Karen Armstrong

What do you know?

I've worked in local government for many years; with formative years in countryside management (both strategic and operational), which then led to area recreational management (both indoor and outdoor) and then the world of contract management through Compulsory Competitive Tendering (CCT for those of you that can remember those bureaucratic times!)  

 

This experience enabled my move from the North West of England into Flintshire where I was the client manager for the Council's leisure facilities - taking the Council successfully through a challenged CCT competitive process and then into a corporate role leading the 'Best Value' programme.

 

Subsequent career positions have included strategic business planning, performance and improvement, governance and policy development.  More recently, partnership working across the public and third sector has invigorated me; realising how much is possible through successful partnership and networking.  I've also worked at national, regional and sub regional levels, representing Wales at the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE), plus working with the Welsh Local Government Association influencing policy development and improvement practices in local government.

 

Why do you do what you do? 

I am both inspired and excited by having the opportunity to influence policy and ambition for the better, so that the impact on individuals and communities is positive and long lasting.  My experience, both in the paid work place, as a volunteer with the third sector and also in my own life provokes a desire to understand others and their intentions and provide a different perspective promoting a better outcome.

 

How can you be useful? 

I am naturally curious of both places and people.  This promotes my desire to be interested in what is happening to individuals and communities and what might be causing negative events and experiences.  My policy and governance background provides me with a wide range of skills to draw upon to inspire, challenge, support and advise. My different experiences of leadership practices both within and across organisations have provided me with a deeper understanding of taking strategic and operational objectives into delivery.

 

What album has most inspired you? 

Music has always been a constant in my life; from singing and dancing as a toddler around the kitchen with my Mum, to jumping and wiggling at discos, concerts and festivals.  I wouldn't be able to select one specific album, as my tastes and choice varies so much depending upon mood and circumstance.  However, the first single I bought was Leader of the Pack by the Shangri-Las; the roaring sound of the motor bike and story of love and loss really resonated with me.