A day in the life of a Learning and Development Director

Claire Alexander is Learning and Development Director for The UNITE Group plc, the UK’s largest provider of student hospitality and accommodation.

Claire joined UNITE only a matter of weeks ago, and so she is, in her own words, “still getting to know the business.”  Nonetheless, her previous position as Head of Talent Development at Orange means she’s no stranger to the role.

“The role of a Learning and Development Director spans across the entire talent agenda,” she explained.  “It involves looking at the business and deciding how we retain and develop our own people and their careers.  I work with our business leaders and  I am closely aligned to Human Resources.”

Claire explained that L&D professionals have a key role in change management and in her new position with UNITE she will be examining precisely where the company needs to be in order to move forward.  “I’m looking at how I can assist in shaping the organisation through the auspices of a carefully thought out strategy as well as looking at how we can continue to provide our people with challenging and rewarding careers.”

Day to day, said Claire,” it’s all about joined up thinking.  L&D must be aligned with the organisation’s strategic aims.  Improving our people agenda is paramount to remaining competitive,” she added.  “I have to decide where we need to invest in our leadership and development function to drive the best return for our business.”

Claire began her career in IT, but mid-career made the transition to L&D, working at first in leadership development and talent management.  She reports directly to UNITE’s Human Resources director, who sits on the leadership board.  “It’s a hugely challenging and rewarding career,” she said.

-ends-

Note to Editor:

Hays Human Resources is the UK’s leading HR recruitment consultancy. Since launching in 2001, Hays Human Resources has established a network of 25 regional offices employing over 90 dedicated consultants, with unrivalled experience and expertise in recruiting HR professionals into generalist and specialist positions.  Hays Human Resources has dedicated teams focused on interim and permanent recruitment within industry and public services organisations.

Hays Human Resources is a subdivision of Hays Plc, the FTSE 250 Company which employs 7,753 staff operating from 376 offices in 25 countries across 17 specialisms. Hays Plc placed circa 68,000 candidates into permanent jobs and paid circa 46,000 temporary workers weekly during the year ending 30 June 07.

UNITE focuses on the provision and management of high quality, well-located student accommodation and hospitality services at affordable prices in strong higher education markets. UNITE undertakes the planning work, development and management of sites, often working closely with universities, colleges and the local community to deliver accommodation for students across all ages and nationalities.

For further information about UNITE go to www.unite-group.co.uk

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For further press information please contact:

Gill Alexander
The Smarter Consultancy
T. 0560 127 5383