Liz Page, Senior Director, British Red Cross

Liz took part in TheKNOW with the aim of updating her understanding of the cultural and political environment of London to help improve the impact that Red Cross has for vulnerable people in the capital.

She says: “I really wanted to get under the skin of London, as it is such a complex, diverse and continually changing city. The course provided opportunities I would not normally have the chance to experience. I broadened my knowledge through spending time with a range of successful leaders including Hackney Police Force, city planners, members of the House of Lords, Community leaders and senior managers in commercial organisations. Seeing their problems and priorities gave me a huge range of perspectives.

“As a strategic leader, TheKNOW has definitely helped me improve the impact of the work of the British Red Cross. I have a much wider sense of London and I feel more confident in extending my authority beyond my immediate sphere. We are expanding our work with refugees and asylum seekers, and I feel better able to understand the context and where appropriate influence other agencies working in this field.”