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How long have you been at Bedales, and how did you get here?
I joined Bedales at the start of November 2023 and the next day needed to begin a consultation with the whole teaching body concerning their pensions and pay. That ensured I got to know the teaching staff very quickly and they got to know me. I was working for the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth as their Head of People, IT and Governance when my friend who worked in the Payroll team told me about the opening for a Director of Human Resources. I saw the advert when it came out and applied straight away as it looked and has ended up being the perfect job.
What is your role and what is a typical day for you like at Bedales?
As Director of Human Resources, I work as part of the Whole School Senior Team to ensure all the staff we employ can deliver what they need to on behalf of the school and students and that we pay them accurately to do it. This involves complying with HMRC, Border Control, Safeguarding and Employment legislation which changes regularly. I like the fact that there is no typical day but a variety of things for me to support people with, or make decisions about, not all of them easy. I could be consoling a member of staff about a personal issue that has upset them one minute and then preparing papers to go to an Employment Tribunal the next.
Apart from your role, what else do you get involved with at the school?
As a member of the Leadership Team I am asked my opinion on a variety of things that may not directly relate to Human Resources and a wide variety of policies. I am part of our Safeguarding Committee and work closely with Health and Safety. I also ran a lesson for 6.1s (Year 12s) about rights and responsibilities of employers and employees which I hope to do more of.
In your opinion, what makes Bedales special?
It must be the people - both staff and students - and the beautiful environment we work in. I find the school to be respectful and kind which inspires me in my work.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by people who are creative in very different fields. One such person is Hedy Lamarr, a film star in the 1930s Hollywood Golden Age but also an inventor co-creating an early technique for spread spectrum communications which is the key to many wireless communications of the present day. This diversity is what I believe Bedales is providing for all students giving them the opportunity to shine across the wide range of subjects and not forcing them into one area or another.
Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.
In my past I was very active in amateur dramatics, especially singing which I still love whenever I get a chance!