Bal ..

From a law degree to banking, line management finally HR support

I left university with a degree in law however while on my training contract I decided it wasn't for me, a very expensive realisation after I had paid and completed my legal practice course. I decided not to pursue a masters degree and looked round for what would suit me. I ended up with a job with Lloyds Bank in customer services and found my calling. I liked helping people and tracking down missing money. The career opportunities were limited so I found myself at HMRC first as a customer services advisor then a promotion led me to line management of a team. After spending many years in customer services and working all roles imaginable in the field I decided it was time for a change and a challenge. I applied for a role within HR.

I provide support to a Marketing and Recruitment team

I have my own portfolio of work that involves taking a lead on our live Facebook group that is set up to support new recruits the week before they are due to start. This involves scheduling content, moderating the group and capturing feedback and analytics to produce monthly evaluation reports. Monitoring and responding to employee reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor. This gives us insight into our employee experience which we can share with the relevant business areas. Responding to reviews also shows potential employees that we acknowledged feedback. I support my team as and when required which can mean dealing with requests at short notice so I have to able to plan my work and prioritise my tasks.

Being able to alleviate any worries and concerns for new starters

I get job satisfaction from being able to help and support new starters by providing them insight and information about HMRC the week before they start. I like to build rapport and alleviate any worries and concerns they may have and put them in touch with others starting on the same day. I enjoy working to tight deadlines and having the opportunity to work on different tasks through out the week. I like to problem solve and look for solutions as to how a task can be completed which often involves researching and engaging with stakeholders in getting answers which could range from incorrect dates on offer letters or welcome emails to updating contact information for new starters. No one week is the same.

Seek opportunities for further growth

Look for opportunities to build your skills, develop your talents and reach your potential. Sounds very wordy but learning is a lifelong journey and we never know everything I have found that trying something different has kept me happier at work and given me a sense of self satisfaction. It doesn't have to be work related it can include learning any new skill from sewing to pottery. At the moment I am currently spending 30 minutes a week completing learning around marketing and social media which is providing me with skills to better understand my role and that roles around me.

Achieving a qualification Level 4 KBQ

I achieved a Level 4 Knowledge Based Qualification Award in Operational Delivery (Management). At the time I was a Front-Line manager within Customer Services in Benefits and Credits managing a team of 12 people. I studied for the qualification alongside my day job and set aside 3 hrs each week to complete assessments and study for exams. I found the qualification challenging as it had been 20 years since I had done any sort of formal learning. The course allowed me to step back into formal learning and also support others who decided to take up learning after me with coaching on how they should approach the assessments.