Peter Wilkinson is the new head of HR for the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) in Birmingham. The CCRC is an independent body responsible for investigating suspected miscarriages of criminal justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Where were you working before?
I was with Royal Mail Group for seven years – mostly with Parcelforce Worldwide. I was responsible for resourcing, development and training, although most of my time was taken up with change management. I was heavily involved in several major organisational projects.
What will be your duties in this new role?
I will be responsible for the whole range of HR activities, but specifically for the introduction of performance management. The commission is a unique organisation with highly professional people and a very flat structure – there are no ‘line managers’ in the accepted sense, so introducing effective performance management will be a real challenge.
What qualifications do you hold?
I’m a chartered fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and have a Master’s degree in HR management.
What do you hope to achieve in your new role?
For everyone in the organisation to have a perfect work-life balance, including myself.
How do you think HR will change in the next five years?
There will be a move away from the current models of HR (experts, shared services, business partners) back towards integrated HR teams with as much HR in the line as possible.
What is your essential viewing?
The Prisoner, any film by David Lynch, and Coronation Street.
What’s the best thing about HR?
Helping people achieve their career goals.
And the worst?
Self-opinionated HR people who invent their own vocabulary to exclude others.
What is the strangest situation you have been in at work?
Waking up at night in Dovey forest, freezing cold in a log cabin during a snowstorm, surrounded by the management team (also wide awake) on a training course.
What is the greatest risk you have ever taken?
Getting married – it was worth it.
Who would play you in the film of your life and why?
Timothy Spall – I think he’d be able to capture both my good looks and intellect.
Who would you least like to be stuck in a lift with?
Jimmy Tarbuck.
Wilkinson’s CV
2004 Head of HR, CCRC
1996 Head of resourcing and training, Parcelforce Worldwide
1994 HR manager, Leicester Housing Association
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1990 HR consultant
1988 HR manager, Eurodollar Car Rental
