Joanne Wormald has been appointed as HR manager of Jacuzzi UK. In her new role, she will be responsible for all of the company’s personnel issues, as well as health and safety and training.
Where were you working before, and what were your duties?
I worked as an HR officer for Kalon – a large paint manufacturer that employs more than 2,000 staff. My area of responsibility was operational support to finance, IT, sales, marketing as well as the field sales force.
What qualifications do you hold?
I hold a BA (Hons) in business which I studied part-time from 1998 to 2002. I am currently working towards membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development via the accredited prior learning route.
What do you hope to achieve in this role?
To make a difference and to contribute to the ongoing success of the Jacuzzi UK business.
Which aspects are you most looking forward to?
Discussing what we would do to support pre-op transsexuals in the workplace.
How do you think the role of HR will change over the next five years?
It will be much more grass-roots work with the line managers.
Who is the ultimate guru?
Personnel Today’s Guru!
What is your essential viewing?
Soaps, ER, and Friends (Friday nights won’t be the same without it!).
What’s the best thing about HR?
Helping people succeed, progress and develop.
What is the essential tool in your job?
HR software – without it, information gathering is a nightmare.
And the most over-rated?
Job evaluation methodologies.
What advice would you give to people starting out in HR?
Get involved in everything that you possibly can and decide where you want to go from there. Be nosey – read about previous disciplinary/grievance/redundancy situations – read anything you can get your hands on.
How do you fill your spare time?
Gardening and spending time with my family.
What is the greatest risk that you have ever taken?
Going back to education when my son was very young.
What would be your ideal job?
I am an interior designer stuck inside the body of an HR manager.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Probably the lady who plays the housekeeper in Father Ted – my son says I look like her!
Who would you least like to be stuck in a lift with?
Anthony Worrall-Thompson – the guy gets right up my nose.
Wormald’s CV
2004 HR manager, Jacuzzi UK
1993 HR officer, Kalon
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1991 Career break
1989 Hire manager, Acorn Carand Van Hire
