What makes Karen Moore of Scottish Waterways Trust tick?
What makes a good day at work?
Three things make a good work day for me: negotiating a new partnership or developing a new project for the canal network in Scotland; getting things off my to-do list or seeing our work out on the canals and spending time with our clients and partners.
How many hours do you normally work in a week?
My contract is 37 but in 16 years I have never achieved a 37 hour week. Good is probably 45 and bad is 70+!
What do you procrastinate over?
Anything that requires too much detailed analysis and reading. I get bored easily.
What turns you into the office Victor Meldrew?
Untidiness and uncleanliness.
Karen Moore
Is the third sector a calling or an accident?
At first it was an accident. My first role was with Barnardo’s Scotland as a business fundraiser and I got a heads up from someone I was working with at the time in 1991. I applied and got the role. Since then it has been a calling. I have loved my career in the third sector. I get to see the results of my work every day and how it changes lives, communities and now canals.
What happens during your perfect weekend?
Getting out in the fresh air with my partner and exploring a part of Scotland we do not know. I love to cook so a nice meal and yes a glass of bubbles - not Prosecco. What is the obsession with it? Spending time with our cat – purrfect.
What’s your favourite album?
Back to Basics by Christina Aguilera.
Would we all be better off if charities did more in our society?
Yes, I do believe that, but who would pay for it or where would the cash be diverted from? It is a very competitive landscape. I think firstly there should be an overhaul of what is classified or eligible as a charity and then take it from there.
Would your 16-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?
Yes, I am sure she would be if she took the time to listen. I was not very patient at 16 or good at taking advice; I was a bit of a rebel. What she would smile at is that I have rebelled against what the teachers thought of me, which was that I would not achieve much. Okay then, just shows what they knew!
You’re home, fully fed with your feet up – which comes first Eastenders or emails?
If it is a Friday, it would be bubbles first and definitely not Eastenders or any of the soaps. I am more of a crime drama girl than the soaps. Yes, I do always check my emails though.
Is this a step on the ladder or your final destination?
I am always thinking future so this is definitely a step on the ladder. I have climbed many rungs in my 16 years with Scottish Waterways Trust. It is constantly changing which keeps things interesting.
What do you think is the main strengths of the Scottish charity sector?
The charity sector in Scotland is responsive and active. Being a smaller country we can be a bit more nimble and innovative.
Why are waterways so important to Scotland’s communities?
Water is what gives this planet life. The canals and waterways in Scotland are vital for our health and wellbeing and also for wildlife. They form arteries and connections through communities both rural and urban which in some way makes them unique. At Scottish Waterways Trust we believe in creating brighter futures for people and wildlife by connecting people with the heritage, wildlife and green open spaces of Scotland’s canals through pioneering and innovative projects, we inspire people to get active, improve their health and mental well-being, employment prospects and community life.
What does your dream retirement look like?
I have no intention of retiring. I love to learn, have new challenges and if you stop working your brain is no longer stimulated in the same way which I think keeps your grey matter healthier! I may not work the hours I do now and I would like to be more entrepreneurial for myself. Travel, exercise and spending time with my friends would also be a factor. I would, however, like a little bit more time to read a good book - one of life’s true pleasures.
Which Brian Cox?
Brian Cox the actor - although I would probably say neither! Why two men is my other question…
