HR Manager: Karen Genuardi

I have worked at Ambitious About Autism for 18 months. This is the first time I have worked for a charity, having worked in local government and for large global organisations. I love the variety of work that being part of a charity brings. Best of all I get to play a part in supporting the managers and staff at Ambitious About Autism to create the very best opportunities for children and young people with autism.

I work part-time within the HR Team. My role is to provide advice, support and empowerment to managers and staff across the charity on wide range of HR and welfare issues and I also support the Director of People in the development of HR strategy.

In a typical working week, I will run the HR Surgery. This is a weekly surgery, which gives managers and staff an opportunity to book time to meet with me to discuss solutions across a whole range of topics, whether it be a disciplinary or a long term sickness issue, performance management, interpretation of policy or to ask my advice on dealing with personal issues. I will advise on legal implications and aim to promote good employee relations.

My week may also include meeting with the physiotherapist to discuss treatment or advise on staff with physiological conditions, which mean they are prevented from carrying out the full duties of their job.  Another aspect of my job is the design and delivery of training – both induction training and training for managers on topics such as sickness absence management and performance management.

My role also includes some project work and I am currently working on sourcing and implementing a new HR Software database and am working on developing a diversity and equality plan for the organisation. 

The organisation has and continues to change quickly. Working as part of a small HR function is rewarding and very busy and we support each other really well. My 18 months at Ambitious About Autism has flown by as I have so much variety in my work that there is always something new to challenge me.