Career Matters, created by Erica Sosna

helping organisations retain and reinvigorate their talent by having the right #CareerConversations at the right time.

Head of Delivery

Penelope Layzell

Our careers are important to us, the give us focus and direction. Yet when they aren’t working cause so much pain and suffering through anxiety, stress, fear the list goes on. We could be an employee working in an environment that’s not right or a business owner struggling with a business that isn’t growing the way you wanted. This is signs of energy misalignment, get energy right and we work in flow. 

Yet it’s isn’t easy to just flick the switch and put things right we have to work out what is wrong, clear ineffective energy and replace with the right energy. This is where I come in, helping to find the block, generate the right energy so your business or career flows once again

Energy needs to flow a blockage can stop it and just like electricity things needs to be connected

The Career Whisperer

HeartMath UK+IRL

Certified HeartMath Coach

Aroma Freedom International

Aroma Freedom Practitioner

Raise Recruitment Ltd

Supporting companies to meet todays recruitment challenges head on by seamlessly blending consulting and staff resilience into traditional methods to ensure faster and targeted hiring with less stress, staff attrition to keep productivity strong

Director of Recruiting

Hamilton Cross

Took the opportunity to launch another branch for Hamilton Cross one of the UK’s leading Healthcare Staffing Companies, placing Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, and Support Workers into various Healthcare settings.  

Awarded Fastest Growth award

Implementing processes and KPIs for my branch. Ensuring compliance and recruitment processes in place, recruitment of a branch team. 

Building up a strong client base as well as recruiting a team of qualified carers and nurses to meet the need of the services we support.

Engaging with key stakeholders at all levels

Hamilton Cross has built an exceptional reputation for supplying exceptional healthcare professionals whilst providing an unrivalled service, becoming the first choice supplier to the majority of our customers

Regional Business Manager

Layzell Maintenance

Helped establish my husbands business, helping to establish marketing and generating leads.

Manager

Newcross Healthcare Solutions

In 2016 I successfully launched the Lincoln branch of Newcross,  becoming launch branch of the year within my first year. 

Business Development to establish a strong client base for a team of care staff throughout Lincolnshire  within a range of settings including Residential Homes, Nursing Homes and supported living

HR functions including interviews, disciplinary and monitoring performance of all staff

Specialties 
Healthcare, Nursing, Complex Care, Care, Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Care at Home, Home Care, Community Nursing, Domiciliary Care, Support Work, Learning Disabilities, Mental Health

Business Centre Manager

Osiris Educational

Coming into a new role within the company, had to establish the operational aspects of the post. Implementing new procedures across the company to ensure and maintain exceptional overall customer relationships.  Delivering reliable support and customer relations 
•	Maintaining a strong working knowledge of products with the company
•	Resolving customers’ queries within agreed authority
•	Contributing to the development of new products and services, based on trainer feedback
•	Excellent interpersonal skills, able to communicate with a wide range of people
•	Strong negotiation skills for fee setting 
•	Strong decision making skills and the ability to take the lead
•	Developing, monitoring KPIs and Successfully working to targets

Client Relationship Manager

Staffline Recruitment Limited

I successfully launched and managed an onsite office ensure the smooth and efficient provision of temporary staff to a food industry client.
Full understanding of Swedish Derogation Contractors well versed on disciplinary hearings and managing permanent contractors
Recruitment planning and ensuring peak periods are filled smoothly so as not to cause disruption to client
Full understanding of client  requirements is essential.
Management of team to ensure service of client is maximised
Monitoring KPI and budgets
Essential compliance of paperwork, through regular auditing
Performance Management of both agency and direct team
Full understanding of agency worker regulations
Adherring to SLA agreements 
Outstanding Customer Service
250 temps on site at peak times to rosta and recruit 
Key stakeholder management

Contract Manager

Award Winning Growth Consultant | Helping create thriving work cultures through streamlining & systemising processes, & career conversations which reduces high turnover, builds engagement, supports Gen Z & career growth

Hi, I'm Penelope Layzell, with over 20 years of experience in senior management and recruitment. 

Certified HeartMath Coach, 
Sound & Energy Healer,  
Aroma Freeman Practitioner
Author  
Resident Expert for a leading magazine,

You can heal the negative impact of job hunting the traditional way, or being in toxic work cultures through meditation and coaching so you can create an abundant, purposeful career full of joy.

As Head of Delivery at Career Matters the unique and simple Career Equation makes it easy for firms to keep and grow their best people.

The Сareer Equation model is quick to learn and easy to apply. This IP has helped Thales, Puig, Savills, Amazon, Capital One, Mastercard, Nomura, AXA and ComplyAdvantage to mobilise and retain key talent. 

Provide expert digital learning, virtual masterclasses and in-person group career coaching to help your people own and design their ideal career trajectory in your firm. 

WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE:

-Retain your hard-to-hire employees at all levels and all stages of the employment cycle
-Equip internal coaches, managers, and mentors to have the right conversation in a consistent and skilful way
-Co-design a high-performing hybrid environment that your people thrive in 
-Increased productivity and internal mobility
-Provide a personalised career development track that makes your people un-poachable! 

Career conversations are a critical business lever in the 21st century. If you aren’t talking to your people about their careers, they’ll leave for somewhere that is. 

"Career Matters worked with MSD to design and deliver a Career Coaching and Engagement one-day event for 150 People Managers. The career method was just what we needed and they immediately built rapport and impact with a large audience. The feedback from the attendees was extremely positive and I have no doubt that results will follow."
JULIE ARNELL, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT MSD

"Erica and her team are extremely professional and innovative, Erica delivered a day of fun and thought-provoking Careers Matters material to 15 of our wonderful grads from the EuroNorth Graduate Program. The grads came away buzzing and full of ideas for the future. The day was a great success and I would be very happy to recommend Erica and will definitely be reaching out to her again to arrange other training events."
SHIRLENE GRIFFITHS, HR POP – UK AT DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

Or check out our free career conversations training for managers here.
https://www.careermatters.today/confident-career-conversations-course-for-managers-access

Specialist Human Resources Limited.

I started my working career as an engineering apprentice in the Commercial Division at Rootes Group (which was then taken over by Chrysler UK); where we produced Commer, Karrier and Dodge commercial vehicles.  So, what does that have to do with HR Strategy and Value Management.  Well, it actually invoked an enquiring mind into wanting to know why things are needed, how they work and how everything fits together to make a ‘whole’.  Not a bad mindset for someone who later became a consultant.  I had a motorcycle accident in 1970 and, due to my injuries, had to change career and moved into HR, Payroll and Accountancy roles.  I am now a Consultant specialising in HR Strategy and Value Management.  I am also adept at supporting Business Scenario Planning (Oxford Approach) in times of uncertainty.  Having graduated from the Law School at Northumbria University with a Master of Laws (Employment Law in Practice) I am responsible for ensuring that all work undertaken is in compliance with current legislation.  I have over 25 years experience in formulating HR Strategy and enhancing value through the improvement of human performance in fast moving environments; with a further 11 years experience of managing all aspects of business administration (including Business Scenario Planning and the provision of advice on Corporate Governance) in a multi-skilled and unionised environment.
I was named as being one of the Top 8 HR Professionals (Globally) in 2022 by Bizemag Media - a top business magazine with a readership across 80+ countries - for my work on improving the management of remote and hybrid working.

Director - HR Strategy & Value Management  

UK Ministry of Defence

Strategic HRM - Employed as the Subject Matter Expert in all aspects of HR Strategy and Manpower Planning in support of all ISTAR operational deployments.  Contracted to manage the restructuring of the HR function to facilitate the setting up of a strategic HR Hub to oversee Workforce Planning, Resourcing and Deployment to support a wide range of projects (UK and overseas) in a fast moving and multi-skilled environment. This hub is responsible for identifying manpower needs and managing internal and external resourcing to meet stringent deadlines within tight budgetary constraints. This included scenario planning: Taking into account the level of support required for the deployment of different platforms; different working environments; changes in technology, and budgetary constraints; to support overseas operations at short-notice (as little as 72 hours).  Contract was extended to manage the new Hub through a number of subsequent operational transformations, during which I was also responsible for leading Quality Continuous Improvement (QCI) events in HR Strategy to improve processes, inter-departmental interactions, communication and collaboration.
Additional duties:  Joint Service Mountain Expedition Leader

Senior HR Specialist - Operational Planning Team (Full-time)

Returned to military service at the request of the Ministry of Defence to augment the Permanent Joint Headquarters, Joint Force Air Component and Training Establishments.  A part-time position to: provide specialist HRM to support major projects; draft Standing Operating Procedures for the Management of Human Resources on operational deployments; undertake the recruitment and selection of personnel to fill positions in a multi-skilled environment; design and deliver courses in Joint Force Administration (including deployed HR systems and processes at strategic, transactional and operational levels).
*As an Operational Team Member: Responsible for overseeing the deployment, employment & welfare of up to 7,000 personnel participating in Tri-Service operational deployments and major NATO training exercises.  
Additional duties:  Joint Service Mountain Expedition Leader

HR Business Partner - Operational Planning Team (Part-time Reservist)

Branston Community College

Financial/Management/Treasury Accounting (Annual turnover circa £4.4 Million), Contracts Management and Procurement, Facilities Management, Lettings Administration, Health & Safety, HRM (Operational & Transactional), Payroll & Personnel Administration, Risk Management, Assets & Insurances Management.  Provision of advice on Best Practice and Legislation affecting Business Management.  Achievements:
*Increased income on the investment of funds.
*Introduced an Energy Management Programme which brought about savings on the cost of utilities.
Ability to make a significant contribution to the management of this organisation was limited.

