A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN EMPLOYEE RELATIONS MANAGER
Reg Davies is Head of Employee Relations at the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. He has a B.A. in Economics, specializing in International History, and is CIPD qualified.
“The roles in Employee Relations are immensely rewarding, and every day presents new challenges,” he explained. “My team’s primary focus is to provide advice and support on procedures, ER best practice and employment law to all levels of management right across the Council and the management of our relationships and formal negotiations with our recognised trade unions. We also provide learning and development training on ER matters.”
Reg’s HR background was acquired in social services, and he has worked for Hammersmith and Fulham for his entire career which spans 30 years. “I began as a personnel assistant and worked my way up,” he said. “I learnt about every level of the job which is invaluable experience and feel I demonstrate a real commitment to the field of ER and the work of the Council.”
Reg has a team of six direct reports and reports himself to an assistant director of HR.
“Every day is varied,” he added. “You could be dealing with complex cases that involve discipline, grievances, harassment or sickness, as well as involved in formal consultation and negotiation with union representatives.”
He added: “No matter how well an organisation conducts itself and no matter how happy the employees, there will always be times when issues will arise and thus differences of opinion that need to be resolved. Playing a pivotal part in finding the solutions to and reaching agreement on those problems – especially when they look impossible to solve - is challenging but incredibly rewarding.”
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