6 June 2022

Karen Cook, who was CNWL’s Lead Social Worker, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Jubilee Honours.

Her citation reads:

Karen Lyn COOK, Lately Head of Social Work and Social Care, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. For services to the Social Work Profession

Professor Dorothy Griffiths, Chair of CNWL, led the congratulations from all her colleagues, “How lovely! Well done Karen.”

Karen was a much respected member of staff – a real champion for social work and social care; she retired from CNWL in December 2021 (see https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/news/good-luck-and-goodbye-karen-cook-social-care-lead-youll-be-missed)

Karen joined the Trust in 2006 and has moved on to a new national role where she continues to support mental health and social work in the NHS.

Karen said: “I am so grateful for my 15 years at CNWL and especially my last 5 years as the Head of Social Work and Social Care/Safeguarding Adult Lead. I have valued the commitment to working in partnership within CNWL – with people who use services, their carers, local communities and partner agencies including local authorities. I wish everyone well for the future and keeping the people we serve at the heart of everything we do. I will miss my colleagues greatly - many of whom I now class as my friends.”