Deborah Atkins Email and Phone Number

Brethertons is a leading law firm in Oxfordshire and Warwickshire operating across 3 locations with 260 employees and a t/o of circa £12m. Responsible for developing and implementing HR strategy and policy to support the aims and growth of the business. This role has direct responsibility for the HR and training function of the business.Leading the development of the organisation structure to support business growth. This has included attracting and recruiting talented people, creating ‘accountabilities’ for key roles, designing talent development programmes, introducing a performance management system, designing and implementing bonus schemes and managing internal communications. This resulted in significant business growth between 2012 and 2014.Ensuring the HR team provides expertise across the full range of employee development opportunities, from Apprenticeships through to the regulated training of Solicitors and other professional qualifications to Partner Development.Developing the HR administration function and introduced flexible and responsive software and processes which support business growth, employee engagement and minimise business risk, ensuring HR has a sound reputation as a key support to the business. Developing the candidate attraction and management system to find talented lawyers and others in the legal sector, including use of social media and a candidate relationship management process. Increased headcount by 50% between 2012 and 2014 from 176 heads to 267 heads.Identifying ways to support the business agenda and regularly influencing business strategy and decisions as a member of the senior management team.

Responsible for the HR and training function at the DHL National Distribution Centre for Mars Confectionary.

Responsible for delivering HR and training solutions for this rapidly changing business. This role was based in the Client Service Centre, working as part of the commercial management team.

At the time Boots Opticians Ltd was a separate business unit to Boots the Chemist with its own Executive Team. Responsible for implementing and managing the full range of personnel and training across 77 stores in the West Region. This role was an integral part of the regional management team and contributed to the delivery of the regional operations strategy.

Starting as a Graduate Trainee and latterly based in the largest M&S store in the Midlands, with responsibility for an extensive range of people issues and line management of the store HR team.