HR Transformation Leadership: Interim Chief People Officer at Leading Forensic Institute
The Brief
A leading forensic institute required a leader to transform their HR department, which was characterised by outdated processes and strained relationships with the broader organisation.
The HR team, primarily focused on transactional tasks like timesheet processing, needed to evolve into a strategic partner for the organisation. Key challenges included an inadequate HR team structure, discrepancies in payroll and medical leave requiring immediate audit and resolution, and complex employee and industrial relations issues. The Interim Chief People Officer (CPO) was tasked with troubleshooting these issues, establishing oversight, and providing additional resources to support the transformation. This role was critical in alleviating pressure on the existing executive leadership team.
Increase in General Management Skills
According to the American Management Association, only 14% of businesses consider themselves “well prepared” to handle a sudden loss in senior management. Add to that the fact that it takes at least four months to fill an executive role, and an Interim Executive experienced in operations makes a lot of sense!
Increase in Customer Experience Skills
These days experience is everything. What truly makes for a good experience? Speed. Convenience. Consistency. Friendliness. And human touch. Our Interim Executives deliver a great experience while improving your customer experience!
Increase in People & Culture Skills
Organisations are constantly changing as they respond to internal and external pressures. Continual process improvement can enable team engagement and lead to growth. Interim Executives bring fresh eyes and effective industry best practice to the execution.
Increase in Data Analytics
Complex challenges require critical thinking and in the age of information-overwhelm it is imperative to have analytical minds at the table. These skills range across finance, data science, systems and more. An Interim Executive can be the right person to optimise your inputs to maximise your output.
The Process
Our Interim Executive team conducted a targeted search, focusing on candidates with experience in HR transformation and the ability to lead significant organisational change.
The search process included engaging with Interim Executive associates within the HR practice, reaching out to potential candidates across various sectors known for their robust HR practices, and implementing a comprehensive interview schedule to assess candidates’ ability to manage the specific challenges at the institute. The ideal candidate needed to demonstrate a strong track record in developing and implementing HR strategies aligned with organisational goals, overhauling dysfunctional HR processes and teams, managing industrial relations issues, and leading cultural change to improve employee engagement.
Emerging Capabilities
Human Capital Management
Expertise in optimising the value of an organisation's workforce through strategic planning, development, and management of human capital resources.
Human Resources:
Comprehensive knowledge of HR practices, including recruitment, training, employee relations, and compliance, to support organisational objectives.
Labour Relations:
Proficient in managing labour relations, including negotiations, conflict resolution, and maintaining productive relationships between employees and management.
Organisational Culture
Skilled in shaping and nurturing organisational culture, fostering an environment that aligns with the organisation’s values and enhances employee satisfaction.
Performance Management
Adept at designing and implementing performance management systems that drive employee development, accountability, and organisational success.
The Outcome
After a rigorous selection process, the newly appointed Interim Chief People Officer made significant strides in revamping the HR function.
Key achievements included overhauling the HR structure to address dysfunction and improve processes, developing a comprehensive employee value proposition and talent strategy, and strengthening the HR Business Partnering team to ensure alignment with the institute’s strategic goals. Immediate operational improvements were also made, including auditing payroll and medical leave processes to resolve discrepancies and enhance transparency and accuracy.
This six-month interim role was crucial in supporting the broader change and transformation at the institute following recent legislative changes. The CPO’s contributions laid the groundwork for a more strategic, efficient, and supportive HR function, positioning the organisation for continued success in its vital work.
What our client has to say on value creation.
Partnering with Future Leaderships interim services was transformative for the Institute. Their interim Chief People Officer integrated seamlessly, conducting thorough HR investigations and offering strategic advice on performance management and conflict resolution. This led to a more harmonious and productive work environment. Their workforce planning identified skill gaps and implemented strategies for talent acquisition, retention, and development, positioning VIFM for future success. The ability to deliver quick wins while planning for long-term excellence was impressive. We highly recommend Future Leaderships Interim Executive services for any organisation navigating change and seeking expert guidance."
