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:
A Human Resources (HR) Manager is responsible for overseeing the recruitment, training, and well-being of employees within an organisation. Their duties include developing policies, managing staff issues, supporting employee development, and ensuring legal compliance with employment laws. HR Managers often handle sensitive matters such as disputes, disciplinary procedures, and benefits administration. They play a key role in shaping workplace culture and are crucial in helping organisations attract and retain talent. Strong communication, organisational, and leadership skills are essential in this career, as well as a good understanding of employment law and business operations.
HR Managers in the UK earn between £30,000 and £60,000 per year, with experienced professionals in large organisations earning upwards of £70,000.
There are over 18,000 HR manager positions advertised annually in the UK.
Employment for HR managers is expected to grow by around 5 percent over the next five years in the UK, as organisations continue to prioritise effective people management.
Focuses on attracting, screening and hiring new employees for an organisation, often working closely with managers to understand staffing needs.
Responsible for organising training programmes and workshops to help employees develop new skills and improve performance.
Works to maintain positive relationships between staff and management, handling workplace issues such as grievances, disputes and disciplinary procedures.
Achieve good grades in your GCSEs, focusing on subjects such as English, Business Studies, and Psychology. Follow this with relevant A-Levels to prepare for university or apprenticeships.
Strong communication and analytical skills are important for HR, so choosing A-Levels or equivalent in subjects like Business, Sociology, or Law can be helpful. Some colleges offer BTECs in Business or related fields, which are also suitable.
Earn a university degree in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field. Alternatively, pursue a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship in HR.
Many HR Managers hold a degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Degree apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn and are a practical alternative to traditional university routes.
Gain practical experience by working in entry-level HR positions such as HR Assistant or HR Administrator.
These roles provide valuable exposure to HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding, and maintaining employee records. Look for internships, placements, or part-time opportunities while studying.
Begin studying for CIPD qualifications, which are highly valued in the HR profession.
CIPD offers qualifications at different levels, including Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced Diplomas. Many employers support employees in gaining these professional qualifications.
Move into more senior positions such as HR Officer, HR Advisor, or HR Business Partner to gain leadership experience.
Taking on supervisory responsibilities, managing projects, and leading small teams will build the leadership skills needed for an HR Manager role. Seek opportunities to handle complex employee relations cases or lead training sessions.
With relevant education, experience, and qualifications, apply for HR Manager roles in your chosen sector.
Tailor your CV to highlight your experience in HR operations, policy development, and leadership. Be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of employment law and your ability to handle sensitive situations.
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 oversee operational functions within a healthcare environment, managing staff, staff welfare, and administrative processes. Both roles require strong leadership, understanding of personnel management, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
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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