HR Standalone role

Hi Danielle. I work (almost) stand alone and I really do enjoy it - in fact, I'd echo a lot of what others have said. If you decide to take the plunge, my advice would be to join as many HR networking groups as you can (I've found the best way to find them has been either CIPD related or asking our sales team to put me in touch with HR teams in our customer base then popping in). I essentially steal their best ideas (they probably steal the best of mine too) and you end up not feeling quite so lonesome when you can email each other saying "what would you do about this one". A good solicitor has helped me with the more complex bits, ACAS are also a decent support sometimes and also this discussion forum.

My only real 'con' for me personally is that I have developed into a stand-alone HRM but find that I also get bogged down in everything (often lots of Admin and 'I've locked myself out of the HR system again') and ultimately my goal is to become an HRBP. It's probably possible to do here with a bit of grit, but it's tough when you don't have a more junior team to allow you to get on with complicated, juicy things.

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.

Standalone roles are by far the best! You have ownership and autonomy over your own workload. There’s more respect from staff members towards yourself as the HR professional.

Definitely worth the read. I have fairly recently become a standalone HR manager, and am busy trying to set the department up from scratch. This has reassured me that I am not alone :-)

Hi Sarah,

You are most certainly not alone. From what we know roughly 8 to 9 percent of our membership work in a 'standalone' role.

Hi Danielle, I've been a standalone manager for 2 years taking over from someone who had destroyed all good will between HR and the employees. It has been hard work but I can now see the benefits. Like others have said, there is a lot to learn and I rely on the support of CIPD and EEF for advice. I have also joined an HR networking group which is good for bouncing ideas around and seeing how others handle particular issues. I do sometimes feel isolated but the amount I am learning is well worth it.