Lisa Blood has been appointed head of HR at hospitality resourcing company Berkeley Scott Group. Her role is to ensure a joined-up approach to the company’s people processes.
Where were you working before, and what were your duties?
I was HR manager at the Laurel Pub Company. I had a regional role working closely with the operations director on both day-to-day and strategic matters.
How many hours do you work a week on average?
About 55.
What are the challenges HR faces in the next five years?
Employee engagement and retention. And keeping up with employment legislation.
What is your essential TV viewing?
Absolutely Fabulous and The Green Wing
What would be your dream job?
Selling ice-cream on the cliff top at Durdle Door in Dorset – but only on sunny days!
What is the worst thing about HR?
People. No two are alike and it can be very irritating!
Who would you least like to work with?
People who don’t listen.
How do you fill your spare time?
Spending time with family and performing in a pop choir.
What is the essential tool in your job?
My ears, for listening.
And the most over-rated?
E-mail. It can be an excuse for not having productive conversations.
What advice would you give to people starting out in HR?
Balance the textbooks with commercial reality. Understand the role of HR in driving profits.
What was the last book you read?
Shopaholic Abroad by Sophie Kinsella.
What is the best office party you have ever attended?
It involved jumping on a huge inflatable bouncy castle with a good friend and colleague. The air pump subsequently became detached and the whole thing collapsed leaving us buried underneath.
What song gets you on the dance floor?
Anything – dancing is my passion.
Who would play you in the film of your life and why?
Goldie Hawn – because she’s fit, over 40, sexy and intelligent. Everything I’d like to be – except for the over 40 bit.
Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?
A paramedic. I’m claustrophobic, so even if George Clooney was in the lift I doubt I would notice.
Blood’s CV
2004 Head of HR, Berkeley Scott Group
2001 HR Manager, Laurel Pub Company
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1997 Employee relations manager, Whitbread
1987 Various roles, Somerfield Stores
