Sorrelle is NHS HR Graduate Trainee at Bournemouth and Poole PCT
Sorrelle's story
I joined the HR stream of the NHS Graduate Management Scheme in September 2009. My current role as a HR Trainee is at Bournemouth & Poole PCT where I am working on numerous strategic projects, one being a large TUPE transfer.
Before joining the NHS scheme I worked as a legal consultant at MBA International, I have also had experiences as a Parliamentary Scrutiny Advisor at the Department for Education and Skills, and been an Advisor at the Citizens Advice Bureau. My first job was sorting out the bad onions at a farm shop for £2.50 an hour.
Why HR?
I was keen to get involved with HR as I thought it would be a career option that would meet my interests. Initially I believed HR was about talking to people, resolving conflict and ensuring individual performance.
So my first step was to study the CIPD Certificate in Personal Practice at my local college and see whether a career in HR would fit with my values and aspirations. From this course I wanted to continue and get fully CIPD qualified. I investigated Graduate schemes that offered funding for the qualification and found the NHS scheme. After a long application and testing process I was lucky enough to be offered a place!
Highlights of working in HR
Working in HR within the NHS is such an exciting place to be, mainly because of the extremely diverse workforce, the huge skill mix and the constant restructuring. A highlight for me is always seeing how the work I do everyday in my HR capacity has a direct influence on Patient care. For example, providing support to a member of staff who is experiencing high levels of anxiety. By recognising that the member of staff needs support and offering it to them they are less likely to take time off work on sickness absence. They remain an asset on the ward caring for patients.
During my placements I have become involved with strategic projects ensuring organisational effectiveness as well as being responsible for a large operational case-load of employment relations issues. There has also been the opportunity to get involved with the design and delivery of learning and development events.
Since starting my CIPD qualification and being part of the NHS scheme I have had the opportunity to network with a range of senior leaders within the NHS, private sector and third sector organisations. Since specialising in HR I have grown confidence in my ability to network and feel I have something interesting to say to anyone I meet. HR is involved in everyone’s careers continuously whether they realise it or not, for example, annual leave, maternity, redeployment, bullying, career progression, career development to name but a few.
Future ambitions
In terms of my own future career plans, I would like to imagine myself in the future leading a highly valued HR department within an NHS hospital. That I would be a highly adaptable practitioner achieved through professional development opportunities. Lastly that my professional reputation is well respected in the HR community.
HR's role in business
With the current market I don’t think the role of HR should be underestimated. When there are potential redundancies and changes to employees work structures then obvious pressures are likely to manifest, i.e. increased absence and further grievances. HR is at the centre of exploring how organisations can engage with employees during difficult times. The relationship between HR and Organisational Development is growing closer and is more intrinsically linked.
If you have a passion with working closely with people and a desire to make a difference then I would strongly recommend looking into a career in HR. There are so many difference facets that you could get involved with and the best thing about it is the confidence you will build up within yourself.
Key skills needed
What do I think are the key skills needed to work in HR? Well, I think that you need to be all of the following: a good communicator, a good listener, a lateral thinker and decisive decision maker.