By Darren Fox (Chief HR Officer)
Today (20th May) is International HR Day: An opportunity for HR and people professionals to celebrate their profession and its positive impact on people and organisations.
Human Resources and people professionals can often have a bad reputation. Some see us as the ‘company police’ whose sole responsibility is to enforce rules and regulations. True, we do oversee employee relations matters, but HR does much more than that. We serve as a valuable resource for support and guidance, and we strive to shape inclusive, nurturing, empowering and productive work environments.
Here are just some of the ways our HR team brings positive impacts and value at Harmless:
- Workforce Wellbeing
We understand roles at Harmless can be fast-paced and challenging, but we are always seeking new and innovative ways to ensure our workforce is best supported to help navigate ongoing pressures and demands. For example, since 2024, we have operated a four-day working week to help meet the unique challenges of our roles.
- Employee Voice and Engagement
We provide opportunities for meaningful and effective two-way communication across the organisation. It is important that everyone has a voice and can influence matters that affect them at work. For example, each year our HR team oversees two staff days that bring together all Harmless employees to collaborate and celebrate. We also assist in developing and implementing performance management systems, providing feedback and supporting employee growth.
- Training and Development
Our CPD offer includes Harmless’ own specialist accredited courses, educational resources, attendance at our two annual national conferences and, more recently, access to our new level 4 and 6 clinical courses. We also provide individual CPD budgets to improve skills, knowledge and confidence across all areas of specialism and personal interest.
- Management and Leadership
Our HR team oversees a training programme that develops leadership skills, improves decision-making and promotes better employee engagement at Harmless CIC.
- Pay and Reward
In 2025, we launched Harmless’ new pay framework, a tiered reward system that looks to provide opportunities for progression and growth; reward specialism, performance and service length; and offer a transparent, clear, and fair reward structure.
Of course, all of these positive initiatives have been designed and developed in collaboration with other members of the leadership team – however, HR have either led or championed those conversations.
I am proud of our progress to date. That being said, it is important that we continue to listen, learn and evolve, and to bring further value to all our stakeholders, including our biggest asset, our incredible workforce.
