As interim HR transformation project manager at Oldham Council for example, a role she held from November 2011 to May 2012, Grave headed up the design of a new people services target operating model and people services delivery framework, releasing substantial savings. She also delivered a workforce measurement framework, and led the design and delivery of an online dashboard for workforce performance across a number of business units.
More recent roles include interim HR programme manager and interim head of HR and OD at Hertfordshire County Council, and interim head of HR and OD at Gloucestershire County Council. She became vice president of the PPMA in 2016.
In her role as president of the PPMA, Grave has worked hard to get HR issues onto people’s agendas. She has tirelessly continued the work of the PPMA with sister associations so that HR thinks holistically and continues to share best practice. She is also driven to ensure that HR practitioners recognise the importance of evidence-based decisions so the profession is not seen as a nice to have but a business essential.
Of particular note is Grave’s work on launching a campaign on bullying and harassment in the public sector. The Out of The Shadows campaign, launched in July, aims to gather the largest dataset on harassment and bullying within the public sector ever collated. The plan is to inform clearer legislation and a better understanding of the issue.
A 260-question survey to be answered by people who have experienced or witnessed bullying, and by trade union representatives and HR professionals who are involved in resolving confrontations, forms part of the campaign. This was launched on 30 August and will run for three months.
