Attracting and recruiting industry talent that matters
Anne Ashdown, Resourcing Lead: Services, Energy and Group
Anne is the Resourcing Segment lead for the recruitment and talent attraction strategies for some of our businesses in the UK. She leads a team, overseeing direct hiring activity, team operations and ensures recruitment best practice is applied. While supporting the design and delivery of segment resourcing strategy (attraction, resource planning and business partnering), she is working to identify top talent, driving resourcing compliance and managing specific resourcing campaigns.
QWhy is the kind of work you do at RPS important? And what does it mean to you personally?
We’re a company built on people who share a common purpose. Working in talent attraction for a company that you believe in and with whom you share the same values brings motivation and enjoyment to the role. Although I am part of the recruitment function, the teams I support are working on industry defining projects to shape a more sustainable future. We recognise that our people are our success and it’s a privilege to be part of the hiring process to attract people who share our passion on solving the problems that matter.
Quick Q&A
Which woman or women inspire you?
Any of the female SOE’s (Special Operations Executive) that served during World War II. They were all round super-heroines in my eyes, and at a time when women had rarely been involved in active service.
What job did you want when you were growing up?
An archaeologist. My particular interest was around the study of human past through material remains. My current role is in recruitment so not at all similar!
What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy gardening, I had an allotment for 8 years but now focus on growing herbs and salad in my own garden.
QFor you personally, what was the best/most useful thing you did to further your career?
I took responsibility early, building trust with my colleagues and peers which gave me the opportunity to take on more interesting projects and broaden my knowledge and skills. I was also never backward in asking for advice, learning from this and then offering advice to others through my own experience which built my own credibility.
QWhat advice would you give to your younger self?
I have always believed in the value of integrity, compassion and pride in what I've done, regardless of what job this is and at what level. This way of working has served me well throughout my career. I would also advise anyone to grab life whilst you can and be bold in your early career choices before you become tied down with other commitments. Push your boundaries, whether that is moving to the next city or country and keep your mind open to learning at all stages of your career path. And never, ever look back and say ‘what if’, only ever look ahead to ‘what next’.