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HR Standalone role

Danielle Hemmings

Hi everyone,

Are there any standalone HR Managers out there who can tell me the pro's/con's of being standalone?

I have been offered a standalone role, I have always worked as part of a team so am looking to weigh up the pro's/con's before making a decision.

Thanks!

Parents
  • Hi Danielle,

    I have recently taken on a standalone role as my manager left the company and the powers that be decided not to replace him. At first I was convinced that I wouldn't be able to do it but to be honest I have really enjoyed it so far! My learning curve has been massive and as many others have said, you get to set your own agenda and find your own style of managing HR. I know that I have already made judgements that I would change if I had to do it again but I feel that as long as you are honest (with yourself and your colleagues) and accept that in many cases there is no right answer, it really is a very rewarding position to be in! I have also found HR Inform invaluable (https://www.hr-inform.co.uk/) and cheaper than our lawyers (!) and I have called them a few times just to confirm that I am on the right track - and each time I have done so, it has again given me a bit more confidence and helped me to realise that I know more that I give myself credit for! All in all, I would say that if you have the opportunity, go for it as I am sure you would always be wondering 'what if', if you don't!

    Good luck with whatever you decide :)
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  • Hi Danielle,

    I have recently taken on a standalone role as my manager left the company and the powers that be decided not to replace him. At first I was convinced that I wouldn't be able to do it but to be honest I have really enjoyed it so far! My learning curve has been massive and as many others have said, you get to set your own agenda and find your own style of managing HR. I know that I have already made judgements that I would change if I had to do it again but I feel that as long as you are honest (with yourself and your colleagues) and accept that in many cases there is no right answer, it really is a very rewarding position to be in! I have also found HR Inform invaluable (https://www.hr-inform.co.uk/) and cheaper than our lawyers (!) and I have called them a few times just to confirm that I am on the right track - and each time I have done so, it has again given me a bit more confidence and helped me to realise that I know more that I give myself credit for! All in all, I would say that if you have the opportunity, go for it as I am sure you would always be wondering 'what if', if you don't!

    Good luck with whatever you decide :)
Children
  • in reply to Jo
    Hi Jo
    I just wanted to re-iterate your post, it could almost have been written by me! I also find myself as a standalone after not having a replacement superior. It also coincided with my organisation going through a massive period of change and my first TUPE experience - so lots for me to get my teeth into. I would totally agree with you about giving yourself a bit more credit, I always felt the need to check through my advice with my colleague as a safety net, and now having that pulled from under me is both scary and exciting. I realised that I knew more than I thought and I trust myself more. I still know what I don't know, so having these forums as well as a good relationship with my previous boss who I know I can talk to in times of need is invaluable.

    I do miss having a team though, even though we were only a team of 2, having a sounding board and another HR person to talk to about the more aspirational aspects of HR as opposed to the day job is something that I am really missing and must do better at seeking out - I find CIPD branch events hard to attend as a part time worker with 2 small children, but the forums here are great.