InDepth Director, Fiona Murie has successfully completed a twelve month interim management role with Wakefield and District Housing (WDH).

WDH is a Registered Social Landlord and is the largest single housing stock transfer organisation, responsible for over 31,000 homes. Fiona worked with the Audit Commission 3 star rated organisation to lead their ambitious people focused change programme titled ‘Shaping our Future’. She later added responsibility for heading the Organisational Development (OD) Team and has now completed her assignment.

Fiona said “the initial requirement was to organise and launch the two-year programme within four months and hand it over to a newly recruited team. In addition, following a restructure, I then assumed the role of Service Director - Organisational Development for a further eight months”.

Fiona added “The programme comprises of four projects and aims to build a workforce capable of responding to a challenging agenda and included all aspects of leadership, management and organisational development. It affects a diverse workforce of 1,400 employees and focuses on attracting and keeping the right people, grading and paying people accordingly, working more efficiently and flexibly, and simplifying HR and payroll processes,”

Fiona introduced project disciplines and governance including the production of the PID, the plan, development of key products, and recruitment of programme staff. Whilst retaining overall accountability for the programme, Fiona also led the OD Team of 35 people, managing performance, developing individuals, working with trade unions and other partners, mentoring programme staff, and representing OD at a strategic level.

Fiona really enjoyed her time in WDH and felt that she achieved what she set out to do. She said “WDH now has a learning and development strategy to promote personal learning, clarify responsibilities, and focus development on strategic objectives. It has a competency framework to help recruit the right people, communicate standards of behaviour and support the appraisal process. Some cumbersome HR processes have been reviewed and streamlined versions are being introduced. A job evaluation process has begun, and this will be followed by a pay and grading exercise. A software package has being implemented that manages payroll in-house, provides management information, gives managers and employees access to personnel records, and helps manage attendance”.

Fiona continues to provide consultancy support to WDH on a call-off basis and Director Sarah Goodwin will also be delivering coaching to the Executive Management Team. Comments from some of the people Fiona worked with are shown below which endorse the impact she made during her time in WDH.

“You came in at a difficult time and when you reflect on this you can see how things have evolved and developed and you have been a part of that. Thanks also for the personal assistance you have given from time to time which was much appreciated”. Paul Wood, Service Director – ICT.
“It is always sad to loose a good egg and you are indeed one. It’s been great working with you and you have a fantastic attitude of working and having fun”. Martyn Gorton, Service Director – Investment.

“Thank you for all of your help and assistance you have provided to my team and myself since you were appointed”. John Morrison, Service Director – Finance.

"Thank you for everything - you have been a real inspiration!". Kate Radovanovic, Learning and Development Manager