Thanks a Bunch Karen!

This week’s Thanks a Bunch went to Karen Lai, Implementation Officer in the e-Rostering Team and Race Equality Network (REN) Secretary. James Forrest, Podiatrist and Chair of the LCHT Race Equality Network nominated Karen for her hard work, positivity and fantastic organisation and communication skills.

James explained how as the network has grown Karen has played an integral role in communicating effectively with the members. Whether it is setting up surveys, or capturing data on various topics, or helping to set up the networks intranet page and managing internal communications, Karen has done an excellent job with all the tasks she undertakes.

Karen’s knowledge about the Trust and the staff, of who works where and in what team has been a great help for James and the Race Equality Network's (REN) leadership team over the past few years.

Karen always brings her ‘A’ game and is thoughtful, kind, respectful of others and is full of enthusiasm. She has played a key role in helping the network “make things better” and embodies the Trust’s core principles.

James included that “Karen is a bit of an unsung hero who deserves the spotlight.”

Steph Lawrence, Executive Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, surprised Karen and praised her, “You have been a tremendous representation of LCH and are a valued member of REN. The amazing work you consistently do helps the organisation continue to work better so for all your efforts we thank you! ”

Karen added, “Thank you James for the nomination, what a lovely and unexpected surprise! It’s an honour to receive this. I am proud to work for the Trust and love working towards improving inclusivity and diversity here at LCH. I’d like to thank the REN network members and our allies in making positive change and raising awareness of the struggles our BME colleagues face and my managers Hannah Turp and Tom Breckin for being very supportive in letting me continue this work. I welcome anyone to come and have a chat about Race.”

Karen is acknowledged for demonstrating the Trust behaviours of: Leading by example, Caring for one another, Working together, and Finding solutions