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I
am a Human Resources (HR) consultant, and a member of the
Institute of Personnel and Development. My career has developed
as a generalist in HR management, and much of it has been
spent working for major organisations, largely based in Central
London, ranging from financial services, the paper and publishing
industries to management, engineering and agricultural consultancy
work
Although
I became experienced in several areas of HR management during
my career, I have concentrated mainly on employee relations,
terms and conditions of service, resourcing, and compensation
and benefits. I have drafted employment contracts, policy
documents and staff handbooks, and dealt with the implementation
of change. I have advised on a wide variety of situations
in different businesses involving manual, technical and professional
staff, ranging from a shift pattern for fish feeders on a
salmon farm in the Hebrides to the relocation package for
an executive in a London-based consultancy.
After
many years of being employed full-time, I decided a few years
ago to adopt a more flexible lifestyle, and work part-time
as an independent consultant. I am enjoying this, although
I often seem to be busier than ever! I now work for a variety
of clients, either on specific projects, giving advice on
an individual issue, or on an ongoing advisory basis.
Over
the last 35 years my husband and I have lived in three residential
blocks of flats in North London, as tenants and leaseholders.
In each one we have taken an active part in the affairs of
the block, serving on the residents' association committees.
About seventeen years ago we participated in the formation
of a company to acquire the freehold of our block, I acted
as Company Secretary for ten years and we both continue as
Directors. I don't think that any of us in the company realised
at the start how much work the acquisition of the block and
management of the company would involve, but we believe that
it has generally been successful.
Before
he retired, my husband was a surveyor, and some years ago
was appointed to oversee works on your former Chairman's block
of flats. From that time I became acquainted with the activities
of the FPRA, and have served as a Consultant since 2001. I
am able to provide broad advice on issues relating to contracts,
terms of service etc. which your office feels can probably
be handled more appropriately by an employment adviser than
a lawyer.
We
currently live in Sussex, where property matters continue
to occupy us, but with a rather different emphasis. Among
my leisure pursuits I would include cooking, gardening, visiting
historic houses, antique hunting and walking. We enjoy travel
and have latterly developed an interest in cultural and wine
tours. I am keenly interested in history and current affairs,
the arts and theatre, and we are actively involved in local
community affairs.
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