Can you give us an overview of your day?
Most mornings begin with a quick review of any urgent issues relating to car accidents, breakdowns or mobile phone issues before I discuss the main priorities of the day with Fred (HR Director). Beyond that, every day is different as I handle anything relating to company cars, hired vehicles, mobile phones, pension queries, employment contracts, occupational health and employee benefits.
What do you like most about your job?
I particularly enjoy the interaction with people from all over the business, and the satisfaction that you're helping them to solve problems that can have a real impact on their day-to-day work. There is so much variety in my work that there are always new challenges to look forward to and you never know quite what to expect.
What makes your role important to the business?
Firstly, it's essential that our employees are kept on the move and in contact. Managing the cars and mobile phones in the business is a major factor in this. We also have a duty of care to make sure all staff are safe and well looked after. It goes without saying how important this is to everyone. Finally I know that the issues I take away from my colleagues gives them peace of mind and allows them to focus on the jobs they need to do.
What do you find most challenging and rewarding about your job?
Perhaps the most challenging thing I have to deal with is the various tax offices that seem to have a different policy and approach to every employee and this has been a particular issue with our new Car Ownership Scheme due to the tax benefits involved. I also don't enjoy chasing our company car drivers for their monthly mileages which are legal requirement for us to record. On a more positive note, my most satisfying recent project was getting the new car scheme operational in a surprisingly smooth process. It's not only saving the company money but offering our companby car drivers a whole range of benefits that they're really happy about too!
What are your hobbies out of work?
I've been an "Akela" at the 1st Eastcote Cub Pack for around 30 years now and I find it fantastic to interact with each group of children as they respond to the various challenges and experiences offered by Cub and Scout movement.
The Manager's View
HR Director, Fred Warner says; "Sue has played a key role in the HR Team over the past 15 years. She manages to maintain her naturally friendly and outgoing manner with everyone in spite of the difficult and often emotionally charged issues she has to handle on a day-to-day basis."