Philippa Webster, the Founder and Lead Consultant at Interpersonnel, has carved a niche in the HR consultancy world with her remarkable career trajectory and dedication to providing robust HR solutions.
“I did a range of things,” Philippa reflects on her diverse career path. “I worked as an advisor in the House of Lords library for a while.” Her early career was marked by a keen focus on research, laying a strong foundation for her analytical skills.
Philippa eventually ventured into HR, a move that would define her career. “I set up my consultancy with the aim of offering HR services to small businesses,” she explains. However, she soon realised that her services were not just beneficial to small enterprises but to “any size business” that lacked HR knowledge or capacity in specific areas.
Over the years, Philippa’s consultancy has grown, supported by associates with specialised skills, reflecting her commitment to delivering comprehensive HR solutions. “In the last six years or so, I have been focusing on investigations,” she says, highlighting her shift towards a more specialised HR role.
Philippa’s expertise is sought after in complex situations where companies lack internal HR expertise or face sensitive issues such as grievances against high-level executives. “I’m mostly parachuted in by an employment lawyer or approached by the company if they know me already,” she states, emphasising her reputation in the field.
Discussing the challenges she faced, Philippa notes the importance of deciding whether to pursue general HR or specialise. “It was a case of being a Jack of all trades and master of none, or specialising in one area,” she muses. Her choice to focus on investigatory work has led her to develop a robust, rigorous approach, ensuring her findings are “Tribunal Ready.”
With a wealth of experience in handling “interesting characters” and complex cases, Philippa likens her work to “putting a jigsaw puzzle together.” Her meticulous investigations ensure concrete findings, underscoring her role as a critical problem-solver in the HR landscape.
Navigating HR in the Modern Workplace
In the evolving landscape of human resources, Philippa has been at the forefront of addressing the challenges and changes brought about by the modern workplace. Her insights into the transformation of HR practices post-COVID are both enlightening and indicative of the adaptability required in today’s work environment.
“One of the key changes has been COVID,” Philippa states, acknowledging the pandemic’s significant impact on HR cases. She highlights the emergence of long COVID and its implications on employees’ capabilities, noting the severity of ongoing ailments like PTSD and mobility issues that directly affect job performance.
The shift to remote work has introduced new dynamics in employee interactions, with Philippa recounting a case over Zoom. “That was very new,” she admits, delving into the nuances of investigating such allegations. The setup of a person’s home office, the positioning of screens during virtual meetings, and the perceived lack of direct communication were all factors she had to consider.
Philippa emphasises the importance of companies attempting informal resolutions before escalating to formal investigations. However, she notes that sometimes “they may miss a part of the process,” leading to appeals and the need for her expertise to rerun or mediate the process.
Reflecting on the broader HR landscape, Philippa discusses the necessity of redefining HR setups and reassessing skills and capabilities within organisations. “We’ve looked at the HR setup and helped to redefine it,” she explains, highlighting her involvement in restructuring and training initiatives, especially in response to significant IT changes.
As the world of work becomes increasingly remote-dominated, Philippa’s role in guiding companies through structural changes, particularly in IT, becomes ever more crucial. Her work ensures that organisations are equipped with the right skill sets and training to adapt to new processes and technologies.
Philippa Webster’s expertise in HR not only addresses the immediate challenges of modern work but also shapes the future of how companies manage and support their workforce in an ever-changing digital age.
Philippa Webster’s Vision for Her Legacy
Philippa envisions her legacy to be one of unwavering professionalism and pride in the field of human resources. “It’s so important to get it right,” she insists, highlighting the dangers of inexperienced HR professionals providing misguided advice. Webster’s ethos is clear: “Be professional; if you don’t know, you don’t know and just say you need to go and find out.”
Looking ahead, Webster acknowledges the transformative impact of technology on consultancy. She also recalls how traditional income streams like writing articles and pamphlets have dwindled with the advent of blogs and podcasts. Now, she sees artificial intelligence (AI) as the next frontier that will reshape the industry. “AI will have an impact on income streams,” she predicts, noting that tasks such as policy writing and checks may increasingly be automated.
However, Webster also sees AI as a tool that can aid consultants, suggesting a symbiotic relationship with technology. “We’re going to use AI for positive purposes,” she states, recognizing the potential for AI to streamline processes and enhance consultancy services.
In her concluding thoughts, Webster advises her peers to remain vigilant and adaptable: “You need to keep your eye on the ball because if you don’t, there could be professional consequences.” Her legacy, as she envisions it, will be defined by a commitment to professionalism, a strategic embrace of technological advancements, and a proactive approach to the evolving landscape of HR consultancy.
