Laura Lione: A Seasoned HR Business Partner Shaping Workforce Strategies at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Laura Lione is an accomplished HR Business Partner at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, a prestigious healthcare institution located in Greater London, England. With nearly 18 years of experience in human resources, Laura has developed a robust career that spans across multiple HR disciplines, such as workforce planning, organisational change, employee relations, and recruitment. Her role at one of the UK’s largest and most respected NHS Trusts involves strategic workforce and business planning, change management, and the development of recruitment and retention strategies.
In this article, we will explore Laura Lione’s professional journey, educational background, and the impact she has had on HR practices within the healthcare sector.
Laura Lione’s Role as HR Business Partner
As an HR Business Partner at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Laura plays a pivotal role in shaping workforce strategies that align with the Trust’s long-term goals. Her work is integral in supporting the directorates with implementing both change programmes and developing effective recruitment and retention plans. The healthcare sector, with its ever-evolving nature, requires HR professionals like Laura to stay ahead of workforce trends, ensuring that the organisation attracts and retains the right talent.
Strategic Workforce Planning and Change Management
One of Laura’s key responsibilities is strategic workforce planning. This involves anticipating future workforce needs and aligning them with the business goals of the Trust. By focusing on the future of the healthcare workforce, Laura helps to design and implement policies that not only address current staffing shortages but also ensure the Trust is prepared for future challenges. Her role also involves advising on organisational change programmes, helping the organisation to adapt to changing needs and improve operational efficiency.
Employee Relations and Policy Development
In addition to workforce planning, Laura also handles employee relations matters. She supports management teams in dealing with complex employee issues, ensuring that policies are applied consistently and fairly across the Trust. Laura’s expertise in this area allows her to effectively manage employee relations, fostering a positive and collaborative working environment.
Job Evaluation, Reward, and Recruitment
Another significant aspect of Laura’s role is overseeing job evaluation processes and developing reward strategies. This includes evaluating roles across the Trust to ensure that employees are fairly compensated for their work. Additionally, Laura is heavily involved in recruitment, ensuring the Trust attracts top talent in various specialties, including clinical, administrative, and operational roles. Her ability to create and implement effective recruitment strategies is crucial in the highly competitive healthcare sector.
Educational Background of Laura Lione
Laura’s educational journey has been a key factor in shaping her successful career in human resources. She pursued a Post-Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (CIPD) at Kingston University, a leading institution for HR education. This qualification equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various HR roles. The CIPD qualification is highly regarded in the HR industry, and Laura’s achievement demonstrates her commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
Before pursuing her postgraduate studies, Laura obtained a BA Hons degree in English with Sport Science from Canterbury Christ Church University. This diverse educational background allowed her to gain a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour, which has proven invaluable in her HR career. The combination of her English and Sport Science studies has given Laura a unique perspective on workplace dynamics, particularly when it comes to the psychology of employees and how to effectively manage and motivate them.
A Diverse Career in Human Resources
Laura’s career in human resources spans nearly two decades, during which she has accumulated valuable experience in a variety of roles. She started her career at Springfield University Hospital in London as the Team Leader for Recruitment & HR Administration. In this position, she managed recruitment operations and HR administration, gaining hands-on experience in the nuts and bolts of HR processes.
Her journey continued with the South West London & St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, where she served as a Human Resources Advisor. Over her four-year tenure, she worked closely with senior HR professionals, honing her skills in employee relations, recruitment, and workforce planning.
At Guys & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Laura further developed her HR expertise. She began as a Senior HR Advisor, where she was responsible for providing guidance on HR issues to management and staff. Her extensive knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and regulations allowed her to implement effective solutions that benefited both the organisation and its employees.
In 2015, Laura took on the role of HR Consultant at Essentia, a division of the Trust responsible for estates and facilities management. In this capacity, she worked on a range of projects, including employee engagement, policy development, and workforce planning, which further expanded her skill set and solidified her reputation as a highly capable HR professional.
A Strong Commitment to Professional Development
Throughout her career, Laura has remained committed to professional development. In addition to her formal qualifications, she is an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the UK’s leading professional body for HR practitioners. Laura is currently in the process of applying for Chartered status, which would further enhance her credentials and demonstrate her expertise in the HR field.
Her pursuit of Chartered CIPD status underscores her commitment to staying at the forefront of HR best practices and continuously improving her knowledge and skills. The CIPD qualification is recognised globally and is highly sought after by HR professionals, making Laura’s pursuit of Chartered status a significant step in her career.
Impact on Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Over the years, Laura Lione has had a significant impact on the HR landscape at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Through her strategic workforce planning, organisational change initiatives, and recruitment efforts, she has helped the Trust adapt to the ever-changing healthcare environment. By aligning HR practices with the Trust’s business goals, Laura has played a critical role in enhancing the Trust’s overall performance.
Her expertise in employee relations, policy development, and recruitment has been instrumental in ensuring that the Trust remains an attractive employer, both to potential candidates and current employees. The ability to attract, retain, and engage a skilled workforce is vital for any healthcare organisation, and Laura’s work in these areas has been central to the Trust’s success.
Conclusion: A Trusted HR Leader
Laura Lione’s nearly 18 years of experience in human resources, combined with her extensive educational background and commitment to professional development, have made her a highly respected HR Business Partner at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Her expertise in strategic workforce planning, organisational change, employee relations, and recruitment has greatly contributed to the success of the Trust.
As an HR leader, Laura continues to shape the future of workforce strategy in the healthcare sector, ensuring that organisations like Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust remain equipped to meet the challenges of an ever-changing environment. Her dedication to the HR profession and her continued pursuit of Chartered CIPD status demonstrate her unwavering commitment to professional excellence.
For those looking to follow in Laura’s footsteps, her career serves as a valuable example of how dedication, continuous learning, and a strong commitment to HR best practices can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.
