Kat Sowden

Posted on
14 April 2016


 

Brief Career Summary:

When Persona was created in October 2015 I had the fantastic opportunity to become Managing Director of the organisation. Prior to this I was Head of Service for the operational services that formed Persona i.e. older people’s short stay and day care, learning disabilities supported living, short stay and day care and shared lives. My role had developed into this area whilst I was working for Bury Council as Head of Workforce. In this role I was responsible for Human Resources and Workforce Development across Adult Social Care. So I don’t have a traditional background within social care services.

I originally graduated from University of Manchester with a degree in English Language and Literature. I went into work and found a passion for dealing with people and employment so I decided to study in my evenings to gain my HR qualifications. My first true HR job was at Bury Council in the Housing department but before long I had an opportunity to work in HR in social care. I found it both challenging but rewarding to work in that environment and to be involved in services that made such a massive difference to people’s lives. My role developed to become more responsible within my HR specialism and then branching out into operational management and leadership.

Specialisms/Areas of Expertise:

Human Resources – I am fully CIPD qualified and a chartered member of the CIPD

Employment Law – I completed an Advanced Professional Diploma in employment law

Management and Leadership – I hold a Level 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management