1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your background before you joined DTM Legal
I have been lucky enough during my career to work in a variety of sectors. I started my career in retail which gave me a really good grounding in all disciplines as well as wearing quite possibly the worst uniform that I have ever seen in my life. Whoever thought that creating a uniform where the blouses were covered in pictures of fruit was a good idea!! I then moved into manufacturing which meant I had to expand my H&S knowledge to a much greater degree. Following this, I then spent a couple of years working as Divisional HR Manager for North Wales Police which was a real eye opener and has provided me with such a deep respect for the work all of our emergency services do, before making the move into the legal profession. Each sector has provided a different set of challenges and learning curves which have enriched and shaped the HR professional that I am today.
2. What attracted you to DTM Legal
Having had the opportunity to work with the founding Partners at WSW, I knew they were the type of individuals who I wanted to further my career with. It was also very exciting to have the opportunity to be part of a new firm; to be actively involved in the building of a new business and helping it grow and develop.
3. What does a typical day involve?
No one day is ever the same so there isn’t really a typical day! The role of Practice Manager is very diverse.
4. Why did you decide to pursue a career in HR?
I have always enjoyed working with people. Marry that with an interest in business; an enjoyment of problem solving and a really helpful careers advisor and the rest is history! Working in any HR role is often perceived as all ‘tea and sympathy’, but it is so much more than that. I enjoy working with the business owners at a strategic level and then taking my part in disseminating the vision to drive the firm forward. I really enjoy working with the team and helping them each individually with the positive things like career development and also supporting them if they are encountering a challenging issue.
5. What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Watching someone I have been working with achieve their goal.
6. What is the most challenging part of your role?
Juggling the often conflicting priority demands of having a diverse role.
7. What advice would you give someone who is considering embarking on a career in HR?
It is not for the faint hearted and you are often in situations where someone will not be happy no matter what you do. As much as I enjoy it, dealing with people isn’t always easy as individuals don’t come with a handbook! Be honest and fair, and do what you are say you are going to do. The minute people feel they can’t trust their HR team; your role has just got a million times harder.
8. What do you consider your biggest success at the company so far?
That is really hard as I feel as a team we have achieved an awful lot since DTM started. Personally, I think my biggest success this year was overseeing the refit of our new Liverpool office and then moving the team. The fact that everyone was up and running successfully on day one was a big achievement, not to mention a massive relief!!!!
9. Describe yourself in three words
Caring, dedicated and loyal.
10. What are your hobbies and interests outside work?
Spending time having fun with my daughter, family and friends and having moved into a house that needed a lot of TLC this year – a lot of my time is spent decorating and doing DIY!!!
11. If you were stranded on a desert island what would you take
My daughter.
