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Our department

The Human Resources department (HR) is responsible for the recruitment, retention and development of staff in line with the goals and objectives of the People Strategy and under the direction of our Governors, through the HR Strategy and Policy Committee. HR operates within the frameworks set out by National Agreements with the trade unions, the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), employment law, best practice in human resource management and the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS). We strive to provide a highly professional service to all employees using our agreed College policies and procedures.

HR teams

All teams are under the direction of Eileen Harvey, Director of HR. The services provided by these teams include: recruitment and selection, contracts of employment, induction, employment policy and procedures, committees and administration, advice and counselling, employee relations, annual appraisal, staff development, grading, pay and promotion, disciplinary and grievances and management information.

Director of Human Resources: Eileen Harvey

  • PA to the Director of Human Resources/Office Manager:

Deputy Director of HR: 

business partnering 

In line with helping managers manage their people, the HR Business Partners work strategically with the management teams to provide information, advice, guidance and coaching. The Assistant HR Business Partners are responsible for ensuring that managers are following processes, procedure and good practices - this might include performance management guidelines for capability and managing sickness absence, as well as assisting the resolution of minor grievances and disciplinary issues.

Principal HR Business Partner: 

  • Assistant HR Business Partner:  (provides support to the Faculty of Science, Estates and Facilities, Research Office, Linking London, Finance and the Education Directorate)
  • Assistant HR Business Partner:  (provides support to the Faculty of Business and Law, and departments of Human Resources, Vice-Chancellor's Office, College Secretariat, External Relations, Planning and Strategic Projects, Library and IT Services)
  • Assistant HR Business Partner:  (provides support to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and departments of Access and Engagement, Development and Alumni, and Registry, and departments of Students' Union)
  • HR Assistant - Recruitment and Reporting:

organisational development 

The Organisational Development and Change team deliver a wide range of activities which support the ongoing development of a productive and healthy working climate at Birkbeck. The team works closely with management teams and collaboratively with colleagues in HR in line with the College priorities and the People Strategy. These include the systematic collection of staff feedback through surveys and focus groups, and the coordination of plans for improvement, with the aim of supporting Birkbeck to achieve its mission and continue to be a great place to work.

Head of Organisational Development and Change: 

Strategy, policy, equality and diversity

The Strategy, Policy, Equality and Diversity team priorities include leading and supporting the delivery of key HR projects to implement the People Strategy and other College strategies and action plans; developing, reviewing and updating HR policies; supporting the embedding of equality and diversity across the College; leading and delivering people data analysis and reporting as required by statutory duties and organisational needs; and ensuring accurate, consistent and accessible information for Birkbeck in respect of all elements of the service delivered by the HR department, including developing, improving and maintaining functionality of the HR Information Systems (HRIS).

Head of HR Strategy, Policy and Equality and Diversity: Vacant

hr Operations

The Operations team provide administrative services, covering the employment life cycle: recruitment and selection, new appointments, leavers, absence (including family leave), changes in terms and conditions, contract extensions, promotion and pay awards. Working alongside HR colleagues, the Operations team focuses on providing a streamlined transactional and administrative service to the College including the associated Business World operations.

Head of HR Operations and Systems: