| ITVET

Next in our teammate profile series, we chat to Wellbeing & HR Manager, Melissa Thomas.

At ITVET, we believe that HR teams pave the way for success when they prioritise core values like empathy, compassion, and integrity in everything they do.

Some time ago, we set out to shift our HR strategy towards a more wellbeing-focused and culture-driven approach, and since then, we’ve seen significant improvements, particularly in the personal and professional development of our team.

Our Wellbeing teammates embody kindness and benevolence, with a genuine willingness to dedicate their time to supporting everyone in the company.

The world of HR is rapidly changing. While departments play an integral role in any organisation’s ongoing success, we’ve learned that companies must take a broader view of their teammates’ career journey and look beyond salaries and perks.

Businesses must give equal effort to providing the support employees need to stay happy, healthy, and mentally prepared to do their best work.

Increasingly, organisations are recognising the importance of truly caring for their employees and ensuring their voices are heard. At ITVET, we’re proud to have woven a deep commitment to wellbeing into our teams and overarching company ethos. And we hope that shows in our newly appointed Wellbeing & HR team.

Melissa lives with her husband and son (who will soon be promoted to big brother!) in Chelmsford, Essex. She joined ITVET in 2018 as an HR & Admin Manager and then went on to become a Compliance Supervisor before blossoming into the Wellbeing & HR Manager she is today.

Tell us about your role as Wellbeing & HR Manager?

One of my main responsibilities at ITVET is taking care of our amazing team. Our teammates are at the heart of what our company stands for, and my role is to ensure that everyone, from team members to managers and even our directors, receives the support they need. I manage daily queries, deliver company training, contribute to strategic improvements and processes, and make sure teammates are supported in both their work and overall wellbeing.

Why is the ‘Wellbeing’ part of your job as important as ‘HR’?

Over a year ago, we recognised that the term “HR” carried a stigma and didn’t fully capture the incredible work our team was doing. With the support of our Company Directors, we rebranded as the Wellbeing Team. Teammate wellbeing has always been at the core of our mission at ITVET, where we strive to break the mold and differentiate ourselves. Wellbeing is an integral part of this vision. By supporting our teammates, we gain their trust, respect, and loyalty, which is evident in our Great Place to Work certification and impressive retention rates. The heartfelt feedback from teammates, expressing how much we’ve helped during challenging times, demonstrates that we’re making a real difference. We approach everyone as though they were a friend or family member, and by doing so, we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact this has on the company.

What made you decide to pursue a career in HR?

I began my career in retail before transitioning into an office administration role. Eager to explore my potential and discover what I truly enjoyed, I quickly realised that working with people was my passion. Colleagues often described me as approachable, kind, fair, and organised. Combining these skills with my desire to help others, I decided that HR could be the right path for me. Nine years later, I’m still in the industry and feel incredibly grateful to have found such a fulfilling and rewarding career.

What do you love most about working at ITVET?

If you asked anyone in the company what makes ITVET special, I’m sure they’d all say, “the people”. Everyone here genuinely cares about their work and their colleagues. We constantly strive to support one another, drive improvements, and learn together. In the past, when I’d hear people outside of ITVET say, “I love my job”, I couldn’t imagine feeling that way myself – but now, I genuinely look forward to coming to work every day. Your voice and ideas are heard, you’re respected, and you’re encouraged to grow in your career. We work together as one team, with hands-on directors who are always available, supporting everyone both professionally and personally. I truly couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Having one (soon to be two) children, I don’t get a huge amount of time to myself! But when I do, you’ll find me shopping, seeing friends, going out for meals, or planning my next holiday. I’m also partial to a bit of drag bingo!

Any advice for someone who is considering applying for a role at ITVET?

Be yourself and let your personality shine. We’re not just interested in what you can do professionally; we want to get to know the real you. If you’re ready to work hard and grow within a company, this is the perfect place for you.

Thinking of joining ITVET?

As ITVET continues to grow, we’re always on the lookout for amazing people to join our team.

We work in a fast-paced environment where hard work and effort are recognised and rewarded. As part of ITVET, you’ll enjoy more than just a job but many opportunities to learn and advance your career.

Beyond a competitive salary, we take pride in offering an expansive range of benefits that go beyond the ordinary and focus on your health, wellbeing and finances.

What are you waiting for?

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