Wendy Kearns

I currently manage and support 64 volunteers overseeing all aspects including: recruiting, inductions and rotas. I am always keen to ensure that each volunteer is effectively utilised, is happy and feels valued. I match each volunteer with appropriate roles based on their skills and interests. I am very proud of our extremely low turnover rate of volunteers.

As a driver I mainly drive on two of the five weekly FareShare routes delivering food to charities/organisations across Devon. I have a volunteer drivers mate with me and always ensure they practice safe manual handling of deliveries, but also that they are happy and enjoy their volunteering role. I am responsible for delivering food safely, including monitoring food temperatures and keeping accurate records of this along with delivery times etc. I have built very good relationships with the organisations we deliver to and always make sure they are happy with their delivery. Communication with organisations is essential, for example notifying them if there are any issues such as heavy traffic etc affecting delivery times.

I am confident performing vehicle checks to ensure safety and reporting any issues to Bristol FareShare SW in detail when needed.

As Warehouse Supervisor I coordinate incoming and outgoing deliveries, ensure the smooth and safe running of the warehouse. I ensure food safety at the warehouse is adhered to and when stock levels are low, pro-actively seek new stock.

Working from home selling advertising space in National magazines while my daughter was growing up. Sourcing relevant companies to contact, determining their needs and working alongside them to ensure the best marketing plan for their product/services.

As acting manager I was responsible for overseeing operations and reporting to the Trustees.

I liaised with stakeholders including FareShare SW with regard to our FareShare deliveries and scheduling.

I identified and resolved any operational issues eg electric safety certificates, pac testing, new chiller floor to comply with food safety regulations etc.

Supervised daily operations to ensure the smooth and safe running of the warehouse.

Represented Exeter Food Action at public forums ie Exeter Chiefs, Exeter Sustainability Awards.

Organised representation at events to raise awareness and funds ie Exeter Chiefs matches, bucket collecting and human fruit machine!

Developed professional relationships with business partners, supporters and food recipients to establish trust, rapport and reliability.

Recruited new recipient organisations.

Monitored warehouse stock levels and pro actively sourced more surplus.

Worked with the Exeter Chiefs for the 2025 Christmas Project ensuring over one thousand vulnerable people in our area were able to enjoy a Christmas dinner on Christmas day.

Reiki takes a holistic look at health and wellbeing and as a practitioner I worked with energies to deeply relax and encourage the bodies own natural healing, both physically and emotionally.

Working in various children's homes building positive relationships with the children in our care and their families. Working alongside them to not only provide a safe, happy environment for them to live in but also to empower themselves and build self esteem. Working as part of a team, communication and accurate record keeping was essential.

Supervising Volunteers and staff and ensuring the smooth running of the centre for the homeless. Offering a listening ear and practical assistance to centre users and connecting them to other support services where appropriate.

Welcoming passengers aboard, ensuring a safe and happy journey. Purchasing stock for the journey, selling refreshments, giving advice on onward travel and ensuring the coach is clean and defect free before travel.

Selling advertising space on various magazines including Devon Life.

As Above with National Express.