NEW HR DIRECTOR JOINS EVERYDAY LOANS

New HR Director Jenny Jackson has joined Everyday Loans to champion the value of people in the business and develop a range of new initiatives to attract and retain the best talent.

With an 18-year background in HR roles across the banking and finance sector, including Metro Bank, RBS, Barclays and Deloitte, Jenny is tasked with re-energising the firm’s approach to managing its 800-strong workforce spread across 77 branches UK-wide and a Bourne End HQ.

She said: “ I am relishing the chance to help enhance our offering to new and existing staff alike, ensuring Everyday Loans remains an enjoyable workplace for years to come.

“People are what make a good business great, so investing in them is key – whether that be from the perspective of greater career progression, enhanced learning and development, increased benefits or a commitment to inclusivity “ she added.

Since the pandemic, the demand for flexible working has never been greater and this will be top of the priorities for Jenny. She commented: “Flexible working should not just mean allowing staff to work from home. Real flexibility comes from allowing employees to choose what’s right for their individual circumstances, within the structure of an agreed framework – more of a pick and mix approach.”

She continued: “One example could be not forcing people to take national bank holidays as days off. For varying cultural or religious reasons staff may in fact prefer to work over Christmas or Easter and take time off during Diwali or Eid instead. We will be reviewing all our policies to ensure they are as inclusive as can be and reflect the lifestyles of all our staff.”

Training and development will also be a main focus and not just for new starters, but to progress the careers of all existing staff. Jenny plans to provide people with a greater level of choice in their learning, including developing interests outside of work.

She said: “We will be launching academy-style training centres in each region to make it a great first experience at Everyday Loans, using different tools and techniques and incorporating more interactive styles of learning such as quizzes and quick-fire sessions to increase retention.”

A new online learning portal will be introduced - a personalised, Netflix-style, one-stop-shop which will enable staff to take ownership of their own development.

“We are very excited about this,” said Jenny. “As well as the mandatory industry training, it will recommend new courses, guides, videos and even podcasts and content from TikTok and YouTube based on users’ previous activities, covering softer skills and also encompassing wellbeing and mental health.”

When not working Wirral-born Jenny following the fortunes of her beloved Everton FC and spending time with her family - she is married with two young daughters and a beagle dog!