Our People | Meet Carlene Edge

As Redwood’s HR Manager, Carlene says it’s the variety she loves most about her role. Having gained her CIPD qualifications while working full time, she relishes a job where no two days are ever the same.  

Could you describe an average day at Redwood Bank?

As the Bank is continuing to grow and service a greater number of business customers, my role is predominantly focused on recruitment, capacity planning and training. It’s propelled my knowledge of the company, and helped me get under the skin of departmental roles and requirements. Since joining, everyone across the Bank has been extremely helpful, friendly, and supportive. 

Tell us about how you came to be in this role? 

I’d previously worked in the logistics sector and spent 18 years with my last employer. I was solely responsible for the HR function and saw the opportunity at Redwood as a new challenge that would further my knowledge and skills and allow me to work within an established HR team.

To be successful in HR, what three skills do you need in your role?

Compassion, employment law knowledge and discretion. At Redwood, I’d say acronym busting is helpful too! 

Personally, or professionally, what’s been your biggest achievement to date?

Professionally, I’d say it’s either completing my CIPD at level 5 while raising a family and working full time as well as then having the courage to jump ship after 18 years with one company and joining Redwood. 

On a personal note, it’s becoming an avid surfer. I’d spent years being petrified of the ocean and sitting on the side-lines watching my sons fall in love with water sports and only being the photographer and not a participant. So, I decided to face by fears and give it a go, hiring a wetsuit, booking surfing lessons and getting in the sea. We now head to Cornwall as many times as we can to surf, I’m hooked!

Why would you recommend working at Redwood Bank?

Considering the size of the business, it truly has a family-friendly feel - the culture is fantastic. The Senior Leadership Team genuinely cares for the wellbeing, development, and progression of colleagues. It’s a place where you are listened to, valued, respected, and represent much more than a number. 

What was the last film you watched?

No Time to Die.

If you could meet any famous person, who would it be?

An American surfer called Bethany Hamilton. After suffering a shark attack in 2003 in which her left arm was bitten off, she returned to surfing just 26 days after the attack and entered her first major competition in January 2004. I’ve read her book, watched her documentary, and find her resilience, positivity and attitude in general just so inspiring. 

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