Christine Scott CMHRNZ

What led you to a career in HR/ the position that you are in currently?  

I began my working life in retail, not really knowing what I wanted to do; a place many of us find ourselves in when we leave school!  After a few years selling hammers and paint I was offered a great opportunity training others and that’s when my passion for developing people really took shape.  My career journey continued into learning and development, generalist HR and people leadership, specialising in the health, disability, and social sectors, working across disability, mental health, palliative care, and sexual harm.  My focus has always been on supporting people to live their best lives, whatever that may look like for them.  

This has led me to my current role as Director of HR for Safe Network, where I am responsible for implementing strategies to attract and engage the best people, ensure they are developed and supported, and keep them safe and well, to enable them to deliver outstanding service to our clients, their whanau, and the wider community. 

What do you love about working in HR?  

The most rewarding aspect of working in HR, particularly in the health and disability sector, is knowing that everything we do has the ability to influence the lives of our clients, their whanau and our community. 

Are there any specific highlights of your career that you wish to share?  

Volunteering for Special Olympics inspired me to shift from retail into the health and disability sector.  This move provided me with a greater insight into the importance of aligning HR initiatives with the organisations strategic goals; understanding and appreciating how the work of HR impacts the lives of the people we support.  

Also, gaining my GradDipHRM while being a new mother and working fulltime! 

What are your thoughts on Chartered Membership? How do you feel about being a Chartered Member?   

I am delighted to have achieved Chartered Membership with HRNZ.  This recognises my professional capability as an HR practitioner and acknowledges the wider HR profession as a vital contributor to organisational success. 

What motivated you to work towards becoming a Chartered Member?  

HRNZ has been a constant source of development and support throughout my 12+ year HRNZ membership.  I have been a mentee, a Not-for-Profit SIG committee member for Auckland Branch, an Auckland – South branch committee member, including previous Branch President.  Gaining Chartered Membership was the next step in this journey, and an opportunity to support and develop other as I have been. 

What are your next steps in terms of your career now that you are a Chartered Member?  

There are two key next steps in terms of my career journey as a Chartered Member; 1/ continue my own professional development and growth as a successful HR practitioner, and 2/ support and inspire others to grow in their own HR journey, particularly those working in the Not-for-Profit sector, where development opportunities may not be as available as in other sectors.