Experience

Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

• United Kingdom
• Performing Arts
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Quest Applications Analyst

  • Feb 2018 - Present

  My everyday tasks vary and predominantly include scripting T-SQL datasets from Quest and Parnassus, the two main databases driving ISTD, performing bespoke data searches and presenting data in pivot charts and tables. My thorough knowledge of these two IT systems, but also the previous examination managements systems combined with 14 years of experience with the organisation allow me to assist the Examination Director and other senior managers by providing comprehensive support. Recently I was involved in the Calculated Results Project relating to vocational candidates whose examinations could not take place due to COVID-19 lockdown and social distancing measures where I played a vital role in the preparation work and then releasing the results to teachers.I liaise with IT Support and developers on any technical issues relating to the operation of Quest and Parnassus systems. In addition, I work with other teams and analyse their feedback on the areas of the system they want improved. It leads to me drafting spec documentation based on the feedback from both internal and external users that is later presented to developers who will work on updates and improvements to Quest. During development I will communicate with vendors and other departments agreed requirements on problem resolutions.I work with the other departments on all integration issues between Quest and Parnassus systems and other business application systems. It means working effectively as part of a team, supporting colleagues and other departments to ensure the timescales are achieved effectively in relation to all Quest and Parnassus systems work.My duties also involve setting up new qualifications in the Parnassus and exam structures in the Quest system.

• Internal Developer for Quest Examination Management System

  • Sep 2017 - Jan 2018

  ISTD needed a new database and examination management system and as development of this IT system took pace, I was seconded to the Internal Developer role. It involved testing every area of the new system and making sure it worked as envisaged in the spec documentation. If issues were found I reported them back to the development team giving a detailed description of the problem.In this job I could utilise my knowledge of the business acquired over the years. The especial challenge was looking at the same problem from various perspective – one moment I was logged in as internal ISTD system user and then as teacher or examiner who would be using Quest externally.in addition, I was tasked with preparing user manuals covering every area of the system and every aspect of the examination booking process. I also wrote scripts for YouTube tutorial clips for this new system. With my understanding of the system I was offered training in T-SQL, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, Microsoft SQL Report Builder and Microsoft Visual Studio and I have been using these skills every day.

• Quality Assurance Officer

  • Apr 2012 - Aug 2017

  My role in the organisation had grown and I was appointed to the Officer position, where I was responsible for the workflow and supervision of quality assurance processing of all theatre faculties examinations held in the UK, which is roughly 90,000 candidates per year, and making sure results and certificates despatched in the set timescales.It involved supervising of the Quality Assurance Assistant and working collaboratively with them to deliver a timely service, dealing with internal or external queries relating to administration, errors and results, liaising with colleagues and examiners to resolve problems. It also involved ensuring that results databases, archives and other records were maintained efficiently and accurately. In addition, I provided data for the annual reporting.Part of this role was taking responsibility for leading on the processing of DBS applications and certification.

• Quality Assurance Assistant

  • Mar 2006 - Apr 2012



Better Care

• Care Assistant

  • Feb 2005 - Mar 2006

  My first job in the UK was excellent lesson. One must be compassionate and be a good listener when carrying for elderly. Give people a warm smile and you will make friends.