Building much-needed business savvy
HR professionals need to develop stronger business savvy to drive organizational influence and strategic impact. A new research initiative explores how to build commercial awareness and embed it as standard practice across HR functions.
Wanted: HR mentors to support SMEs
The UK government is launching a nationwide network of 40,000 business mentors to support small-to-medium enterprises with HR, marketing, and finance advice, replacing the closed Business Link centres. Major banks including Barclays, HSBC, and RBS are recruiting 1,000 volunteer mentors, with SMEs able to find local support through a new website.
Councils to take part in mentoring scheme
Five councils are piloting a work pairing scheme that matches young people with mentors at small-to-medium businesses for up to 10 weeks of work experience. The government plans to expand the successful initiative to 50,000 trainees nationwide.
No NMW ‘loophole’ for interns
Unpaid internships are illegal under National Minimum Wage law, regardless of voluntary agreements, according to a new report. The research calls for clearer enforcement and recommends banning unpaid internships in Parliament to set an example for other industries.
It takes two: making mentoring work. By Louise Druce
Mentoring benefits both participants: mentees gain guidance and support for professional development, while mentors find renewed purpose by sharing expertise. Effective mentoring programs, like those at United Utilities, pair experienced staff with employees at various career stages to build skills, facilitate knowledge transfer, and plan for succession.
