The Next Step: Preparing for Retirement

Caroline Waters OBE

Caroline is Deputy Chair of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, Vice President of Carers UK, a member of the Whole Education, Roffey Park and IncrediBull Boards, as well as the Founder of CW’s Consulting Box. Caroline has held a number of positions for the BT Group where she was formerly Director of People & Policy.

Her previous role focused on realising BT’s business ambitions through leading and implementing forward-thinking people strategies that promoted inclusivity and looked to empower individuals whilst allowing them to contribute to the community and volunteering. A pioneer and high-profile leader in the area of flexible working, she has an impressive track record of delivering sustained transformational change programmes across a complex international organisation.

Caroline’s work has been widely recognised across the industry with her appointment as HR Director of the Year at HR Magazine’s HR Excellence Awards in 2009.  She is consistently placed within the top 3 positions in their annual ‘HR’s Most Influential People’ listings.  This leadership was further recognised by the award of an OBE in the New Year Honours List 2010 for services to diversity and equal opportunities. 

Judy Greevy FRSA

Judy possesses over 30 years of experience in the engagement, leadership development, diversity and culture change fields across both the private and public sector. She has particular expertise in developing strategy and leading change programmes.

Some of her previous roles have included Global Head of Diversity at NatWest Bank and Head of Diversity and Corporate Responsibility at Centrica. She has also worked for the Australian Bank AMP and Henderson’s Global Investors and most recently been an HR Director at Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs with responsibility for Talent, Diversity and Engagement.

Judy currently conducts independent consultancy work, as has previously run a very successful business undertaking work for a wide range of clients including KPMG., Ernst and Young, Standard Chartered Bank, Marks & Spencer, Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Scotland and Greater London Authority. 

During her career Judy has won a number of Awards including the Directing Diverse Talent Award at the 2015 Opportunity Now Excellence in Practice Awards. 

Judy is a Board member of the Employers’ Network for Equality and Inclusion. She has also been a Non Executive Director and Deputy Chair of an NHS Trust and a school governor and member of the Ministry of Defence External Diversity Panel.

Before moving into organisational development and diversity work Judy was a corporate banker. She is a graduate of Leeds University and Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Keith Ridland

Keith has 10 years’ experience, initially at Director Level and then as Chief Executive, working for a charity providing individually tailored, confidential mentoring and advice on career transition embracing both employment and financial aspects.

In these roles Keith gained experience liaising with supporting companies, associated advisors and mentoring organisations, which has provided him with a wide range of contacts in the field of recruitment, finance and career change.

Keith joined the Royal Navy from Merchant Taylor’s School, Crosby and graduated from Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. After serving as a finance, administration, logistics and HR specialist, he left in 2001 in the rank of Captain. His career included 9 years in the Ministry of Defence in a wide spectrum of appointments ranging from the private office of the First Sea Lord to membership of the MOD’s Financial Management Development Unit. As a Commander, he was Director of the Royal Naval Supply School and, as a Captain, lived and worked in both South America and India.

After joining The White Ensign Association in 2002 he initially led the charity’s Employment Services. He was subsequently additionally appointed as Finance Director and continued in both positions until 2008, when he became Chief Executive. In each of these roles his work entailed delivering regular presentations to large audiences on the key issues of career transition, and retirement interviewing those facing such a change and providing personal advice and guidance.

Keith is a Freeman of the City of London, a member of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs, a keen sportsman and actively supports and advises several charities near his home.

Qualifications:

• Educated: Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby
• Graduated: Britannia Royal Naval College (HR, logistics, finance and administration specialist)
• Spanish Speaker: Studied at the Andean Centre for Latin American Studies, Quito
• Certified Diploma in Accounting and Finance (City of Westminster University)