The transition from ‘just one of the team’ to manager can present all sorts of new and unpredictable challenges, which require you to put your ability to delegate, cooperate and manage conflict to the test. There’s also the whole host of critical interpersonal skills you’ll need to have to hand. And, this is all while carrying on with your own role and responsibilities.

We kicked off our 2023 event programme alongside Humber HR People, with an interactive and inspiring session offering delegates essential knowledge to help them thrive when moving into a people-leadership role. Attendees included those becoming a manager of one person, for the first time, those taking on a new or growing team, or those not yet managing but hoping to do so.

Kate Van der Sluis and Kellie Calvert shared their expertise around making the recruitment, hiring and management journey a success. While managing people is rarely seamless, it can certainly be made more straightforward, and delegates were given a toolkit of tips and tricks to take away and apply to their own work and situation. The toolkit included everything from how to engage and motivate, to performance management, plus, how to deal with hiring and documentation.

A lively group exercise saw attendees put their difficult conversation and performance management abilities to the test - an effective way to practise the delivery of constructive feedback outside of the workplace.

About Humber HR People:

Multi-award-winning consultancy serving the Humber region. Changing the face of HR with options to suit SMEs, whatever their size or structure. HR should empower managers and support employees to deliver their best. Yes, HR must be concerned with complying with legislation and maintaining a duty of care, but it is also there to help everyone enjoy their time at work and feel valued and motivated to meet the goals of the business. We are far more interested in carrots than sticks.

Kate van der Sluis, FREC Managing Partner:

Kate has over 20 years’ experience in hiring, executive search and consultancy, Kate has worked with clients in the manufacturing, tech, engineering and service sectors, from start-ups to FTSE 250. Kate likes simple, effective strategies and enjoys working with business owners and entrepreneurs. Her specialisms are Talent Acquisition, Recruitment, Reward and Engagement.  Kate has a degree in English & Psychology from NTU, is a Fellow of Institute of Recruitment Practitioners (FIRP FREC), holds the REC Certificate in In-House Recruitment, and is trained in work behaviour & psychometrics with Thomas International. She is a founder member of the HEY LEP Talent Forum and an advisory board member for Marketing Humber.  

Kellie Calvert, MCIPD Director of HR Consultancy:

Kellie has over 22 years’ experience in HR, within the UK, Europe, and the US, including automotive, transportation, tech, retail, and leisure sectors. 

She is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel Development.

Kellie is energetic, positive, and passionate about making a difference in each and every business we work with.  Her specialisms are Employee Relations and People Strategy – the how behind attracting, developing, and retaining the right people. 

About the Young Talent Network

The Humber needs fresh talent and new energy to secure the region’s legacy. To address this need, and the recruitment and retention challenges faced by Bondholder businesses, Marketing Humber created the Young Talent Network (YTN).

The YTN provides a platform for ambitious and passionate people early in their career the opportunity to build networks, make connections, enhance impact and demonstrate a collective voice.

The purpose of the events programme is to develop and strengthen the next generation of leaders, which is vital to securing our region’s future. The annual events focus around the following areas: personal & professional development, exclusive experiences, networking and social opportunities.

Hear what attendees had to say: