by Safi Ford, HR Advisor
When I joined MacIntyre in mid-2019, we had no idea there was a pandemic just around the corner.
Finding out about MacIntyre
After school, I’d gained experience of the working world in retail, and did my BA in History at Liverpool Hope University. After university and a job that didn’t really engage me, I started thinking about a career and a sector that would be a good fit for me. I began to realise that Human Resources would be a great choice, with its mixture of technical and people skills.
I’d enjoyed coffee and cake many times at MacIntyre’s coffee shops in Milton Keynes and been impressed by what MacIntyre do, so when I saw an advertisement for a job in MacIntyre’s HR team, I jumped at the chance to apply.
Starting in HR
I joined as an HR Administrator in August 2019 and received some fantastic support from my manager and the team as I began to learn about HR and our systems. I started to develop my understanding of our structure, and the sort of queries we had to answer. And then…
All hands on deck
First of all, there were vague rumours of a mysterious illness coming out of China, and then before we knew it, we were in lock-down.
In Social Care, we were all essential workers, so we found ways to work effectively, whatever our role. In the HR team, it was all hands on deck as each of us stepped up to develop new strategies and support at speed for MacIntyre’s 2,000 staff, at the same time as ensuring people who draw on our support were safe and well.
This was a challenging time, with people around the country coping with devastating losses and fear. However, although I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone, it fast-tracked my HR knowledge and ability to cope in a crisis.
An HR Apprenticeship
I was given the opportunity to undertake an Apprenticeship at MacIntyre as an HR Advisor, which was a fantastic learning experience. I had to demonstrate 21 key skills and behaviours by way of assignments. The Apprenticeship was run by the Bedford College Group.
I was proud to gain a Level 5 qualification and a promotion to HR Advisor at MacIntyre.
Today
Now, I specialise mainly in employee relations issues, providing support, coaching and advice to both managers and staff. My role also has a focus on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at MacIntyre.
Our HR team is quite small, which means we all have to cover for each other and understand every area of the organisation. But I wouldn’t have it any other way, as it’s a great way for all of us to build on our skills and learn from each other.
I’m so pleased that those lovely meals at MacIntyre’s coffee shops have led me to a career here.
