You could start as an assistant office manager in a health centre or hospital and do training to work your way up.
View this career for different education levels:
An HR Manager, also known as a Human Resources Manager, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the employee lifecycle within an organisation. This includes recruitment and selection, training and development, employee relations, performance management, and ensuring legal compliance with employment laws. HR Managers work closely with senior leaders to develop policies that support organisational goals and promote a positive workplace culture. Their role often involves handling sensitive issues such as grievances, disciplinary procedures, and redundancy processes. Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills are essential in this career.
HR Managers in the UK typically earn between £35,000 and £60,000 per year, with higher salaries in larger organisations or in London.
There were over 15,000 advertised HR Manager positions in the UK in 2023, according to job boards like Reed and Indeed.
Most HR Managers hold a degree and/or CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) qualification.
Focuses on attracting, interviewing, and hiring new staff for an organisation, ensuring the best candidates are selected for each role.
Organises and delivers training programmes to help employees improve their skills and progress in their careers.
Handles workplace issues such as disputes or grievances, and works to ensure a positive and fair working environment.
Achieve good grades in your GCSEs, particularly in English and Maths, and consider studying A-levels in subjects such as Business Studies, Psychology, or Sociology.
Most HR roles require a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 including English and Maths. A-levels in related subjects will give you a solid foundation for further study. Alternatively, you can consider vocational qualifications such as a BTEC in Business.
Obtain a degree in Human Resource Management, Business, Psychology, or a related field. Alternatively, you can complete a Level 5 CIPD qualification or an apprenticeship in HR.
A university degree in a relevant subject is highly regarded for HR management roles. However, you can also study for a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification or start with an HR apprenticeship, which combines paid work with study.
Begin your career in positions such as HR Assistant or HR Administrator to build hands-on experience.
Entry-level roles allow you to learn about HR processes, from recruitment and onboarding to payroll and employment law. Look for internships, placements, or voluntary work in HR to boost your CV.
Take on more responsibility by moving into roles such as HR Officer or Advisor, where you will handle more complex HR tasks and support management.
As you gain experience, you will deal with employee relations, disciplinary procedures, and policy development. This stage often involves supporting or managing small HR projects and advising line managers.
Work towards CIPD Chartered Membership or similar professional status to demonstrate your expertise.
Achieving CIPD accreditation shows employers your commitment to professional standards. You can study for further CIPD qualifications alongside your HR work, which may be supported by your employer.
Once you have the necessary experience and qualifications, seek HR Manager roles where you will lead HR teams and shape HR strategy.
HR Managers oversee policies, recruitment strategies, and employee wellbeing. You may manage a team of HR professionals and work closely with senior management. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in HR Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A HR Manager and a GP practice manager both require strong leadership, organisational skills, and experience in managing staff within a healthcare or similar service environment. Both roles involve overseeing operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting the well-being of staff and clients, making them closely related in terms of qualifications and responsibilities.
You can get into this job through:
You could start as an assistant office manager in a health centre or hospital and do training to work your way up.
You could apply directly to become a GP practice manager.
You'll usually need to have a business background and be an experienced manager with a management qualification.
It might be useful if you have experience working in health or social care.
You could do a training course with the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR) to get qualified.
Qualifications include:
You can do these courses at an approved training centre, college or online. For some qualifications, you'll need to be working in a job related to health.
You'll be expected to understand how NHS values apply in your work when applying for a course.
You could join the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR) or the Institute of Health and Social Care Management for professional development opportunities.
You can find out more about becoming a GP practice manager from Health Careers.
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