Karen Algie (pictured above) has been appointed Falkirk Council's Director of Transformation, Communities and Corporate Services.
Having started her career as a graduate trainee in Human Resources at Falkirk Council in 1991, Karen took on the role of Head of Service just 10 years later.
Over her 31 years working for the Council, the 53-year-old, from Glasgow, has continued to manage Human Resources while also taking on responsibility for a range of other services; most recently, the Council of the Future change programme, IT & Digital, Payroll, and CCTV.
Following the retiral of Director Stuart Ritchie and the renaming of Corporate & Housing Services earlier this year, Karen became Acting Director of Transformation, Communities & Corporate Services.
Taking on the role reinforced her belief that "communities must be at the heart of all we do" and made clear she had the skills and passion needed to become director fulltime.
Karen said: “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. That 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.”
Kenneth Lawrie, Chief Executive, Falkirk Council, said: “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.”
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council added: “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.”
Putting people first
With transformation and communities included in the name of the service she now heads up; Karen will work side-by-side with the other members of the Corporate Management Team to ensure both elements remain firmly at the heart of the Council’s work.
Together the team will work to modernise services so they are able to meet the ever-changing needs of local people while also ensuring the financial sustainability of the organisation.
Karen said: “Only by working together can we capitalise on the skills and experience held within 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.”
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