International Women's Day

Each year there is a different theme, this year the theme is #EmbraceEquity. And both men and women are invited to partake in efforts to raise awareness. 

Unlike equality where individuals are given the same opportunity or resources, equity recognises that individuals have different circumstances and allocates fair treatment according to each person’s needs and situation. 

So, what better way for RCH Group to celebrate the day than to champion the achievements of our own? 

We asked RCH Group HR team, an all-female department, to tell us a little bit more about themselves and working in HR. 

 

Julie-Anne Crumlish, Senior HR Advisor 

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?  

To provide intensive and focussed HR advice and guidance to managers, supervisors, and employees within RCH Group. I provide HR professional support, working in partnership with key departments and take the lead on several HR projects and initiatives. 

How long have you worked for RCH? 

6.5 years 

What attracted you to the role? 

It was 3rd sector, looked a good company to work for and had good terms and conditions. I stay local, and my previous job was based in Glasgow, so I had a lot of travelling all over Scotland. When this job came up I was delighted as I was keen to remain in the sector. 

What challenges have you faced? 

Learning about housing has been a challenge, it is a very busy job but can also be very fulfilling. The people who work here are great. 

As a team you are currently taking part in Investors in Young People (IIYP.) Why do you think this scheme is so important? 

IIYP is very important as it embeds in the culture the practices that help to nurture our young people. 

What advice would you give to other women choosing a career in HR? 

I have worked as a generalist HR professional for more than 25 years and it has been interesting to see how things have evolved over the years in terms of employment law and good practice. I would encourage women to study for a HR qualification and try to get as much experience as they can.  

Tasmin Ross – HR Officer 

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?  

When I’m not providing HR advice I’m involved in employee relations meetings, recruitment, system implementation and updating as well as maintaining our accreditations. I also report on employee statistics, provide community engagement through employability skills and alert young people to the possible careers in housing. 

How long have you worked for RCH? 

6 years 

What attracted you to the role? 

RCH Group is very community driven as well as rewarding to their employees. The work is fulfilling, and the terms and conditions are great. My colleagues are friendly and they do the best they can to support the local community. I felt like I could make a difference in people’s lives. 

What challenges have you faced?  

This role is very varied and demanding on a daily basis but with a fantastic team. Best practice is shared and we help each other along the way.  

As a team you are currently taking part in Investors in Young People (IIYP.) Why do you think this scheme is so important?  

This scheme pushes employers to go over and above to attract, recruit, retain and develop young people as there are many advantages to bringing in and investing in young people. However, on top of these advantages there is also the fact that the average employee age is higher in most workforces especially in construction therefore when it becomes time for employees to retire there will be a skills gap, we want to reduce this skills gap and bring a steady flow of young people into the organisation to learn and gain the important experience from their predecessors. 

What advice would you give to other women choosing a career in HR?  

It is very challenging but rewarding work. If this sort of career pathway is of interest to you it’s never too late to begin. 

Nicola Holt, HR Assistant 

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?  

Providing HR admin support to the HR Team, processing and co-ordinating all recruitment activity, liaising with finance and payroll and dealing with general HR queries. 

How long have you worked for RCH?  

Since stock transfer from Inverclyde Council. 

What attracted you to the role? 

I like the variety of work and the many projects that our team works on. I enjoy working as part of a small team where we all work closely together in a fast-paced environment. 

What challenges have you faced? 

It’s a busy team and we all have competing priorities, but we manage to work together to achieve the goals. 

As a team you are currently taking part in Investors in Young People (IIYP.) Why do you think this scheme is so important?  

It is important for us to recognise more of the younger generation to gain a fresh perspective, reduce community unemployment, and provide young people with lifelong workforce skills. 

What advice would you give to other women choosing a career in HR? There are many ways to get into a career in HR. I would recommend that any woman get as much experience as they can within an HR function. 

Nicola Campbell, HR Manager 

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?  

Managing the HR team and providing HR specialised advice and support to RCH Group colleagues 

How long have you worked for RCH? 

11 years 

What attracted you to the role?  

RCH Group is a great employer with a very generous overall total reward package. I also enjoy that I can make a difference in making RCH Group an employer of choice for new and existing employees. 

What challenges have you faced?  

The HR Team are faced with daily changes, but we are a small resilient team who relish these challenges and turn them into opportunities. 

As a team you are currently taking part in Investors in Young People (IIYP.) Why do you think this scheme is so important? 

IIYP is an amazing scheme and I am delighted that RCH have received this prestigious award at Platinum award (less than 1% of organisations in Scotland have received this award at Platinum level). RCH received this due to our commitment to attracting, supporting, recruiting, developing, and retaining young people. 

What advice would you give to other women choosing a career in HR? 

HR is an amazing career to choose. You are always learning and no day is the same as there are so many different aspects of HR which makes this a demanding but fulfilling career.