Joanna Birrell

Experience

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  Nissan Motor Corporation

  Jan 1986 - Jan 1989

  Human Resources Assistant
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  Wavin UK

  Jan 1989 - Jan 1991

  Human Resources Officer
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  TRW Automation LLC

  May 1991 - Mar 1992

  Human Resources Business Partner
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  Relocation to the USA

  Mar 1992 - Dec 1992

  Relocation
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  Dewhirst

  Feb 1993 - Jun 1996

  Human Resources Manager

  Managed a HR department responsible for all HR and organisational development for 800 employees on 4 diverse sitesResponsible for developing and implementing HR strategies and procedures in line with the business growth of over 50% in 18 months.Reduced absenteeism from 8.5% to under 3% through an effective employee engagement programme

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  Deluxe Corporation

  Jun 1996 - Jan 1998

  Human Resources Manager

  Established the HR function as the company was very newly established in the UK developing all policies, procedures ensuring these aligned with the culture of the organisationManaged the HR element of the successful separation of the business into 3 separate entities Implemented major organisational development programme and achieved Investors in People accreditation

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  Self-employed

  Sept 1998 - Jun 2001

  Human Resources Business Consultant

  Provided HR support to a wide range of commercial and public sector organisations

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  Loughborough University

  Jul 2001 - Aug 2002

  Human Resources Business Partner

  A generalist HR Partner providing a full HR service including areas such as talent acquisition, employee development, performance review, and complex employment relations issues. Developed strong working relationships with both academic departments and support areas.

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  WSJ Associates

  Jan 2003 - now

  Director

  Delivering HR and Project Director services. Projects includeThames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership - HR Business Consultant and Head of People and SkillsThe LEP is a strategic, business-led partnership between the private sector, local government, the community and education sectors. It has secured and allocated over £200m of public funds to deliver a wide range of initiatives. HR Business Consultant Working with the Chief Executive and Board provide leadership and guidance on all aspects of HR and Talent Management (including Board recruitment) to ensure the LEP has the people talent to enable it to successfully deliver the Strategic Economic Plan for Berkshire. Head of People and SkillsProviding visible and strategic leadership in all aspects of the People and Skills strategy and programme for Berkshire. Key achievements have includedLed the creation of a Skills Strategy for Berkshire in collaboration with business, academia, local government and key local stakeholdersSuccessful delivery of a Skills Investment Plan of £25 million ensuring that capital investments and revenue interventions support economic growth and resilience in Berkshire. Strategic oversight of the Careers and Enterprise Company local programmeActing as an Ambassador for Berkshire’s Skills and People Strategy providing strong and effective working relationships with local and central government, key local stakeholders and employers Show less