical thinking to problem solving and decision making, and I follow structured guidance with a procedure driven mindset to maintain accuracy, consistency and professionalism. Across all roles, I have demonstrated reliability, resilience and a commitment to delivering high standards of service, safety and customer care. My varied background reflects a flexible, quick learning and responsible approach, enabling me to adapt confidently to new environments and responsibilities.

[email protected] 07946212601 Wheel house, The Village SR7 8SG
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Skills
Work Experience
Foreign Exchange Assistant
Marks & Spencer, Metro Retail Park
Nov 2003 — Jun 2011
  • Provided customer service in currency exchange
  • Handled currency transactions securely
  • Ensured compliance and security in operations
  • Managed high-value cash handling
  • Applied product knowledge in retail
  • Maintained detailed record keeping
Nursery Nurse
Seaham Harbour Nursery, Seaham
Aug 2008 — Jun 2010
  • Supported childcare activities and routines
  • Led learning activities for children
  • Ensured safeguarding compliance
  • Maintained accurate records
  • Communicated effectively with parents
  • Collaborated within the childcare team
Florist Assistant
Bees & Butterflies, Hawthorn Village
Sep 2022 — Mar 2024
  • Delivered excellent customer service in a retail environment
  • Created creative floral arrangements
  • Applied product knowledge to customer inquiries
  • Maintained high attention to detail
  • Managed stock efficiently
  • Adapted flexibly to changing work demands
Office Manager/ Graphic Designer
Badgercards, Seaham
Jul 2011 — Jul 2026
  • Provided operational support to daily business functions
  • Designed graphics for marketing and communication materials
  • Proofread documents to ensure accuracy and quality
  • Communicated effectively across teams and clients
  • Handled tasks efficiently under pressure
  • Made informed decisions maintaining procedural accuracy
  • Demonstrated teamwork and initiative in all duties
Election Duties/ Polling Clerk
Local Authority, County Hall, Durham
Jun 2024 — PresentCurrent
  • Provide voter support during polling days
  • Ensure strict compliance with electoral procedures
  • Manage voter registration records accurately
  • Control distribution and handling of ballot papers
  • Deliver attentive customer service to voters
  • Set up polling stations efficiently
  • Collaborate effectively within polling teams
Skills
Office ManagementGraphic DesignCustomer ServiceChildcarePolling OperationsCommunicationTeam CollaborationProcedural AccuracyProblem SolvingAdaptabilityResponsibleExcellent communication skillsResilient & adaptableFlexible under pressure
Education
NCFE Level 2 in Principles of Business Administration
East Durham College
2025 — Expected 2026
CACHE Level 2 in Children’s Care, Learning & Development
East Durham College
2009 — 2010
CACHE Level 3 NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning & Development
East Durham College
NVQ Retail Level 2
Thanet College
1999 — 2003
City & Guilds C24
Thanet College
City & Guilds D32
Thanet College
City & Guilds D33
Thanet College
NEBS Management Level 3
Thanet College
Maritime Qualifications
Basic Sea Survival, Marine Evacuation Chute, Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft
1990 - 2003
Management & Control Of Confrontation And Aggression Onboard (Port Of Dover Police) Manual
Handling Instructors Course
Child Protection Training Level 1
Seaham Harbour Nursery
2009
Education
Northlea Grammar School/ Seaham Comprehensive School
Sep 1978 - Jun 1983

CSE’s Maths 2, English Lang 2, English Lit 3, French 3, History 2, Typing 2, Social Studies 2

Education & Professional Qualifictions
NCFE Level 2 in Principles of Business Administration
East Durham College
2025 - 2026
CACHE Level 2 in Children’s Care, Learning & Development
East Durham College
2009 - 2010
CACHE Level 3 NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning & Development
east Durham College
NVQ Retail Level 2
Thanet College
1999 - 2003
City & Guilds C24
Thanet College
City & Guilds D32
Thanet College
City & Guilds D33
Thanet College
NEBS Management Level 3
Thanet College
Seaham Harbour Nursery
Child Protection Training Level 1
2009
Northlea Grammar School/ Seaham Comprehensive School
CSE’s
September 1978-June 1983
  • Maths 2
  • English Lang2
  • English Lit 3
  • French 3
  • History 2
  • Typing 2
  • Social Studies 2