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.