Rashmi Patel is Head of HR Operations at Nottingham Trent University. With international study trips and bursaries, Nottingham Trent University is helping Rashmi explore inclusivity and diversity practices abroad – whilst keeping Nottingham Trent University at the front of the sector at home.
A fresh and exciting career
Rashmi first came to Nottingham Trent University as a Personnel Manager, back in 1999. She has worked right across Nottingham Trent University, with so many different people and departments, so she's got a really good insight into the University – and that’s important, from an HR perspective.
"As a place to work, NTU’s up there with the very best," says Rashmi. "No two days are the same in my job, and that keeps things fresh and exciting. There’s a big difference between what a lot of people assume HR to be – a transactional, policing sort of a job – and the reality, which is far broader. I have a huge passion for people and getting the very best out of them, and we’re helping to shape the University’s future by finding the right kind of colleagues. The ones who can help us answer the bigger questions of what NTU is, and what we’re trying to achieve here."
An agenda of diversity and inclusion
According to Rashmi, widening participation and social mobility have always been high on the agenda at Nottingham Trent University: it likes to challenge people’s ideas of what they can and can’t do, where they feel they are and aren’t welcome, and then help them to become their best. She adds that at Nottingham Trent University, diversity and inclusion are things it genuinely believe in – it wants to raise the profile of all these fantastic opportunities, which are open to everyone.
A wealth of support
Rashmi says she's been massively supported in my her progression here. "I’ve had some excellent line managers and mentors throughout my career at NTU, and so many opportunities – things I’m really proud to have been involved in. I’ve lead on some significant HR initiatives which have fundamentally shaped the University, and on a more personal level, I’ve helped to recruit and support some incredible talent," says Rashmi. "I won a Santander women’s leadership programme in 2014, and went out to UCLA; this year, I received the UHRCUPA Bursary, and I’ve just returned from a HR conference and study visits to universities in America, looking at diversity and inclusion practices over there. It’s all so exciting!"
As well as her role here at Nottingham Trent University, Rashmi is actively involved as a Trustee, Director and Parent Governor in a number of local and regional schools, as well as in her community. Her advice is to work hard, and reach beyond your role. "There’s a huge range of opportunities here, in and outside of your day job. Committees, forums, events and networking – initiatives that are shaping the University," adds Rashmi. "Go that extra mile, and you’ll be supported."
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.