the HRD talks Actons Solicitors

In this episode Neil Morrison Group HR Director at Severn Trent shares his career journey, from the NHS to Argos, through to Penguin Random House Publishing and then Severn Trent. 
Neil shares his thoughts on good work, the importance of creating jobs, and organisations looking after their workforce. Neil talks about how Severn Trent have sought to take 100,000 people out of poverty by providing employment or the skills to find jobs elsewhere. 
Nic asks Neil about the future of work and Neil predicts that Nic will be replaced by AI! Neil also highlights that the future of work looks different for different parts of the workforce, and cautions us against buying into HR myths!
Neil shares his thoughts on “HR group think” and how he believes we need a data and evidence based approach to the world of work. Neil discusses the challenge of bringing social policy into the workplace and the potential dangers of “bringing your whole self to work”. 
Neil talks about “societal impact” and the challenges the water sector has faced in recent years. 
Neil talks about the privilege that it is to be an HR professional and shares his advice for those looking to progress in their career. 
Neil shares his thoughts on the importance of line managers and the impact they can have on teams. He talks to Nic about the psychological side of managing people and the importance of understanding the impact of actions on an individual and the wider workforce. 
Neil and Nic discuss the importance of honest conversations and the value in being able to say sorry! 
 
Supplier shout-out: Workday Peakon - https://www.workday.com/en-gb/products/employee-voice/overview.html
 
Neil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morrisonneil
 
Nic’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/
 
The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this episode Vicky Walker, Group Director of People at Westfield Health shares her career journey, including 20+ years at Tesco and working her way up to her current role at Westfield.
Vicky shares her thoughts on the profession, ranging from “toilet rolls to disciplinaries” and explains her more strategic role as Director of People.  Nic asks Vicky about their success winning best employer awards and the journey towards platinum Investors in People.
Vicky and Nic also discuss the “coaching culture” at Westfield and the focus on wellbeing, keeping in mind the mantra of practicing what they preach!  Nic talks to Vicky about her views on hybrid working, Artificial Intelligence, and the cost of living crisis.
Vicky shares some great advice to HR professionals starting their career and to those looking to take the step up to the People Director.  Vicky also talks about the importance of building a professional network and some tips for doing that well.  Nic and Vicky cover avoiding “HR fads” and ensuring that you are evidence and data based!
 
This episode was recorded in November 2023, we hope you enjoy it.
 
Supplier shout out: Drew Povey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-povey-31a76a12/
Vicky’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-walker-421270bb/
Nic’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/
 
The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this episode Karen Jewell, Director, HR and Organisational Development at Equip UK Technologies Ltd shares her career journey from HR roles in the energy sector, to HR Director at Derby City Council, to leading the people strategy for the Rab and Lowe Alpine outdoor apparel and equipment performance brands.
Karen talks about her experience at Equip during COVID, taking brave decisions to continue buying and fulfilling orders where others couldn’t, and creating opportunities from the challenges faced at that time.
Nic asks Karen about the extraordinary growth of the Rab and Lowe Alpine brands in the last few years, with turnover reaching in excess of £100 million. Karen explains how the business has also significantly grown its headcount using the strength of their brand, LinkedIn for recruitment, focusing on retention, and utilising their employees as ambassadors.
Karen tells Nic about her approach to wellbeing at Equip, training “wellbeing champions”, signing up to the UK Thrive at Work charter, and partnering with a specialist mental health and wellbeing service for colleagues, taking a proactive approach to the issue.  Karen also shares Equip’s strategy on sustainability and how they have authentically embraced this important issue, becoming climate neutral in 2019, and aiming for net zero by 2030.
Karen gives her honest view on the HR profession and shares her advice for those who might be considering it as a career.  She also explains her views on women in leadership and how best to demonstrate value to the organisation you’re working with.
This episode was recorded at the beginning of 2023.


Supplier shout out: https://thinkforwardconsulting.co.uk/
Karen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-jewell-fcipd-aa71a317/
Nic’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/

The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit out website.
The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this episode, Pat Woodfield, Executive Group Director, Business Strategy, People & Culture at YMCA Robin Hood Group shares her career journey from executive personal assistant, to HR Manager, to COO and CEO roles, to Executive HR positions.

Pat talks about the great work the YMCA is doing, including their new site in Newark, the Malt Cross music hall, and the famous caves of Nottingham!

Nic talks to Pat about the changing nature of the people function and what People & Culture actually means at YMCA.  Pat also talks about the challenges of recruitment and retention in the charity sector and the strategies they deploy on that front.  Pat explains that the team has recruited approximately 190 in the last year with more to come!

Nic and Pat talk about the challenges of managing PR risks in the modern workplace and the rapid pace of change. Pat advocates for the generalist HR role and the importance of a good network of contacts and the benefits of utilising a coach. 

Pat also shares her advice to HR professionals starting their careers and senior HR professionals working in an executive team.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Supplier Shout Out: Employee benefits specialist in Surrey and London UK (second-sight.com)

Pat’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-woodfield-1b97921a/

Nic’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/
The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this episode, recorded back in March 2023 on International Women’s Day, Charlotte Coore, Head of People & Culture at 200 Degrees Coffee and Zoë Ogden, People Director at Impression share their career journey in HR and experience working in rapidly growing SME businesses.  

Zoë and Charlotte talk about the differences between working in larger corporates and smaller SMEs and the challenges of working in a standalone HR role.  They also share the challenges of being female and operating at a senior level within an organisation.

Zoë talks about the generational differences in how employees are viewing work and how the world of work has evolved post COVID.  Charlotte talks about the importance of colleagues sharing about their mental health, the wellbeing agenda, and how businesses can adapt to have a positive impact on their people’s lives.

Zoë also talks about the benefit of pay transparency and the benefits Impression have seen from taking an open approach to pay and retention.  Charlotte and Zoë also share the advice they would give to their younger selves starting out in their HR career.

We hope you enjoy this episode!
Supplier Shout Outs: https://www.helloself.com/ and https://www.marcellusbaz.co.uk/switch-up/
Zoë’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zoë-ogden-56395258/
Charlotte’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-coore-263523140/
Nic’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/
The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.

In this episode Adam Dilks, Group People Director at Nightcap Plc shares his career journey in HR from a training scheme at Tesco, to his current role helping Nightcap achieve its goal of becoming the leading late night bar group.  He claims it’s not just about the cocktails!


Adam tells Nic about the entrepreneurial approach at Nightcap, led by Sarah Willingham (ex-dragon’s den,) and how they are focusing on delivering their belief that “everyone deserves a great night out”.  Adam contrasts the “oil tanker” nature of large corporates and how he’s enjoying being at a “jet ski” business.


Nic talks to Adam about how the hospitality sector are embracing inclusivity, managing the transient nature of their workforce, and giving their people a great experience of work.  Adam explains how employers can’t operate in the same way anymore and how employee expectations have changed, and how recruitment is like dating!  


Adam also touches on technology, AI, and how employers can use that well and not be afraid of change.  Nic asks Adam about his thoughts on equality, diversity and inclusion and Adam shares his internal “why” that drives him to focus on inclusion and how that avoids it being tokenistic. 


Nic and Adam also debate whether the Dragons on Dragons’ Den were judges or just “the Dragons”!
 
We hope you enjoy this episode!


Adam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-dilks/
Nic’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-elliott/
 
The HRD Talks is brought to you by Actons. For more information on our podcast please visit our website.