People Coach Review

People Coach is a hybrid HR role, combining generalist HR support across support centre functions with team coaching, workshop design and facilitation, one on one coaching and reviewing business data and insight to diagnose issues with capability and team effectiveness, then work with business leaders on solutions, whether directly with teams or through discovery and delivery groups.

I am new to the Human Resources function so the generalist HR modules of the apprenticeship are very helpful, this makes me feel like a true "apprentice." These include Evidence Based Practice and Organisational Design and Strategy. I have also developed my knowledge around organisational strategy, particularly looking at strategy through the lens of a PESTLE analysis.

I enjoy being able to apply wider reading that I have always done as part of my role. Co-op has a great continuous learning culture and managers support me in giving me time to complete apprenticeship work and helping make connections with others to gain the experience I need to hit the standards. It is very difficult, however, finding the time to research and write long assignments.

The programme is pretty poorly structured. Induction started with several contradicting messages around start time and English and Maths work required (despite having GCSEs in both and providing certificates. Additionally there are too many sources of information, too many tiles within the ALC, Bud, unofficial tips from tutors, emails from tutors, emails from LDC, meetings with LDC, tutor support sessions, cohort cafes etc.

I receive full support from the Co-op, the onus is on me to manage my time and the expectations from others during my apprenticeship. The apprenticeship are always on hand, we have a Teams instant that has members of the apprenticeship team in and other learners, where we give each other support.

As stated in question five, there are too many sources of information. Whilst this may look supportive on the outside, it is confusing. There should be one document or portal that contains all the information you need. In general, emails are not replied to by the training provider, my LDC has recently changed and they haven't been in touch at all. Our course tutor has changed three times.

I obtain new knowledge each week and it has all shaped my thinking in terms of my role at work. I have put theory around organisational design and evidence-based practice into work (almost on a daily basis) and I feel more knowledgeable in HR work in general. I know more about the wider Learning and Development industry too. I do find some of the CIPD materials to be quite outdated in terms of progressive thinking, but most are useful.

There are only activities organised at a very local level within small teams, no wider business extra-curricular activities or social activities. Co-op colleagues can get involved in the local community if they desire but the policy is unclear and it isn't always encouraged. The Co-op has good wellbeing provisions and supports our families through healthcare too.

No

We are currently focussing on cost-cutting only and have forgotten why we exist to co-operate for a fairer world." The Learning and Development department will be cut by 50% again after going through a re-design just months ago and Human Resources will definitely be next. Now isn't the time to join the Co-op.

The Co-op is a huge organisation operating in various interesting market places, which makes a career here very interesting. That said, now is not the time to join the Co-op because we are cutting costs in a more extreme way than ever more. In general, though, when applying to Co-op - be completely yourself and not who you think an organisation wants you to be.