Where do you work and what is your role?
I work at the University of Plymouth as their Senior Learning and Development Partner.
When did you join the SDF?
I joined SDF in March of this year, shortly after I started my role with the University of Plymouth.
Why did you want to join the SDF?
I’m new to the world of HE and I really wanted to hear from others in similar roles to find out how they add value within the sector and to learn as much as I can.
What’s the best thing about the SDF?
From what I’ve seen, it’s a fantastic, supportive group.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve been busy settling into my new role and learning about the University. Recently, I’ve focused on preparing for the performance review process, including creating guides, resources, and training materials to support staff. I’m also exploring ways to help develop staff through knowledge sharing and training opportunities. Additionally, I’m working on aligning the learning and development strategy with the overall HR and University goals.
What does a typical day look like?
Like many in similar roles, it varies day to day. As I’m fairly new, I’m meeting with as many key stakeholders as possible to understand the top learning priorities for their teams. I’ve attended several of our current training programme sessions to observe what type of content is being delivered and I’m also spending time going through our evaluation methods to see what’s working well with our current offerings, and if there’s any areas we can improve. I know when I get deeper into the role, it’s likely to become harder to find the time to observe a lot of training, so I’m taking advantage while I can!
Tell us about an event that altered the course of your life/and career
Not so much a single event, but I’ve been working in the HR and L&D space for a while, although I didn’t fully understand the true value our profession brings to organisations until I held standalone HR practitioner roles. CEOs who wanted to understand the commercial value of HR initiatives really challenged my professional thinking. This experience made me consider how our work fits into the bigger picture and how to measure and demonstrate the return on investment for HR initiatives.
The person who has influenced you the most is
I’d have to say my daughter. She’s only 7 years old, but she’s so positive and always sees the bright side of any situation. She’s really helped me change my perspective on things.
Work life balance – what leisure activity you enjoy the most?
I wish I had exciting hobby to talk about here, but in all honesty, it’s simple things like being at the beach, or walking my dogs.
Something about you people would find surprising
Before transitioning into HR and L&D, I actually started my career as a photographer. The first few years of my career were spent in commercial photography studios trying to get good shots of dogs and kids (never an easy task!).
What’s your greatest fear?
Not my greatest fear, but one fear that has affected me is speaking in front of really large groups. Despite working in L&D, where public speaking is often required, I still feel nervous at times!
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Not very exciting, but I would probably invite my best friends and I don’t get to see them that often.
What would your super-power be?
I think it would be brilliant to have invisibility powers!
What’s your favourite/least favourite food?
Favourite would be cheeseburgers, least favourite would probably be celery.
What’s the worst job you ever had?
A paper round when I was a teenager. I had to carry a huge sack of papers for miles and it always seemed to be raining!
What thing would improve the quality of your life?
A really good, reliable babysitter!
What’s coming next for you?
I think it’s an exciting time being part of the University of Plymouth and I’m really looking forward to contributing to the development of our staff.