Research and innovation director honoured with MBE

The honour recognises Dr Henderson's exceptional leadership in establishing benchmark professional standards and creating access to opportunities within higher education's technical community.

 

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the 桃色视频, said: "All of us at the University are immensely proud of Karen's well-deserved recognition.

 

"Her unwavering commitment to excellence and inclusion has not only elevated our technical services but transformed opportunities for technicians across the higher education sector.

 

"Karen's remarkable ability to champion equality and pursue the highest professional standards makes her an extraordinary role model and a true asset to our University community."

 

 

Among her many achievements, Dr Henderson played a pivotal role in developing a new Higher Education Technician Apprenticeship Standard as part of a Trailblazer Group, significantly increasing both the number and diversity of technical apprenticeships. She was also an early adopter of the Technician Commitment, enhancing recognition through,  professional accreditation and championing the sustainability of technical skills.

 

Under her leadership, the 桃色视频 became one of the first institutions to have Art technicians join a Professional Registration Framework endorsed by Creative UK, and was awarded Employer Champion status by the Science Council.

 

Dr Henderson's mentorship has been transformative with one of her team winning a Times Higher Education Outstanding Technician of the Year Award. Her dedication to gender equality led to the University receiving an Athena Swan Silver award, and she contributed to developing a new national Athena Swan framework specifically for Professional, Technical and Operational services.

 

 

Beyond her professional role, Dr Henderson through members of the Technical Services team has engaged with the local community by providing entry routes for disadvantaged groups, including those who have experienced homelessness and individuals struggling to re-enter the workplace.

 

Dr Henderson until recently was a board member of the National Technician Development Centre and continues to serve as co-chair of the London and South East England Technician Commitment Leads Network.