Rachel Court explains her hand in smoothing the transition from an ‘ancillary support’ HR function to one that sits at the heart of the business.
1. How strategic is your current role and what does it involve?
I’m General Manager (Human Resources) with specific responsibility for Yorkshire Building Society’s overall people strategy as well as having line management responsibility for the HR function. As part of the general management team, I’m party to all major decision-making within the organisation, with a particular responsibility to consider any ‘people’ implications and impacts of any decisions we are making and how they should be managed.
2. How is the HR function perceived within your organisation?
The perception of the HR function is changing within the organisation – from being an ‘ancillary support’ area, to being an area which is at the heart of the business and works in partnership with business managers to maximise the value of our most important resource – our people.
3. How does your business use HR practices to get ahead?
To recruit, train and develop high calibre individuals who can deliver the innovation that the business needs to get ahead of the competition, as well as providing the excellent service to customers which can really differentiate us on the high street.
4. Why is your company such a great place to work?
Because everyone is treated as an individual not a number. It’s a very friendly place, and a lot of fun is had amongst the hard work!
5. How does HR win hearts and minds in your business?
By talking to people in the business, understanding their requirements and delivering what they need; and by ensuring all communication is handled sensitively and effectively.
6. Will HR survive outsourcing and changes to service delivery?
I believe there will always be a need for an HR function – though it will need to continue to adapt to the continually changing business environment.
7. What’s the new skill set of HR?
The ability to link HR strategy to corporate strategy, together with strong influencing skills to ensure the importance of people issues is recognised at all levels throughout the business.
8. What’s the worst thing about working in HR and the best?
The worst thing is that there are never enough hours in the day! The best thing is being involved in all aspects of the business and seeing talent develop to the benefit of both individuals and the company.
9. What are the key issues preventing HR professionals from getting a seat on the board?
There may still be a perception at Board level that HR is a ‘soft fluffy’ subject rather than a crucial plank in an organisation’s commercial success. HR professionals need to be able to demonstrate that they really understand the business issues to have the credibility needed to operate at Board level.
10. If you have a mantra / motto what is it?
My motto? ‘It doesn’t cost you anything to smile’.
11. What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading ‘Fool’s Fate’ by Robin Hobb. A fantasy novel. I like a bit of escapism!
12. What would be your desert island disc?
‘Thank you for the music’ by Abba – one long Karaoke session!
13. If you could have lunch with three famous people, dead or alive who would they be and why?
Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela – to understand the nature of inspirational leaders.
14. If you’d like to be remembered for one thing what is it?
For always having a smile for everyone, and for the novel I’ll hopefully get round to writing one day!
