Where did you work before and what were your duties?
I was project managing Ministry of Defence bids at Babcock Defence Services, as acting HR bid director. This involved managing large technical teams and designing and writing the HR solution for the bids.
What qualifications do you hold?
MA in Human Resource Management, CIPD qualification, and Investors in People assessor.
What are the duties in your current role?
I head the Berryman HR consultancy team. My role is to establish the HR business within the Berryman brand, with four permanent staff and four associates. I report to the firm’s head of business services.
What are the main challenges HR faces?
Attracting and retaining talent with the right compensation and benefits package.
What is the essential tool in your job?
Being up-to-date with current legislation.
And the most overrated?
The hype around doing the fundamentals of HR – it is good business practice to get the basics right.
What is the worst thing about HR?
The perception that people have of HR, coupled with the lack of recognition that HR is strategic.
What is the strangest situation you have been in at work?
Being asked if the flexible working policy could be applied to an employee’s sick rabbit.
Who is your ultimate hero?
My father has been an inspiration in my career.
What is the most annoying piece of management jargon?
Blue-sky thinking – it drives me nuts.
How do you fill your spare time?
Showing fell ponies, up and down the country.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Driven, innovative and honest.
What song gets you on the dance floor?
Baby I don’t care, by Transvision Vamp.
What is your worst habit?
At times too competitive and striving for perfection.
What is the greatest risk you have ever taken?
Moving to Berryman, leaving a job I was happy in.
What three items would you take with on a desert island?
My partner, my toothbrush, and a diary.
Who would play you in the film of your life and why?
Ask me in another five years.
What is the best office party you’ve ever attended?
My previous boss held a party on his barge and it was perfect.
Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?
Someone I can talk horses and showing to for hours.
Sum up your philosophy on life in one sentence.
Live the moment to the full and enjoy it.
CV
2003-present
HR director, Berryman
2001-2003
Business development manager/acting HR bid director, Babcock Defence Services
1998-2001
HR development manager, Hunting Contract Services
1995-1998
Investors in People consultant, Southern Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce
1994-1995
HR consultant, BDMG Consulting (part of PKF accountants)
