A passion for care and a fresh perspective
As Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Resources at the Health Research Authority, and a voluntary member of Parkinson’s UK Strategic Finance and Asset Committee, Karen Williams is embarking on a new chapter with the hospice as our newest trustee. A qualified accountant, her journey spans over three decades in voluntary and public sector organisations, and she brings a wealth of expertise in financial strategy, senior leadership, corporate services and strategic change. Karen radiates good humour, warmth and dedication (plus her love for coffee, Dartmoor walks, peppermint tea, good books and the odd subversive cross-stitch!) With her passion for high quality end-of-life care, she is excited for the contributions she will make to the hospice. Here we gain a brief insight here into why she wanted to support Rowcroft in this voluntary capacity as one of our trustees.
About Karen
“I live in Devon, with my partner, two teenagers and a cat (Stormi). I have experience and skills that I hope will help Rowcroft in its ambitious strategy – particularly charity finance and governance, social enterprise, health, building programmes and community, place-based charities.”
Why Rowcroft?
“I’m so delighted to be a part of the hospice. Rowcroft is an inspiring, caring, and much-loved charity – I wanted to help play a part in its continued success supporting people in Devon. I also have a personal connection – my mother has dementia. She’s amazing and I’m so proud of her determination, good humour, and strength as she continues to live well at home. I want to see better support and care for people like my mum.”
A wealth of experience and expertise
“I am a qualified finance professional and have extensive experience in the charity sector and in health, both in delivery and also at executive and board level, so I hope I can add a useful perspective.
“I want to see Rowcroft’s plans come to life and bring care to more people. I’m passionate about finding innovative, entrepreneurial solutions to today’s challenges, and I’m excited about Rowcroft’s work and its plans for the future. I hope that in some small way I can make a difference and help make the strategy a reality.”
Driving innovation and growth
“My aim is to help develop the diversified and resilient business model, including the plans for a dementia and complex care nursing home and the remodelling of the Inpatient Unit. I hope that my experience in social enterprise, charities with extensive trading operations, and property development programmes can be useful in this.”
The path ahead
“I’m very much aware of the huge challenges facing the hospice, including the cost of living crisis, the turmoil in the NHS, the shifting local demographics and the growing need for Rowcroft’s services.
“My hopes for the future are to see a thriving charity where we are able to meet the needs of the community and where we can continue to innovate to improve our services to deliver the very best care for local people.”