Andrea Salkeld
Programme Office Manager
About me
I have a wealth of administrative experience in numerous sectors having worked at a senior grade for more than 25 years. Previously, I was responsible for HR matters within a prestigious academic research centre, implementing and co-ordinating the system for overseas visiting workers and providing advice for new students and staff. Additionally, I delivered wide-ranging assistance in respect of the grant application process, researching funding opportunities and full economic costings prior to proactively supporting the preparation of research grant applications. For several years, I acted as personal host for many foreign visitors to both University of Edinburgh and the Scottish Government.
In 2012, I joined WWT Consulting as Office Manager – a varied role ranging from supervising the external financial audit to assisting with fieldwork (think knee-deep in mud in a bog in Ayrshire!)
Outside WWT, I’m a keen cook, a (novice) gardener and can hand-stitch something shop-worthy out of a piece of felt.
Work
Following a change in the consultancy’s direction (and having now developed a passion for it), I transitioned to the Conservation Directorate in September 2019 to provide comprehensive support to the Programme Office’s Project Development, UK Programmes and International Programmes units. I manage the administrative support for the Programme Office’s developing teams and also work closely with the Conservation Administration Team to ensure all common administration and support tasks and processes are aligned across the Directorate. As an eBIS Finance Champion and user group tester, I am working closely with colleagues in our Finance Department to improve and simplify financial procedures. Additionally, I am helping to establish systems and practices for our Cambodia and Madagascar offices. Recent successes with large funding applications have provided me with the opportunity to assist with grant administration. I am a member of the Conservation Health and Safety Committee and represent the Directorate on WWT’s national Health and Safety Committee.
Skills
- Sound experience of supervising an expanding administrative team in an evolving environment
- Proficient in a host of software packages, including experience of accounting systems, spreadsheets, databases and desktop-publishing
- Excels in event management from informal internal meetings to large-scale, high-profile international conferences
- Vast knowledge of complex travel bookings including visa applications
- Competent bookkeeper who (strangely) has a fondness for all things ‘numbers’
- Orchid doctor, nurturer and adopter