Tom

HR Policy Manager

What is your job and how did you come to work for English Heritage?
I am our HR Policy Manager and have two main responsibilities. I produce EH's employment policies and manage the relationship that we have with our trade unions.

Before joining EH, I spent some time working in the private sector in sales and management roles and then took some time out to travel. After various adventures, I returned home not only with a good tan and my future wife, but having made the decision that I wanted to move into Human Resources. I studied for a Master's Degree in HR Management and then spent several years in a specialist HR policy role with a large County Council.

EH's aims and purpose fit well with my own values. When this role came up, I applied and was delighted to get it.
 
Do you have a typical day?
My work is quite varied both in terms of location and what I am actually working on. I live in Bristol, but am based at our Swindon office, so my day usually starts with the train ride followed by a short walk., Sometimes I work at home and I visit people at our other offices quite regularly.

Most of my day is usually spent developing policies, helping to resolve issues and working on projects. One of the best things about my job is the variety of different projects that I get to work on.

I like to get out for some fresh air at lunchtimes and often stroll over to the Outlet Village, which is a stone's throw from the office. Needless to say, this has resulted in quite a few impulse purchases. We also have a favourite restaurant that we like to go to together as a team every few weeks.
 
What does it feel like to work for English Heritage?
I get involved in lots of different projects, which means that I get to work with lots of different people from around the organisation. One of the things that really stands out about EH is how committed the staff are to the organisation and the work that we are doing. People are really passionate about it. lthough I am in a "corporate" role, I am really glad to be contributing to this work in my own way.