People Change Consultant Review

I am part of the OD Team within the HR function at RSA, supporting organisational change procedures and processes. In my day-to-day role, I coordinate HR change projects. The role is a blend of project management and HR support. I am currently working on projects including EVP, Employee Experience and Performance Management.

Having worked on the periphery of HR teams in previous roles, the apprenticeship is a consolidation of my experience and further learning. Being able to translate the theory into behaviours and apply them directly into a corresponding professional environment allows me to develop my skills as an effective HR practitioner.

I liken my role in the OD Team to an internship. Each project provides a unique opportunity to work with a different team within the HR function and wider business, and allows me to gain valuable experience which I can then carry through to the next project. The team are hugely respectful of my apprenticeship and generous with their time supporting me.

I am supported in my apprenticeship by my Line Manager and my Learning & Development Coach. With support from both, I am given the freedom to structure my study as I wish, and guided as to how best to apply my time. My tutor provides invaluable support as to how to apply the learning to best complete the assignments.

My employer supports me by accommodating the 20% off the job learning requirement. My Line Manager factors this requirement into the team capacity when agreeing our plans and goals for the year ahead. My immediate team are generous with their time and always happy to answer my questions. Additionally, they recommend webinars/podcasts to further my learning.

The tutor support sessions accompany the individual study and are invaluable in advising the best approach for structuring assignments. It is particularly helpful to discuss the learning with my cohort and to explore how the theory can be applied in practical scenarios. My tutor is quick to respond to any queries that I may have.

Yes. In short, with the apprenticeship there is less "winging it" and more intentional effort! From simple things like familiarity with acronyms and profession-specific terms, to a broader understanding of the implications of actions and their dependencies. The apprenticeship has increased my confidence in my ability and consequently my confidence in performing my role.

Assuming that there are no Covid restrictions, working in London provides ample opportunity to socialise with colleagues. RSA provides opportunities to volunteer in our local communities with a two day volunteering allowance and a partnership with Neighbourly. RSA's employee resource groups allow employees to engage and support with their D&I pledge.

Yes

RSA is a hive of professional, passionate and innovative individuals who respect and support one another. They nurture development, encourage ambition and promote inclusivity. They live and breathe their values. My colleagues work towards excellence. There's never a sense of "that will do". As an HR function, we are consciously improving the work-life balance by introducing new policies which reflect a post-Covid world.

1. Embrace the opportunity. I initially started on a three month, fixed term contract and I never thought that would lead me to where I am now. 2. Back yourself. All previous experience has relevance and can be applied to many situations. Don't sell yourself short. 3. You get back what you put in.