I grew up in the North London suburbs.  I studied and graduated in Modern Languages and subsequently worked and trained in social work.  Later, I moved into L+D and then into mainstream HR.  I did my CIPD qualification part-time and have been a Fellow of the CIPD since 2004.  I have worked in all 3 sectors, but mostly in the not-for-profit sector, particularly social care and housing.  I am passionate about the contribution HR can make to people’s wellbeing and performance at work.  I trained as a mediator in 2006 and see mediation as the viable – and under utilised – alternative to many formal dispute processes.  I am also passionate about live arts (heavily involved in my local theatre club, patrons sec of a local orchestra and member of a community choir).  I’ve written published theatre – and occasionally music – reviews for over 30 years, and 4 plays.

Long married to a techie, we have a son who is also a techie.  Talking of which, I am a teensy bit addicted to Twitter.

Jacky Hilary