The Directorate of Human Resources and Organisational Development (HROD) plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the University meets its strategic objectives. We provide professional guidance and operational support to meet the evolving people management needs of the University. 

We work closely with managers across the University and are committed to supporting the recruitment, retention, reward, recognition and development of staff to ensure future success. Developing a student and business focus as the higher education sector evolves means that our work is constantly changing.

Our staff are skilled practitioners with a broad range of experience which they apply on a daily basis. We have a strong multi-disciplinary focus and provide all key HROD functions in-house. The directorate has around 50 staff who work together in smaller functional teams delivering a range of professional HROD services including recruitment and selection, reward, an HR advisory service, people development and HR administration as well as more specialist areas such as change management, employee relations, equality, diversity and inclusion, payroll and systems and processes.

Meet our staff

Marie – Senior HR Business Partner

How long have you been at the University?

I've worked here since February 2010. Before that I had an established career in HR working in a range of organisations, mostly in the private sector.

What attracted you to working here?

I had previous experience of the education sector in my early career and it was an opportunity that interested me. When I was interviewed for the role I was excited by the opportunity to bring my private sector experience into the University.

What does your current role involve?

I'm currently Senior HR Business Partner for the College of Business, Technology and Enterprise and our Colleges Directorate. I lead and have accountability for the delivery of a strategic professional HR service to the faculty. I am part of the college leadership team providing proactive leadership of the University's people agenda.

What is career progression like here?

It's been really good for me. In the summer of 2012, after I'd been working as one of Sheffield Hallam's HR Managers for about two and a half years, a temporary promotion opportunity became available for an interim Head of HR Policy and Change within the HR Leadership Group. I applied and was successful.

At the end of this period the post holder returned from maternity leave and, as it happens, I then went on maternity leave myself. Following my maternity leave, I returned to my HR Manager job which I held until my recent promotion to the role of Senior HR Business Partner.

What are the best things about working here?

My role is challenging and exciting and I can see how it has an impact on the University as a whole and, therefore, the student experience.

The people who I work with are also one of the best things about working here.

Alex – Senior Recruitment Advisor

How long have you been at the university?

I joined Sheffield Hallam as a student in September 2002 and graduated in 2006 with a BA (Hons) Business and Marketing.

Like a lot of graduates I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted my first career move to be but I knew I wanted to stay in Sheffield because I loved the city and region. I started working here as a HR assistant via an agency in august 2006, then in May 2007 I became a senior administrator. I've now progressed to senior recruitment advisor.

Why did you choose to study at Sheffield Hallam?

Well, at the time the flourishing student nightlife had something to do with it! Sheffield is an exciting city with a central location. Although it's a big city it has a rural edge to it - and of course there's the Peak District which is really beautiful and very nearby.

What attracted you to working here?

I'd spent my placement year in the University's Business School helping to raise the aspirations of the region's school and college students, so I already knew about the wide range of activities the University is involved in. I also enjoyed the vibrant University life and the flexibility it provided me with as a young professional.

What are the development and career progression opportunities like?

The HR Directorate supported me in getting my professional CIPD qualifications and MSc in HR Management and Development through the HeadStart scheme. Those qualifications have helped me progress my career and I've put the skills I learnt to use by leading on key programmes like our Graduate Development Programme. I like that this work has a direct impact on the employability of our graduates, especially since I'm one myself.

For the last year I've been seconded to work on the implementation of e-recruitment. The opportunity to work on such a big corporate project has really enhanced my personal development, and has provided me with the chance to improve our processes. The skills I've gained through this project helped me secure a recent promotion to the role of senior recruitment advisor.

What are the best things about working here?

The opportunities here are great. Sheffield Hallam is definitely a progressive employer. Staff are valued and supported, and there are opportunities for progression.

I've had lots of different roles and quite a few promotions and secondments. For example, a few years ago I was seconded to a role in the College of Social Sciences and Arts. That allowed me to work closely within the business and get a clearer understanding of the work that goes on within Sheffield Hallam, and it provided me with significant personal development.

On top of that there are also the benefits such as generous holidays, flexi-time and public holiday closure. It means you can enjoy a good work-life balance.