January 2009 Spotlight on...

What is the next big thing in HR?

Being central to business survival during challenging economic times.

What is your biggest HR challenge?

Retaining and developing talent.

What frustrates you the most in HR?

HR being seen as ‘personnel’ and being used to police the workforce as managers abdicate their responsibilities.

Potted CV

14 years in British Gas as Administration Manager before moving into HR working for a multi national American manufacturing company as European HR Director. Currently Group HR Manager for a leading professional services organisation. I have a postgraduate diploma in HR Management and am a chartered member of the CIPD.

How did you get to where you are today?

Apart from by car, by chance after getting involved in managing a team. I found I spent more time dealing with staff issues than the operational role I had, so it was a natural progression once I left British Gas.

What are the responsibilities of your role?

A delightful mixture of strategic and generalist operational responsibilities.

What do you like best about working in the private sector?

Accountability and the ability to influence the bottom line.

What is the essential tool in your job?

The internet to keep abreast of all HR issue and legislation.

And the most over-rated?

E-mail.

What is top of your media hot list?

Sky News.

Which website did you last add to your Favourites?

www.myvouchercodes.co.uk

What is the strangest situation you have been in at work?

Working my notice when leaving my last company, knowing they had recruited my replacement but expected me to work normally throughout without informing other colleagues of my departure.

What is the most annoying piece of management jargon?

“Thinking outside the box”.

What would you be if you weren’t an HR/recruitment guru?

I would love to be a foreign diplomat immersing myself in the different cultures whilst resolving issues. I love the world of politics.

Who do you look up to and why?

Barack Obama shows that with belief anything is possible.

What is the greatest risk you have ever taken?

Taking voluntary redundancy after 14 years with British Gas.

What three words describe you most accurately?

Honest, compassionate and committed.

How do you relax when you’re not working?

Glass of red wine and quality time with my family.

What song gets you on the dance floor?

Frank Sinatra, “New York New York”.

What is your worst habit?

Smoking.

What makes you angry?

People being rude and employees being treated unfairly.

What can’t you do without?

My wife as she listens to my rants and raves and is a calming influence after a bad day at the office.

What are you reading at the moment… and is it any good?

Autobiography of Barack Obama, very inspirational having read his struggle from childhood.

If you were a superhero, who would you be/what powers would you have?

Superman ability to stop disasters and ensure the world lived in peace.