Jane Hallas, Head of Team, Learning and Development

Tell us more about your background?

I would say that my background is actually fairly non-traditional compared to most lawyers. Despite starting out as an articled clerk (trainee solicitor) at a small law firm, I left to become a lecturer with a particular focus on EU and employment law. Though this probably seems like an abrupt change, I thoroughly enjoyed the work and ended up spending 10 years doing this. From here, I was invited to join a consultancy firm specialising in change management, equality and diversity, HR and employment law, and worked for them as a director and company secretary. Again, I enjoyed my work in this role, but the travelling aspect began to wear on me after a while, and I realised I was ready for another change. I needed to become a fully-qualified solicitor to make my next move, so I completed my studies and joined WorkNest as a Senior Adviser in 2008. I’ve now been at the company for 12 years, and in that time I’ve had two role changes. All in all, I’ve been in the field in one way or another for over three decades. It feels strange to say that out loud! Aside from all of this, I was also an Employment Tribunal member, a qualified mediator, and an external examiner for both the CIPD and the then University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate, and have published academic and non-academic papers in the past, so it’s fair to say that I like keeping busy!

What does your role at WorkNest entail?

I now manage a team of 12 people and lead the development of our education offering in conjunction with the Health & Safety, Commercial and Marketing Teams. I am responsible for the education and charity sectors, including MATs, academies and independent schools. Aside from that, my day-to-day typically entails advising clients, drafting documents, writing articles and supporting my team. I would say that, based on my particular experience and background, my speciality is the education sector.

Which aspect of the role do you enjoy the most, and which do you find most challenging?

Even the most basic and rudimentary aspects of the role bring me great pleasure and fulfilment. For instance, helping a client reach their desired outcome is something that can never really get old in this field; it’s what keeps me going. I also derive great pride and enjoyment from ensuring that my team is happy, supported, and functioning as it should. Of course, we’re living in a new climate now, and with it has come new challenges. In particular, keeping up to date with all the changes we’re experiencing can be demanding.