People

Nigel Benjamin on housing charity ECHG

Family man Nigel Benjamin has been appointed as director of HR and
organisational development for English Churches Housing Group, an association
that provides general needs housing and supported and sheltered accommodation
for more than 26,000 people across England.

Benjamin will head the HR team. "My role as a member of the executive
team is to lead on everything related to HR, health and safety, and the
environment and also look at organisational development," he says.

ECHG staff work with a range of clients from the homeless to ex-offenders,
and Benjamin is keen to ensure they are all suitably trained. He will also
carry out a review of reward and remuneration.

Finding creative solutions to issues and supporting managers in developing
strategy are among the aspects Benjamin likes about HR, but he says it is
essential to see the wider view.

Married to Heather, Benjamin enjoys spending time with his two young sons,
Chris, aged 10, and eight-year-old Mark.

CV

June 2001 English Churches Housing Group, director of HR and OD
June 2000 Multiple Sclerosis Society, head of personnel
May 1997 Amersham and Wycombe College, head of personnel
May 1996 HR consultant
1978 British Gas, variety of HR roles

On the move

Iain Smith, formerly of Hay Management Consultants, has set up consultancy
Diaz Research. He headed Hay’s IT and telecoms practice areas as well as
leading its IT HR research. Diaz offers best practice research briefings and
handbooks as well as consulting.

Debbie Gazzard has joined recruitment solutions provider The Blomfield Group
as associate director of HR. She will be responsible for internal HR strategies
including the recruitment of consultants and compensation and benefits. She
previously ran the on-site recruitment outsourcing contract at Goldman Sachs
for resource solutions. Prior to that, she worked for Martin Ward Anderson and
The Hays Group.

Imelda Walsh has become HR director at Sainsbury’s Supermarkets. She joins
from Barclays Bank, where she was HR director for retail financial services.
She has also had spells at Coca-Cola Schweppes and Grand Metropolitan. She will
be responsible for all aspects of HR. Walsh will be supported by Jackie Watson,
who joins as talent director. Watson, who has held similar positions at
Vodafone, American Express and British Airways, will be responsible for
resourcing, career planning and developing senior managers and colleagues.