Brooke Weston Academy Sixth Former Abi Tilley had an insight into the Human Resources function of the Brooke Weston Trust when she shadowed its HR Manager.
Abi, from Year 13, is studying psychology and business A Levels. She spent a day with Kat Pithey at the Central Team office to learn more about her role and remit.
Kat said: ‘The Trust has over 1,000 employees and I have a part to play in a lot of different areas; including recruitment, policy writing, staff wellbeing, supporting Principals with managing people, equality and diversity and looking at strategies for recruitment and retention. Mine is a generalist role, so I deal with a range of diverse issues. In a more specific role you might focus on specialist areas such as learning and development, recruitment or employment law. HR is such a broad area with lots of specialist niches and opportunities.'
Abi said: ‘I am not sure what I wanted to do after A levels so this was a trial day to see if HR may be a possibility. I have seen some of the computer programs, such as ePortal, which are used to manage staff and also looked at recruitment strategies and other areas. It has been an interesting day that has given me more of an idea of what HR encompasses in a busy organisation.'