HR Business Partner

Shalrina Alcantara, Human Resources.

I am the HR Business Partner (HRBP) for Art and Humanities, School of Slavonic & East European Studies (SSEES), Laws and VP Education which come under SLASH (Social Historical Sciences, Laws, Arts and Humanities Faculties and SSEES). I have been doing this role for the last 9 months. Previously, I worked in Organisational Development (OD), as an OD Programme Manager, and then as an OD Consultant.

Before joining UCL I worked in HR, then Training and Development for the Voluntary Sector. This experience formed the foundation to my knowledge and skills that I was able to bring across into my various roles.

When I worked in Organisational Development, I was responsible for the professional development programme and the leadership and management programmes; contributing towards short and long term developments/change, evaluation of course delivery, impact of learning on department/UCL performance. I then moved into the OD Consultant role providing internal consultancy support working with senior management teams to embed strategy, implement organisational change and improve individual, team and organisational effectiveness. I did this through the development of the women in leadership programme, team away days, professional development facilitation, 360 feedback sessions, coaching and mentoring. A key part of this role falls under the organisational change and culture job family.
 
My role as HR Business Partner continues to influence organisational change, as I support Heads of Department and Departmental Managers by contributing to the development and implementation of local strategies for attraction, retention, engagement and the development of people in line with the people strategies whilst providing advice and guidance on complex people management issues. I work with the Centres of Expertise including Organisational Development, Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Employee Relations, Workplace Health (to name a few) to influence change in varying degrees. Therefore, not only does my role as HRBP impact on change and culture, it also encompasses elements of all the other job families.

In addition to my role, I am involved with several working groups and co-lead the HR Generalist Community of Practice. The reason I chose to co- lead in the community is to help share expertise and best practice, foster communication with likeminded people and assist with continuous development both personally and professionally. Overall, I want to continue to help individuals/teams grow, improve and embed change.

For those wanting to progress, I would say think about your destination and how you are going to get there. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you, as you create them. Start broadening your network and get involved with projects, working groups and committees and join the various HR Communities of Practice; as we are here to equip and empower you. 

Finally, to elevate your profile; push yourself outside of your comfort zone, always be curious and go for it!