Management School welcomes local HR professional for CIPD event

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The University of Liverpool welcomed HR Director of South Liverpool Homes, Colin Gibson as the keynote speaker at an event hosted in conjunction with The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

The event, “What it’s like in the best place to work”, was hosted at the School’s MBA Suite on the 28th June, organised by Management School lecturer, Dr Denise Preece whose research interests include high performance HR. In attendance was Director of Studies for MSc Human Resource Management and CIPD Merseyside and North Cheshire Branch Chair, Jennifer Johnson.

On hosting the event, Denise commented: “We have a number of universities in Liverpool and we look to host CIPD events in all of these locations with the aim to connect students to HR professionals, supporting the learning that they do within higher education”.

South Liverpool Homes (SLH Group) is celebrating a number one spot in the elite ‘Sunday Times 100 Best Not-for-Profit Organisations to Work For’ list for the second year running. Colin Gibson works to implement key aspects of people-centred HR including a focus on wellbeing at a personal level, supporting development of staff and introducing a flexible working environment to encourage transparency between managers and employees. Colin discussed how he has supported this workplace transformation through people practices, which have turned a loss into a surplus, creating a highly positive working environment. He spoke to an audience of University staff and HR professionals including CIPD members and students.

Offering advice to young professionals and graduates of the Management School’s MSc Human Resource Management programme, Colin said: “Going into any role as a graduate is about learning your craft, and although you may not be able to change the world initially, it is important to stick close your values and get as much experience as you can in every aspect of HR. Constantly look for ways to improve and develop. Coming up with innovative ideas for your organisation is the first step to making change in the workplace”.

The CIPD Merseyside & North Cheshire branch provides opportunities for its 4000 members to network with local HR and L&D professionals, to continue with their professional development and remain up to date with HR issues. The next CIPD event will take place the Management School’s Brett Building on the 12th July with registrations now open.