Happy HR Professional Day! 🎉 Today, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on our amazing HR Business Partner, Janet. Thank you for all that you do!

Learn more from Janet and discover the incredible work our HR team does for the Group here:

What does your role entail?

I have the pleasure of managing and leading the wonderful HR team here at the Russell Group. I am responsible for the overall HR strategy, ensuring that it aligns with our business goals. I partner with the senior leaders in the business to offer guidance and support on a variety of matters.

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

I feel very lucky to work in an area that touches all parts of the business. There is huge variety in our work and no two days are the same. I enjoy building relationships with colleagues across the business. It is a privilege to help colleagues and know that we are making a difference to them no matter how small it is.

Do you feel the work HR do is recognised enough?

In my experience, we in HR don’t go out to actively look for recognition for what we do. It's enough for us to know that the support we provide to employees and managers, is contributing to the business’s success.

What are the daily challenges the HR team face?

We face a variety of daily challenges many of which require us to balance the needs of employees, management, and business goals. Daily we manage a variety of issues from employee relations, recruitment, compliance, performance management and wellbeing to name a few. We are the go-to problem solvers in the business, handling everything employee related from recruitment to workplace conflicts.

If you never had to work again (we all wish), how would you spend your time?

I would spend more time with my two children – Mum guilt is a very real! I would probably also help with a charity; I genuinely enjoy helping people and making a difference.