Top job: Debbie Rotchell, HR director, Craegmoor Healthcare

Where were you working before, and what were your responsibilities?

I was head of HR services and policy at Craegmoor, covering reward, pensions, employee relations, payroll and recruitment.

What qualifications do you hold?

MCIPD and BSc (Hons) from the Open University. I also have a diploma in higher education in midwifery studies.

What are the duties in your new role?

To define the people strategy and structure, champion a cultural change programme, and continue to deliver first-class training and development to our staff.

What are the main challenges HR faces in the next five years?

We must continue to demonstrate that HR is commercially aware and able to drive business transformation and recovery where necessary.

What is the worst thing about HR?

It can be frustrating working to re-educate people about what HR do and where we can add value.

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

I was making a presentation to 400 people at a conference. It was in a dark auditorium with spotlights on me, which triggered a migraine and rendered me temporarily blind. I had to excuse myself very quickly.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Happy, determined and pragmatic.

What was your lucky break?

Being offered a great part-time job at Craegmoor after having my first daughter – I had the opportunity to lead some great projects at a time when I was worried I might have to take a back seat.

What do you regret about your career?

I have no regrets. Everything I’ve done has helped me to be who I am now.

Tell us something about yourself that no-one else knows.

I spent three years in the Officers Training Corps while at university.

Who was your childhood hero?

Swimmer Duncan Goodhew

What is the greatest risk you have ever taken?

Leaving midwifery to find another career without any real idea of what that might be.

Sum up your philosophy on life in one sentence.

Work to live, not live to work.

Rotchell’s CV

• Jan 2009-present – HR director, Craegmoor Healthcare (specialist care provider)
  
• Mar 2005-Jan 2009 – Head of HR services and policy, Craegmoor Healthcare
  
• Jun 2001-Mar 2005 – Policy consultant, Marks & Spencer
  
• Sep 1998-Jun 2001 – Various store and head office-based HR roles, Marks & Spencer