Bursar

Education Leeds

A senior management position overseeing five managers who had responsibility for the management of thirty two staff members covering non-teaching roles.  Responsible to the Board of Governors (Education Sector) for Human Resource Management in a multi-skilled and unionised environment; Financial/Management/Treasury Accounting (including compilation of year end accounts and associated statements of account - annual turnover circa £3.3 Million); Business Development (Lettings, Catering & Events Mgt); Procurement and Contracts Mgt; Risk Assessment and Insurances; Management of Administration & Secretarial Services; Public Relations; Overseeing Catering Management; Buildings/Facilities Mgt (incl. Health & Safety); Project Mgt (Major Building Projects); Mgt of the Freedom of Information & Data Protection; Mgt of Licences (Copyright & Public Entertainment).  Direct management, welfare and development of 40 staff employed in administration, facilities mgt, catering services and as laboratory technicians.  Clerk to the Board of Governors: Interpretation of, and advising on, new legislation, regulations and best practice affecting corporate governance; committee administration; compilation of the corporate annual report; financial planning to support short, medium and long-term strategic corporate aims.  Achievements:
*Management of TUPE - transfer of catering and cleaning services to in-house management.
*Turned a loss making catering service into a highly successful concern.
*Introduced a Risk Management Policy which resulted in significant savings on the annual cost of insurances.
*Renegotiation of Energy and  Equipment Rental contracts brought about further significant savings.

Business Manager (Principal Officer)

Royal Air Force (RAF)

1990 - 1993 Deputy Accountant Officer 
1988 - 1990 Manager - Personnel Services 
1987 - 1988 Manager - Legal Secretariat (Personnel Services)  
1985 - 1987 Manager - Management Services
1979 - 1985 Supervisor - Public Accounts  
1978 - 1979 Supervisor - Administration Services  
1975 - 1978 Administrator - Personnel & Payroll Administration
1970 - 1975 Administrator
Additional duties:
1990 - 1993 IT Project Manager (Introduction of NCR Company Cash System)
1988 - 1989 RAF Mountain Rescue (Part Time)
1984 - 1988 Joint Service Mountain Expedition Leader
1981 - 1984 Unit Expedition Leader (Mountaineering)

See Below

Chrysler United Kingdom Ltd

Employed in the Commercial Division of Chrysler (UK) Ltd in Dunstable - in the production of heavy and light goods vehicles.

Engineering Industry Training Board Certificate - Parts A & B

TEC 1 A5 Mechanical & Production Engineering:
General & Communication Studies (Distinction)
Physical Science (Distinction)
Workshop Processes & Materials (Merit)
Engineering Drawing (Merit)
Mathematics (Merit)

Engineering Apprentice

FINE FARE SUPERMARKET

Trainee Computer Operator - Burroughs Mainframe Computer & Associated Off-Line Machines (Punch Card and Print Sorters).

Trainee Computer Operator (Summer Intern)

I am the Founder of Specialist Human Resources Ltd, a boutique consultancy concentrating on HR Strategy and Value Management.  We carry out a wealth of global research and development and utilise our findings to help organisations leverage the 'right' strategies, capabilities, structure and culture required to encourage the collaboration, innovation and creativity needed for both employee and organisational growth.  

My knowledge, skills and experience cover the following areas:

* HR & Business Transformation
* Management of Human Performance (coupled to capability)
* Organisational Restructuring
* Staffing Reviews
* Succession Planning & Onboarding
* Skills Audits
* Project & Change Management
* Business Expansion
* Management of Remote/Hybrid Working
* Remote Recruitment (during COVID)

The Sectors in which I have used these skills include:

* Aviation
* Military (Joint Force)
* Engineering
* Education
* Property & Lettings Agencies
* Local Government

In addition, I am adept at supporting Business Scenario Planning (Oxford Approach) in times of uncertainty, ambiguity and turbulence to aid future planning.

With Employment Judges (in the UK) taking a keen interest in the quality and frequency of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion training when cases of discrimination, harassment and victimisation are brought before them; we now provide quality Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Training that has been designed and is delivered by a legally qualified consultant and we provide updates to our clients in the intervening period between providing the original training and the provision of refresher training.  We can also help you to write your Equality & Diversity Policy.

For those clients who do not have HR support, we are also able to undertake the management of in-house Disciplinary, Capability, Appeals and Grievance procedures.

Confidentiality is assured and the Company is registered with the Information Commissioners' Office.

Specialist Human Resources Limited adheres to the Code of Conduct laid down by the Chartered Management Institute, the Institute of Consulting and follows the guidance set down in ISO 20700 (Guidelines for Management Consultancy Services). 

For more details:  
Please email me at:  george.kemish@specialisthumanresources.co.uk or telephone +44 (0) 1522 688869
If we are out of the office, please leave a message on our answerphone and we will contact you at the earliest opportunity.

taplio

The Battle

Penelope Layzell

George Kemish LLM MCMI MIC MIoL

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