Jonty Warren

Country of origin: United Kingdom

Placement: Bentley Motors Ltd

I worked as part of the HR Operational Team responsible for the technical functions within Bentley; these include Engineering, Purchase and Quality.

My role was largely project-based. Among other things, I created a process for renewal of internal systems access for internal movers, reworked the exit interview process, created and distributed data for the mid-year pay review,  mapped out a Board-approved organisational restructure for key areas of the business, internally audited HR data against the Data Protection Act 1998, and examined standardising reward for professional qualifications within Bentley. Alongside these projects I also supported the team in more operational work.

One of my many highlights at Bentley – other than a product drive in a Continental Flying Spur – was researching and preparing a presentation for the Board on a highly confidential organisational announcement regarding holiday entitlement. I received information from each department in very different formats and had to coordinate requirements from the Board with feedback from Functional Managers to deliver information that was current and in line with Board demands.

The level of responsibility I was afforded was beyond what I had expected as an Industrial Placement trainee and it was immensely rewarding to know that the project was delivered successfully.

Another project that stands out as a highlight was coordinating facilitator training for Basecamp 3 – a day-long internal engagement event compulsory for all Bentley employees that reached roughly 2,500 colleagues over 11 sessions. I was responsible for arranging the training for all of the roughly 350 facilitators and coordinators. This was a challenging logistical task and unlike anything I had previously attempted. The event was a great success and I received thanks from the responsible Board Member for my contributions.