Based at workplace solutions provider Regus’ head office in Chertsey, Lisa Harley regularly travels to other sites. “That is the best part of the job,” she says.
“As I head up the operational HR for the whole of the UK, I am able to travel around and advise managers on HR issues face-to-face. It works much better as it allows me to build up relationships and find out what information people really need.”
Harley has been working in HR for the last three years. “I did a degree in psychology and liked the fact that I could apply the people management aspects of my degree to an HR role. I started as an HR assistant and worked my way up. Having contacts or doing administrative work experience at the start of your career is really helpful.”
Harley is responsible for advising line managers and the centre teams on staff relations. Issues include employment law, and compliance with company policies and procedures, particularly disciplinary and grievance procedures.
“I need to ensure managers are up-to-date on employment law and that they understand the matters related to them. I also manage redundancies and staff transfers.”
She adds: “To be an HR adviser you need to have good interpersonal skills because the role involves interaction with a variety of people at different levels throughout the organisation.”
“A CIPD postgraduate diploma in HRM is also a must. To keep my learning refreshed, I regularly attend training and seminars on aspects of employment law.
“HR is a great industry to work in, but it can be frustrating when people don’t see it as an integral part of the business,” she says.
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Salary expectations for this role: £18,000 to £35,000
Information provided by Hays Human Resources
