NCP Advisory Group

Karen is a Chartered member of the CIPD with over 30 years’ experience in Human Resources and Organisational Development; her mission is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive in their workplace and believes post-16 education is key to this. She has held a number of senior Human Resources positions across the public sector including with Leeds Education Authority, the National Probation Service and is currently Executive Director HR & OD at Wakefield College.

Karen has also held a range of voluntary and elected roles including Chair of Governors at Stanley Peter’s C of E Primary School between September 2011 and September 2015 and she is currently a member of the Independent Remuneration Panel for members at WDMC.

Outside work her interests centre around her family, she enjoys walking, cycling and anything outdoors!

I have over 30 years of experience of working within different strategic roles in the education sector, this extends to been a Regional Government Advisor, School Business Manager and member of Senior Leadership Teams, Specialist Leader in Education and I have delivered consultancy support for a National Support School. I have been held accountable in these roles by both central government, governors and Trustees and as a previous governor myself, I have adhered to articles of association and company law and held colleagues to account. These roles gave me a sound understanding of the education sector, governance structures and an appreciation of the importance of working in collaboration with other key partners and settings to improve outcomes. I have been very fortunate to have undertaken roles that have provided the opportunity to form effective partnerships and relationships with people from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support. One such example being leading on the submission of a Big Lottery funded bid to create play opportunities for children and young people within the district and establishing a Working Group that would drive the development of a Wakefield Play Strategy. I have also been an active contributor to the shared legislative responsibility under the Childcare Act 2006 of Local Authorities, the NHS and Jobcentre Plus to work together to improve the wellbeing of all children up to the age of 5 and reduce inequalities between them. I consider Health and Safety to be a key strength and have led on Health and Safety Compliance reviews. I graduated from University in 2001 with a degree of Master of Arts in Business and also have a School Business Management qualification. I have undertaken voluntary work for the Yorkshire Ambulance Services and was instrumental in establishing and delivering a Community First Responder service in my local area and successfully raising funding to ensure sustainability for the first two years of operation. In my spare time I enjoy walking, swimming and cycling and spending time with family and friends.