- What does HR mean to you?
At the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) we see HR as an invaluable source of expertise that ensures we have the most appropriate people joining our staff team. Our HR function gives our employees the opportunity to develop their skills and progress as far as possible in their role. It helps us to stretch people without breaking them so they do more than they ever thought possible and enjoy it. Good HR practices are vital - from the start of the recruitment process right through to the end of employment. They help ensure that staff members work with us with a positive state of mind, feeling good about the charity they belong to.
- How does good HR help your bottom line?
The success we have as a charity is down to the skill and imagination of the staff we take on. The bottom line depends on our people and therefore on the HR function. Our charity has been through a huge amount of change over the past three years, the success of which would not have been possible without our capable HR team. We changed our structure and systems and introduced a new database, website, brand and governance system. All this was achieved with remarkably few issues among staff. The HR team did a magnificent job throughout the changes and a recent survey has shown a high level of positive staff feedback.
- What do you look for in a good recruit?
We always look for someone who displays curiosity, imagination, courage and determination. It's also important that recruits demonstrate the ability to listen, care, respect each other and co-operate for the greater good. We always take on people who strive for excellence and who are committed to making a difference in the world. They also need to be prepared to be part of a team that includes the wider volunteer function. It's important recruits understand that to make a difference to parents we need to support our volunteers to be able to do what they do best. We take on a wide range of people from all walks of life and all sorts of different backgrounds. I always look for people who are different from me and who will bring unique skills to their team.
- What's the biggest cock-up you have seen?
There hasn't been a specific incident that I can recall but I always find it upsetting when a round peg is in a square hole and no one is acting to sort it out: seeing good people failing because they are in the wrong job is very sad. The most difficult time to act is when you have someone in a position they feel comfortable in but their role has to alter due to changes within the charity. Sometimes this person struggles to adjust.
