Staff Spotlight

Joining the Charles Clinkard family in 2013, Dawn has been a valued and much-loved member of the team for 13 years. As our Human Resources Advisor, Dawn has connected with each and every team and department across the business and is at the heart of company life.

Dawn’s HR journey began back in 1982, when she started her career in a shoe shop and was given the opportunity to help create a personnel department. That opportunity sparked a passion for HR and set her on the career path she has continued ever since. We’re certainly very glad it did!

"My role is incredibly varied, which is one of the things I enjoy most about it. I’m involved in recruitment, CVs, arranging interviews, onboarding and probation reviews, as well as supporting colleagues through different processes and mediation.

I also provide support with payroll, AXA Health, pay rises and bonuses, alongside absence management and dealing with leavers. There’s also the practical side of things, including store maintenance, so there really is never a dull day! It’s a role where you have to be prepared to turn your hand to lots of different things and, quite often, juggle several priorities at once.

Every day is different - there is never the same day twice. One day I might be dealing with recruitment and interviews, while the next could involve supporting a colleague, helping with payroll or dealing with something completely unexpected. I like the fact that the role keeps me on my toes and that there’s always something new to solve or someone who needs help."

"Don’t underestimate the role; it’s certainly not mundane! It can be stressful at times, particularly when you’re dealing with sensitive or challenging situations.

My biggest pieces of advice would be to stay organised, be patient and, above all, remain non-judgemental. You’re often dealing with people at difficult points in their working lives, so being able to listen, understand different perspectives and remain calm can make a huge difference."