KAREN WRIGHT
Workplace Matters Ltd Cardiff,Wales
Summary
Strategic HR leader with extensive experience across the NHS, Welsh Government, and private sectors, including five years in interim HR director roles at the board level. Expertise in employee relations and organisational change, successfully leading HR initiatives that drive business growth and enhance workplace culture. Proven ability to deliver complex workforce solutions in dynamic environments while building strong relationships with executives and stakeholders. Recognised for integrity and ethical practice, adept at navigating sensitive issues to achieve legally sound outcomes that balance organisational needs with employee well-being.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance HR Consultant
Workplace Matters Ltd
Cardiff, Wales
05.2026 - Current
Independent HR consultancy services to assist businesses in enhancing culture and employee engagement and productivity.
Supports businesses in managing operational employee relations and implementing organisational change initiatives.
Provides tailored HR solutions that address employee issues and complaints effectively.
Delivers bespoke menopause training for leaders and managers and awareness training for employees.
Assists businesses in developing action plans to support employees experiencing menopause while improving productivity and workplace culture.
Authors and updates HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legislation.
Conducts workplace mediation services to resolve conflicts.
Assistant Director of People Policy & Compliance
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University HB (13,000 employees)
Abercynon, Wales
07.2020 - 04.2026
Assistant Director of Workforce & OD
Velindre University NHS Trust (3,500 employees)
Cardiff, Wales
11.2010 - 07.2020
Undertook the role of Interim Director of Workforce and OD for a period of 12 months in 2012/2013.
Interim Director of Workforce
Public Health Wales NHS Trust (2,200 employees)
Cardiff, Wales
06.2009 - 10.2010
Assistant Director of HR
Welsh Government
Cardiff, Wales
09.2009 - 05.2010
Interim Director of HR
Ceredigion & Mid-Wales NHS Trust (4,300 employees)
Aberystwyth, Wales
08.2006 - 10.2009
Assistant Director of HR
Velindre University NHS Trust (3,500 employees)
Cardiff, Wales
03.2002 - 07.2006
Education
ILM Level 5 Coaching - Coaching
The College Merthyr Tydfil
Wales01-2023
Advanced Award in OD & Design -
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
London01-2012
Workplace Mediation Certificate - Mediation
Open College Network
Bristol01-2006
PGDip HRM - Human Resources Management
University of Glamorgan
Wales01-2001
BA (Hons) - Public Management
University of Glamorgan
Wales01-1996
Certificate in Role Redesign -
Nat. Leadership & Innovation Agency for Healthcare
Wales01-2006
Skills
- Board-Level Leadership
- Change & Transformation
- Conflict resolution - mediation
- Employee Relations
- Health, Well-being & Inclusion
- Menopause training and action plan support
- Performance and absenteeism
- Policy and procedure update and development
- Redundancy
- TUPE
Training
Affina Team Journey Coaching 2024
Menopause in the Workplace – British Menopause Society 3 days 2023
Operational Medical Stretch Leadership Weekend - Brecon Beacons 2024
Accomplishments
- Nationally recognised, award-winning menopause advocate leading change since 2016. HPMA UK Finalist (2020), HPMA Wales Well‑being Award (2019), Chairman's Commendation Award for Well-being (2019), Velindre Excellence Well‑being & D&I Awards (2019).
- Authored the first NHS Menopause Policy (2017), adopted by NHS Wales and wider public sector organisations,
- Keynote speaker at national and regional menopause events.
Timeline
Freelance HR Consultant
Workplace Matters Ltd
05.2026 - Current
Assistant Director of People Policy & Compliance
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University HB (13,000 employees)
07.2020 - 04.2026
Assistant Director of Workforce & OD
Velindre University NHS Trust (3,500 employees)
11.2010 - 07.2020
Assistant Director of HR
Welsh Government
09.2009 - 05.2010
Interim Director of Workforce
Public Health Wales NHS Trust (2,200 employees)
06.2009 - 10.2010
Interim Director of HR
Ceredigion & Mid-Wales NHS Trust (4,300 employees)
08.2006 - 10.2009
Assistant Director of HR
Velindre University NHS Trust (3,500 employees)
03.2002 - 07.2006
ILM Level 5 Coaching - Coaching
The College Merthyr Tydfil
Advanced Award in OD & Design -
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Workplace Mediation Certificate - Mediation
Open College Network
PGDip HRM - Human Resources Management
University of Glamorgan
BA (Hons) - Public Management
University of Glamorgan
Certificate in Role Redesign -
Nat. Leadership & Innovation Agency for Healthcare