Leonie Saywell
London,N/A
Summary
A seasoned leader who thrives on leading with a coaching style and sound project management to deliver strategy. I have considerable expertise in strategic workforce planning, people-centred change management, and policy development. I strive to improve data-driven decisions combined with emotional intelligence. Proven ability to lead complex projects, budgets, forecast skills needs, and work with teams at all levels from Governors to front line technicians. Skilled in trade union negotiations and consultation processes, with a focus on listening, fostering collaboration and shared problem solving .
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of post-secondary education
27
27
years of professional experience
Work history
Associate Director of Culture
University of the Arts London
London
2023.08 - Current
Reporting into the Chief People Officer, I lead a department of 26 people with responsibility for people policies, employee engagement, organisation change, EDI, strategic workforce planning and organisation development. My key achievements are:
- complete review of probation and induction approach resulting in UAL being the first university to have a six month probation for both academic and professional staff
- redesign of appraisal into three conversations, embedded in HR system (itrent) and wellbeing data gathered and actioned
- implemented university wide structural review of EDI and set up single EDI committee reporting into Executive Board, following research into staff voice
- introduced and led UAL's first leader led pulse survey and developed leadership communication strategy
Head of Leadership and Organisation Development
Transport for London
London
2012.05 - 2023.08
Lead a team of OD staff who delivered talent management, succession planning, strategic workforce planning, job evaluation,leadership development, coaching and mentoring service and change support for TfL's 30,000 employees.
Key achievements included:
- design and roll out of the organisations first talent management and succession methodology
- development of capability and skills frameworks for strategic workforce planning
- introduction of replacement HR system for talent and performance (success factors), pilot and launch
- development of mentoring and talent interventions service across the Mayoral group
Associate HR Director
London South Bank University
London
2009.12 - 2012.05
Responsible for EDI, recruitment and talent assessment, development, coaching and project management. Deputised for HR Director during a period of long term absence.
Key achievements
- researching and writing strategic plan using a balanced scorecard approach
- introduction of talent assessment and psychometrics
- development of blended learning approach for technical training
- design of new performance management approach
Senior HR roles between 2000 and 2009
Big Lottery Fund and national museums
London
2000.01 - 2009.11
Senior HR roles at Big Lottery Fund, National Portrait Gallery and Natural History Museum. Prior to this non HR roles in Housing Associations working mainly on Tenant Participation and community initiatives. Further details on request.
Education
CIPD - HR
University of West London
London 2000.09 - 2003.06
Post Graduate Certificate - Housing
University of Salford
Salford 1995.09 - 1997.06
BA Honours Degree - English Literature
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
1983.10 - 1986.06
Skills
- experienced and proven leader of people and strategy
- data driven approach combined with emotional intelligence
- leadership of change using a project management and people centred approach
- leadership of strategic workforce planning from skills forecasting to senior succession planning
- expert knowledge of developing people policies, consultation and trade union negotiation
Affiliations
- Qualified vinyasa yoga teacher, park run regular, founded a community orchard in 2020
Accomplishments
- School Governor and chair of Curriculum and Community Committee
- Volunteer writer/editor for Kids in Museums
- Qualified mediator
Certification
- MBTI and Insights accredited
- Job evaluation trained
- Certified carbon literacy trainer
- Certificate in Sustainable Leadership from the Centre for Change
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Associate Director of Culture
University of the Arts London
2023.08 - Current
Head of Leadership and Organisation Development
Transport for London
2012.05 - 2023.08
Associate HR Director
London South Bank University
2009.12 - 2012.05
CIPD - HR
University of West London
2000.09 - 2003.06
Senior HR roles between 2000 and 2009
Big Lottery Fund and national museums
2000.01 - 2009.11
Post Graduate Certificate - Housing
University of Salford
1995.09 - 1997.06
BA Honours Degree - English Literature
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
1983.10 - 1986.06