Sophie Bennett
Pontrhydyfen,Neath Port Talbot
Summary
Dedicated professional experienced in engaging with children, young people, and adults across diverse settings. Developed partnerships with referral agencies, local government, and educational institutions while planning and delivering activity sessions focused on wellbeing and environmental management. Enhanced project management skills through effective collaboration with multi-agency partners and utilisation of various digital tools for reporting and analysis.
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of post-secondary education
22
22
years of professional experience
Work history
Woodland Wellbeing and Engagement Project Officer
Coed Lleol Small Woods Association
Coalbrookdale, Shropshire
2024.01 - Current
- Coordinated, planned and delivered woodland-based wellbeing programmes, ensuring alignment with funding guidelines and project objectives
- Facilitated access to information and assistance for participants in wellbeing sessions and safeguarding participants on sessions, providing a safe and supportive space for them to feel comfortable, support confidence and improve general wellbeing
- Developed and sustained relationships with multi-agency partners, participants, volunteers and subcontractors to enhance project collaboration
- Supported and supervised volunteers in woodland management and site improvement sessions, fostering skills development and community engagement
- Collaborated with partners and staff to organise project activities and timelines with partners, funders and staff members to gather monitoring and evaluation data for supporting evidence
- Monitoring budget expenditure to deliver projects within funding and budgetary guidelines
- Updating and maintaining social media accounts to reflect activities delivered and marketing upcoming sessions
- Undertaking in house site condition surveys and risk assessments
- Supporting volunteer wellbeing by coordinating periodic meetings.
Companionship Carer
Calon y Cymoedd
Port Talbot, Neath Port Talbot
2023.09 - 2023.12
- Provided companionship to reduce feelings of loneliness in patients by offering conversation and being a regular point of contact.
- Followed personalised care plans which catered to the individual needs and preferences of each patient.
- Improved patient comfort by regularly changing bed linens and maintaining the cleanliness of personal spaces, including laundry, washing up, general house cleaning and shopping.
- Accurate record keeping of tasks completed during the visit, the well-being and other needs of the client
- Adhered strictly to privacy rules, respecting the confidentiality rights of all clients.
Data entry clerk
DVLA
Swansea, Glamorgan
2021.08 - 2022.09
- Achieved accurate data entry through diligent information input and thorough data checks.
- Maintained consistent high productivity by effectively managing time and prioritising tasks.
- Followed established processes and procedures from training consistently.
- Ensured compliance with GDPR and DVLA regulations for personal data.
- Use a professional manner when contacting outside agencies and customers.
Various
Various
, UK
2004.09 - 2013.05
Landscaping labourer
British Trees and Shrubs
Bath, Bath and North East Somerset
2010.05 - 2012.08
- Operated landscaping machinery for grounds maintenance tasks efficiently including obtaining CS30/31 NPTC Chainsaw qualification (reference number can be provided)
- Built retaining walls, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Improving derelict hedgerow by hedgelaying and gap planting
- Planning new hedgerows with mixed native broadleaf hedgerow species
- Planting derelict woodland with native broadleaf species to improve biodiversity
- Rejuvenated derelict hazel coppice to promote healthy growth and improve woodland management.
- Planted trees and shrubs, contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
- Creating and maintaining relationships with clients, farmers and landowners
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Conservation
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Swansea, Wales 2017.09 - 2023.05
NVQ Level 3 - Countryside Management
Norton Radstock College
Somerset 2010.09 - 2011.05
NVQ Level 2 - Environmental Conservation
Norton Radstock College
Somerset 2009.09 - 2010.05
Skills
- An understanding of GIS and surveying
- Hedgelaying and woodland management
- Plant identification skills
- Health and safety compliance
- Project management
- Community engagement
- Multi-agency collaboration
- Experience of using Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Canva
- Continued Personal Development
Certification
- Outdoor 1st Aid valid until Feb 2027
- Outdoor Food Hygiene Level 2
- NPTC CS30/31 chainsaw licence (will need renewing)
- Full Driving Licence and experience of driving 4x4 and larger vehicles up to 3.5T
Continued Personal Development
- June 2026 - Attended Field Studies Council, Habitat Surveying using UKHAB and the Biodiversity Metric
- February 2026 - Attended Field Studies Council, NVC Winter Habitat Survey - Understanding and Describing Plant Communities
- November 2025 - Agored Level 1 Woodland Management
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Woodland Wellbeing and Engagement Project Officer
Coed Lleol Small Woods Association
2024.01 - Current
Companionship Carer
Calon y Cymoedd
2023.09 - 2023.12
Data entry clerk
DVLA
2021.08 - 2022.09
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Conservation
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
2017.09 - 2023.05
NVQ Level 3 - Countryside Management
Norton Radstock College
2010.09 - 2011.05
Landscaping labourer
British Trees and Shrubs
2010.05 - 2012.08
NVQ Level 2 - Environmental Conservation
Norton Radstock College
2009.09 - 2010.05
Various
Various
2004.09 - 2013.05