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Karen Pirks

Operations Lead

I have lived in Selsey for twelve years having moved from Brighton and
consider Selsey as my home. My background is working in Adult Social Care
mostly in management and development work. I have developed and worked
as Registered Manager of services for people with learning disability, autism,
epilepsy, complex and mental health care needs. In the last 10 years I have
worked for West Sussex County Council previously as Day Service
Management and Interim Care Services. I am now working full time as
Partnerships Officer for the Learning and Development Commissioning Team
and as Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Consultant. My responsibilities are to
identify any training gaps across the adult and social care sectors and work in
partnership to fill those gaps. This has enabled WSCC to provide knowledge
based training around fundamental core care skills. Having a 30 year
background in care provision in the private sector mostly in management
promoting good practice is critical when supporting vulnerable people.
Introducing many of my networks from organisations such as hospices,
education, business networks, colleagues in Public Health and Fires Service
and the NHS I have been able to support the charity in developing and
delivering on its business plan. two years of being responsible for developing
the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer process and spending it. I have expanded my
networks across other business sectors within West Sussex and allocated
£1million in supporting businesses utilise the apprenticeship qualification. I sit
on a number of steering groups with WSCC and the CCG’s to provide a
realistic link and dialogue to underpin strategic planning (end of life
care/frailty/compassionate communities/Joint Dementia Strategy/Strategic
Employers Boards). I facilitate Community and Care Management Forums and
lead on a WSCC Education and Training Partnership Group Meeting. This
ensures a collaborative approach to health and social care across our services.
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I began working with Selsey Community Forum four years ago and initiated the
process of becoming a Dementia Action Alliance. I continue to support the staff and
volunteers with the operational side of the organisation working on policies,
procedures, training and risk assessments. I meet monthly with the team and carry
out regular audits at the Selsey Care Shop. I recently led with our Charity
Administrator on the Selsey Covid19 Mutual Aid project earlier this year to provide
the Buddy System throughout lockdown. I am passionate about working with the
charity and will work hard and collaboratively in finding solutions to support the
charity in its endeavours to enable a compassionate and safe community

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