Falkirk Council have appointed Karen Algie to the position of Director of Transformation, Communities and Corporate Services as they look to drive transformation forward.
Having previously becoming Acting Director of Transportation, Communities and Corporate Services following the renaming of Corporate and Housing Services and the retiral of Director Stuart Richie at the beginning of the year, Karen will step into the role with the aim of focusing on making a difference for those that matter.
Beginning her career as a graduate trainee in Human Resources at Falkirk Council in 1991, she moved into the role of Head of Service a decade later and has now been working for the Council for 31 years.
During this time Karen has taken responsibility for continuing to manage Human Resources as well as other service such as the Council of the Future change programme, IT and Digital, Payroll, and CCTV.
Karen said about her appointment:
“My focus has always been on making a difference for our employees and communities. When I joined, I could see how passionate the council was about doing the right thing for the people of Falkirk. I’ve seen many changes over the years, but that passion has not changed. This is what made me stay and build my career at the Council.
It is also the reason I applied for the director’s role, as it will allow me to continue to make a positive difference.
Only by working together can we capitalise on the skills and experience held withing the Council to find solutions to the many challenges that we face and realise the opportunities that lay before us. Key to this is listening to what communities and employees have to say and responding as best we can while also reviewing the services that we deliver.”
Algie’s appointment was also supported by Kenneth Lawrie, Chief Executive of Falkirk Council, and Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council. Lawrie added:
“Karen is highly regarded within the organisation and throughout Scottish local government. She not only has the skills, knowledge and insight needed to drive forward our transformation but also a deep-seated love for the area and its people. That care and experience will help cement strong relationships with communities and ensure she excels in her new role.”
Cllr Meiklejohn said:
“There has been a huge amount of change at the Council since the start of the year, not least the appointment of two new Directors, a new Chief Finance Officer, and a new Council in sitting. These changes bring with them great opportunity. As a director, Karen will not only help the organisation embrace the new ideas that will emerge but also make sure the focus remains firmly on doing the right thing for communities.”
With much of the government’s focus being on the development of communities, this role will be key in many ways. Not only in the central government’s plans to ease the levels of deprivation in the UK, but also in their mission to increase opportunities for communities.
