Janvier Hyde
Consultant/Interim Manager
Janvier Hyde - Managing Solutions
What made you choose the public sector?
Initially because I believe in public service and also because it offered a fairly secure working environment and good career progression and training
How did you get to your current role?
Degree in Social Sciences, majoring in social psychology, and a post grad diploma in Personnel Management. First job in a university and then Notts County Council, Notts Fire and Rescue Service, Notts County Council again (where I did a Masters degree in Law and Employment Relations, part time), Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council then Leicestershire Constabulary, where I was Director of HR.
What does your job involve?
My current job involves management of the HR department at East Lindsey District Council, which includes training. I am involved in HR strategy, providing creative management solutions to complex problems as well the day to day grievances, disciplinaries, managing absenteeism, producing and delivering on the HR service plan and the Council's Ambitions and Corporate Plan
Why did you choose to become an Interim?
I decided on interim work as a way of getting some balance into my life. I was working silly hours and not enjoying my life. I explored the need for my skills in the public and private sectors and decided that if I could work 3 days per week I could still enjoy a good lifestyle, spend more time with my family and friends and do something completely different, which for me is a distance learning diploma in interior design. It was daunting giving up a well paid job to go to £0 on day one, but I signed on with an agency and I have not been out of work so far. My work/home balance is much better and friends say that I am back to my usual self! Not once have I regretted doing what I have done. I would stress the importance of knowing what your marketable skills are and getting honest feedback about them.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety of work (no hour is the same!) and flexibility and knowing that whilst I am part of this organisation, as an interim manager I am not an employee and so can be fairly independent. I enjoy providing solutions that had not been thought about by others and thereby helping a situation to be resolved to the benefit of both parties.
What has been your greatest achievement within your career?
I have 2. 1 is the fact of being able to achieve a Masters degree whilst holding down a demanding job and changing jobs during the degree. The second was deciding to leave full time employment to set up on my own (a scary move) and making a success of it.
What are your aspirations for the future?
To make a success of my consultancy and to be able to work as often as I would like to - by being recommended by those I have worked for .
What advice would you give to those interested in a management or executive career within the public sector?
Ensure that you take advantage of the development offered; offer to do things, even when they are not directly within your remit; take risks - but think them through first; apply for promotion and listen to feedback if you are not successful but do not give up; be prepared to move around Councils; get yourself one or two mentors who you respect and who will challenge you constructively; keep an eye on the national picture of government so that you can speak intelligently about current issues.