Britt Richards CMHRNZ

Please walk us through the journey that led you into your current role.

I have always had a natural desire to help others succeed and my search to be able to do that, for more people in more meaningful ways, is what’s informed the path that my career has taken.  The first half of my working life was actually in administration, moving up through increasingly complex and senior secretarial and EA roles which, I can see looking back now, was building the transferrable skills which are so important for my success now, such as influencing outcomes, thinking resourcefully and strategically, continuous improvement and building strong relationships.  In 2005 I was offered the unexpected opportunity to move into human resources and set up systems and processes from scratch for a business that had experienced rapid growth. I cut my HR teeth through trial and (hopefully not too many) errors whilst studying for a Post Grad in Business (HRM).  It was one of the most intense periods of my life but also provided a lot of opportunities and gave me a love of seeing the positive impact I could have on the experience people have at work. 

What is the best part of your job?

Coming up with creative solutions which connect people, passion and ideas together.

What is a career highlight that stands out for you?

I really love the opportunities that I have in my current role as Head of PX to influence change and help others succeed.  One highlight would have to be launching a new recognition programme to the firm in July 2024.  KUDOS enables peers to give thanks and show appreciation to one another for demonstrating behaviours that bring KPMGs shared Values to life.  Some clever features like auto-notifying line managers, publishing all Kudos on the firm-wide bulletin board (without an approval step) and holding an annual Kudos Awards event hosted by our exec team has helped make the programme the success it is today, with over 700 Kudos given each year. 

What does becoming a Chartered Member mean to you personally?

As someone who came to an HR career through a less academic path, I particularly appreciate the recognition that this designation gives to my knowledge and experience.

What pushed you towards pursuing Chartered Membership?

The main driver was actually wanting to champion the growth and professional development of my team, to ensure that they are each set up for amazing careers. I’ve been impressed by the journey HRNZ has gone on in recent years, including development of The Path, and felt like I couldn’t ask something of my team (to take every opportunity to learn) that I wasn’t willing to do myself. 

Now that you are a Chartered Member, what do you see as being the next steps for your career?

I look forward to contributing back to the profession and finding ways to make a difference with my unique perspective and approach.