Meet The Team

Anne McKenning - Secure Trust Bank

HR Director, Secure Trust Bank

Match to: Solihull College and University centre

Why did you become an Enterprise Adviser?
Having worked in Human Resources for over 25 years I love working with people and helping them to fulfil their potential.
In my current role I am responsible for working with my key stakeholders in designing and delivering the HR Strategy. Whilst it may seem a cliché people are a business’s most important asset and as such this is critical to the success of our business.

I have two daughters who are now 21 and 22 and know how difficult it is for students to understand the career options available and that resources to help guide them in considering their options post year 11 are stretched in our Schools and College. I have also seen many leave education and join the world of work and find out that their career expectations and sometime our expectations as an employer are not met either. This has motivated me to become an Enterprise Adviser so that I can support both the College and also the students to truly be work ready.

What do you enjoy most in your role as an Enterprise Adviser?

Whilst I have not been an Enterprise Adviser for very long so far I have loved working with the Senior Leadership team at Solihull College to understand their plans and to help them consider different options and opportunities to support positive outcomes for students.
My highlight to date was working with the Head of School – Business and Administration to develop a ‘Skills Speed Dating’ First Impressions event designed to help students develop the skills to make a positive first impression on future employers.
It was such a privilege to see the students grow in confidence throughout the session and hopefully we were able to give them some hints and tips that will help them secure that dream job when the time comes.

Overview of your chosen career or career pathway to your current role.

I started my career in Banking more because I was keen to work in London than actually work in a Bank! However I found that I loved the environment and also the opportunity to try lots of different roles. My first step into the world of HR was when I was given an opportunity to move into a Learning and Development role. I then tried a variety of other HR related roles including recruitment as well as those in the more general HR arena.

I have always taken pride in my work and tried to do the best for my employer. As such I have been lucky that I have been recommended for roles by former colleagues and this has brought some great career opportunities and how I came to work in my current role at Secure Trust Bank.
I have seen the Bank change considerably in the 13 years I have been here with the acquisition, sale and organic growth of a wide range of different businesses and it has been an amazing experience. I am extremely proud that we are ranked as both a Great Place to Work and a Great Place to Work for Women and is something we are very proud of.

As HR is actually quite a technical subject I am FCIPD qualified, a qualified Employment Law Specialist Paralegal and hold an MSc in Human Resource Management. The passion for personal development is also something that contributed to me becoming an Enterprise Adviser.

Contact

lifeready@solihull.gov.uk