Staff - Barbara Poole What do you do? Hello I’m Barbara Poole. I’m the Finance/Fundraising Manager. It’s my job to control the finances of Stick ’n’ Step by Budgets, Cash Flows and monthly reviews with the Trustees.  I am responsible for researching and securing funding from grants, working with parents to fundraise and raising the profile of Stick ‘n’ Step by presentations to various groups and associations.

What is it like working for Stick ‘n’ Step?

Challenging, hectic and rewarding!

What did you do before, when did you join Stick ‘n’ Step and why?

Employment:

I Left school with 7 O Levels and 2 A Levels.

Trained as Accountant, continued working full time sub-contract from home while 3 children were small. Widowed in 1984 while children were still dependent set up own practise specialising in small businesses, VAT and taxation.
 
After a serious illness 1989/1992 changed career, trained and qualified as Political Party Agent and Member of Institute of Senior Management.

In 2001 was the Manager/Receptionist of Conductive Education Centre in Birkenhead, which closed in 2003. I was part of the ‘steering group’, which set up Stick ‘n’ Step and was determined to make it a success for all children who otherwise would have had no access to CE in this part of the country.

Voluntary Employment

Various times between 1974 and 2004

Lunchtime Playleader Westbourne School
Reading Assistant Mount Primary School
Governor of Brackenwood Primary School
Governor of Mount Primary School
Chairman of Governors Bromborough Pool Primary School
Chairman of New Brighton Community Centre
Treasurer of Local Branch of Cruise
Treasurer of 3L’s social and learning group for over 50’s
Member/Treasurer of Church Community Social Work
Local Government Candidate

What Qualifications/experience do you have that is relevant to your role?

I have vast experience in all aspects of Accountancy

Qualified in the following to become an Agent and Member of Institute Senior Management

• Fundraising
• Media
• Publicity Work
• Appeals and Newsletters
• Volunteer Recruitment and working with volunteers
• Statistics analysis
• Organising corporate events and dinners with guest speakers
• Managing staff – both volunteers and employed

What do you find rewarding?

The most rewarding aspect is the fact that I am ‘doing my bit’ to provide the means by which Conductive Education is available at no cost to the children who attend our Centre. Also, the individual personalities of the children, their determination to make progress and the sheer joy of both children and parents when they make progress, however, small. I feel privileged to share these magical moments and humble at the positive attitude of the parents and the friendships made.

Experience and Interests

Three married daughters and six grandchildren.  I am an Active Member of Baptist Church. One of the organisers of Faith and Light Group for families with children with special needs, knitting (especially doll’s clothes for the little girls at the Centre), reading, writing and illustrating children’s poems, painting and drawing, making costumes for grandchildren’s concerts and plays at school.

What values do you feel are important for working with Stick ‘n’ Step

Loyalty and commitment to objectives of the Charity, self respect and respect for others, a quiet faith and determination to give 100% towards ensuring the future sustainability and stability of Stick ‘n' Step.