After more than seven years in the public sector, Sandra Beale (MCIPD) decided she needed to be exposed to new challenges and different cultures and in a bold step she decided to go-it-alone carving a unique and successful career for herself as an interim manager and HR and Training consultant. Read on to find out how she did it.
Career history
Working as an HR generalist, Beale who is based in Northants gained valuable experience in the probation service and local authorities. By January 2003, she was getting itchy feet, however, and felt it was time to unleash herself on a new challenge that would introduce her to different workplace cultures, businesses and people-management methods.
Going solo
Attracted by generous reward packages, Beale found an abundance of maternity leave cover positions available. The six to eight month spans were ideal for her to make her mark. She gained valuable exposure that has helped her to turn her hand to the number of different situations she faces in her consultancy work.
“I recently worked in an interim role for the not-for-profit sector. Working with the senior management team I introduced an employee assistance programme and childcare vouchers policy for the 270-employee strong organisation as part of the benefits package. The feedback has been very positive. I also introduced a 360 degree appraisal pilot for the senior managers to capture their views on this senior management performance management process. These kinds of experiences are invaluable.”
Growing the business
As well as for the public/not-for-profit sector Beale has worked with a range of clients in different industries including HR staff, accountancy practices, customer-service, construction and SMEs. A number of assignments have helped her to build up an impressive portfolio which includes amongst others:
- Black Business Association, Recruitment of the Chief Executive
- M&J Transport, Kettering – employee handbook
- Lengard Construction, Cheshunt – data protection training
- NSPCC – HR advice and support
- Northants Chamber of Commerce – disability awareness training
Getting work has been aided by what Beale terms as a ‘buoyant HR market’.
“You do have to work hard at sourcing work. I’ve found word-of-mouth has helped enormously. I also network at business breakfast meetings and on e-boards.”
“HR as a career has grown over the last four or five years and the opportunities have become abundant. Salaries are on the increase too.”
Why interim and consultancy work?
The variety of work is the main attraction for Beale.
“It’s all very interesting. I’ve had to deal with a number of different situations particularly in my interim work. Recently for example, I had to handle a disciplinary procedure – no-one else knew what to do and I had to be really influential with the advice I gave. I had to set up an investigatory panel and coach the representatives as they weren’t even sure what questions to ask.”
Why not interim and consultancy work?
Beale does admit, however, that a strong constitution is needed.
“It doesn’t suit everyone. You have to be very pro-active, get out there and talk to people. Every time you begin a new contract you start over building your relationships and establishing your credibility. For me the worst bit is leaving friends behind and saying goodbye.”
Routes in
There are a lot of interim contracts available enthuses Beale both full-time and part-time.
“A strong CV which highlights your key achievements is crucial. Then it’s just a question of searching out the opportunities on recruitment websites and with agencies.”
Of course having a decade’s experience in HR also helps and recognising the need to broaden your experience to different cultures and situations, as Beale did is vital. The hard bit is taking the leap from the comfort zone.
For further information see www.sjbealhrconsult.co.uk
