An HR manager from a Lake District hotel group has completed her studies to attain an Associate Diploma in People Management.

Faye McGuinness from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues has achieved Level 5 of the diploma qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Faye, who works across the hotel group’s venues which include Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa and Wild Boar Estate near Windermere, completed six modules for the qualification over a nine month period.

The diploma has given Faye a deeper understanding of strategic HR practices, such as workforce planning, employment law and organisational development.

Faye’s course was funded by English Lakes Hotels, with the hotel group allowing her to take study leave to attend college one day per week.

The specialist modules Faye chose to study were in employment relationship management, talent management and workforce planning and reward for performance and contribution.

The core units Faye covered were in organisational performance and culture, evidence-based practice and professional behaviours and valuing people. She also learned more about handling complex employee relations issues and how to align HR strategies with business goals.

“I decided to pursue the diploma to upskill and deepen my expertise in HR, particularly in specialised areas,” explains Faye. “It’s enabling me to provide stronger input to English Lakes Hotels in terms of helping to drive meaningful change, fostering stronger, cohesive teams, and developing the talented people we have here."

“Overall, the course was fantastic and provided an excellent platform to share ideas, exchange thoughts and learn from others.”

Faye says the most challenging aspect of achieving the qualification was balancing her time between work and her home life whilst ensuring she met the deadlines for her assignments.

As part of her job role, Faye leads on various employee relations projects across the hotel group, ensuring policies and procedures are up to date. She also drives and implements new initiatives to support employee well-being and a better workplace environment.

“This is an important qualification for Faye’s career progression and a really valuable asset for our teams and venues,” adds Emma Underwood from English Lakes Hotels.

“Caring people management, recruitment and retention are at the core of our ethos here, and Faye’s associate level diploma reflects our approach to workforce culture, valuing our team members and rewarding great service.”