Spotlight on... Jodie Trumper

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am the HR Services Director within the PS Hub. Alongside being responsible for the transactional HR teams (Employee Lifecycle, Payroll, HR Systems, Workforce Reporting and HR Services Support Desk), I also represent HR Services on a number of key HR projects and initiatives.

The role is very varied, however my main focus over the last four months has been the new HR and Payroll system, MyHR, which goes live on 6 February.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I joined as a supervisor in the HR transactional team in 2014. Since then I have been promoted to the Head of HR Services, and started my current role in December 2018. Prior to joining UCL I worked in HR roles in a health charity, local authority and the private sector.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

Over the last few years the way that the employee lifecycle and payroll teams work with other UCL departments and our customers has improved dramatically. We are much more open to feedback and as a result we are able to deliver a much more efficient service. I am really proud of how the teams work together and how adaptable to change they are.

I am also proud of leading the first HR Community of Practice at UCL from October 2017 until December 2018, and the first UCL wide HR Conference we held in August 2018.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list

MyHR, the new HR and Payroll system, is launching on 6 February and is right at the top of my to-do list. The new system will change the way the HR Services teams work day to day, making our processes much more streamlined and efficient. There is a significant amount of training still to deliver, both to our own teams and to the wider UCL community. The systems that departmental administrators use are changing, along with our HR self-service tool, which means this is also a significant change programme. To find out more about the new system project, please visit the MyHR webpages.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

Favourite album is too difficult – my music taste is eclectic and really depends on what I’m doing at the time.

The film I always return to is Annie – the 1982 version. It’s a classic, feel good movie.

I don’t have a favourite novel, but my favourite author is Jodi Picoult. Her novels can be quite hard-hitting, but she really brings the stories to life.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

I’m really awful at jokes, so I’m not even going to attempt this one!

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Mozart – he had a really full life, but sadly died at only 35 (my age now). I’d love to know how he coped with the pressure and fame, especially in his childhood years.

Barack and Michelle Obama – they are such an interesting couple and have individually achieved so much. I’d like to know how they remain so positive and maintain their momentum for positive change.

My maternal grandfather – he passed away two months before my mum was born. I’d love to know more about him and tell him about everything he’s missed.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Worry less, it will all be okay and you can’t control everything.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I am a trained classical musician. I have a Master's degree in music performance and have performed at the Royal Albert Hall.

What is your favourite place?  

Cornwall. I love the coast and the countryside – you get the perfect blend in the west country. Once the commute gets too much this is where we will move to.