We work among extraordinary people doing extraordinary things; get to know some of them by reading these quick-fire interviews.
Name: Emma Smith
Job Title: Deputy Head of HR
What are you currently working on?
In my role as Deputy Head of HR I take a lead on HR projects, the development of HR initiatives and bringing forward ideas for improvement and efficiency. I deputise for the Head of HR with day-to-day management of the HR function, providing support and guidance to the team as required. I take the lead on individual employee cases and provide guidance to line managers in the management of complex casework in conjunction with the Head of HR. I line-manage a team of five comprising of two Senior HR Officers and 3 HR Officers.
Describe a typical day
No two days are the same in the HR office – that’s what I love about this role! I am a morning person so I usually start the day with an early run (if I’m working at home); if I am in the office I go to a local boxing club two nights a week to get my workouts in. My work day starts with checking emails from the day before/morning and following up with any queries that haven’t yet been answered, and any queries from the team. I then check in with the team and carry out 121s if they are scheduled. My role can vary from helping the team with recruitment, visas, visitor queries to working on more complex casework matters and project work, such as looking at the Staff Survey results. I also attend termly meetings in MPLS and the department’s EDI and People Committee. Once I leave the office for the day I start my other full-time job of a mum of two boys, helping with homework, sorting dinner and taking them to the various clubs they do most evenings. I finally finish for the day around 8pm when they go to bed. Then up again to do it all again!
If you had an entire day at your disposal (not at work/studying), what would be your ideal way to spend it?
I love to travel around and sightsee so I would love to explore somewhere I’ve never been before – preferably a place that has some historical sights to see. I also love being outside so an early morning run would definitely be on the list too!
What is your favourite place in Oxford?
My favourite place in Oxford is the Natural History Museum. I love to take my children there for them to explore the history and look at the artefacts (particularly the animals).
Plan B: what would you be if you weren’t doing the job you are currently doing?
If I weren’t doing the job I’m currently doing, I would love to be a forensic pathologist. I have completed a Crime Scene Investigation Level 3 course and would love to pursue a distance learning degree in forensic science!