February HRi member spotlight is Diane Secker from Accord HR Consulting. Diane specialises in employee relations.

 

About Diane

Diane finds people fascinating and enjoys learning about people and what makes them tick. It’s been almost four years since Diane started her HR indies journey setting up Accord HR Consulting.

 

How long have you been a member of HRi?

Since the beginning.

 

Why did you join HRi?

When I first set up Accord HR in 2019, I had so many questions about the practicalities of setting up on my own, so I looked to HRi for support. I quickly found many others were in the same boat. Now almost 4 years in, I love the Facebook group for asking questions and sharing experiences.

 

What’s your favourite part of being a member of HRi?

The sense of community, collaboration and support amongst the membership. The AskHRi legal support offer a fantastic service where I can get straight talking advice on complex issues. In addition, I value the work that HRi is doing to promote high standards in our profession.

 

What is your specialism?

Employee relations which, for clients, means resolving ‘tricky’ people management problems. This may include dealing with grievances, disciplinaries, carrying out investigations, managing redundancies, exit strategies, etc. I typically continue working with these clients following the completion of any formal processes to help to minimise the risk of the problems reoccurring, helping them to develop their people and culture.

 

What do you love most about HR? and being independent?

I think people are fascinating, I enjoy unpicking issues to identify the root of a problem and helping to find a solution. I love the variety of working with different people, different organisations and different cultures.

 

 

How do you define success?

Having interesting work, happy clients and a good work-life balance.

 

What is your most memorable win, achievement or celebration?

I think it has to be getting my first client. I had considered consultancy for a while before taking the leap and I’ve greatly enjoyed growing the business, growing my network and developing my own skills along the way.

 

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I’m a member of the ‘Monday Guinness Club’. 😊

 

Are you currently binge-watching any shows?

I’ve just started Fearless, starring Helen McCrory. I really enjoyed all the Scandi crime drama series, particularly The Bridge; I thought Saga’s character was brilliant. And on a lighter note, Motherland is fab!

 

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Tuna mayo jacket potato.

 

What’s one item you can’t live without?

I hate to say it, but my phone. I organise my life, my family’s life, communicate with clients, with friends and keep up to speed with work-related news and local info on social media.