Trainer Profile: Dr. Helen Sitlington FCPHR
Helen has worked as an HR practitioner for over 30 years, holding senior roles in a number of WA State government agencies, as a University academic and currently as a self-employed HR consultant. Throughout her career Helen has worked as a generalist HR practitioner, with a focus in recent years on workplace investigation, conflict resolution and organisational development.
Career highlights
- Certified HR Practitioner since 2016, through the inaugural Senior Leaders Pathway
- APC program academic coordinator and teacher since 2018
- AHRI WA State Councillor since 2010
- AHRI State President WA since 2015
- PhD competed in 2008
- Assistant Commission/Commissioner Workplace Agreements – WA Public Sector
- Director Human Resources WA Department of Community Development
- Manager Human Resources WA Department of Health
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD – HRM) -Curtin University, WA
- Graduate Certificate Higher Education – Edith Cowan University, WA
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Edith Cowan University, WA
- Graduate Diploma in Management – Churchlands CAE/Edith Cowan University, WA
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) – University of Melbourne, Victoria
- Advanced Award in Organisation Development and Design, CIPD UK
- Certificate 4 in Training & Assessment
- Certificate 3 in Investigation Services – Licensed Investigator; Licensed Inquiry Agent
- Certificate 4 in Government Investigation
- Practicing Certificate in Mediation & Conciliation
- Genos International Emotional Intelligence Assessment Certification
- Personal Strengths Australia SDI Accreditation
- Diploma in Gemmology
What are some of the current challenges facing the HR industry?
- The impact of AI on work and workplaces
- Challenges around use and abuse of social media
- Changing social attitudes and how HR policies and practices need to change to ensure currency and relevance
Why did you decide to get certified?
I have always had a strong view that HR practitioners need to understand the business in order to support not just the workforce but the whole business operation. Certification reflects that holistic approach and the need for HR practitioners to demonstrate sound understanding of all aspects of commercial operations. Companies need to be assured that their HR practitioners are not only qualified in HR, as demonstrated through their experience and academic qualifications, but also that they have demonstrated ability as rounded business professionals.
Certification demonstrates this.
As a professional, share a bit about your expertise and experience that you bring to facilitation
As well as long experience in facilitation and teaching, during my career I have worked in and managed almost every area of HR. This means I have a good understanding of all aspects of HR practice. As well as having worked extensively in senior public sector roles, I have also run small businesses and NFPs. My current role as a consultant gives me exposure to a wide range of industries of different sizes and stages in their growth. I have also taught many local and overseas HR and Management students, from whom I have gained an understanding of many diverse cultures and industries. I am able to share and draw on these experiences when facilitating APC units. My understanding of diverse workplaces also helps me understand and guide students in their APC journey, regardless of their background or organisation.
What advice would you offer to an up-and-coming HR professional?
Take whatever opportunities arise to expand your knowledge and experience both in HR and in the broader business. Every experience is a learning opportunity. Most of this learning is transferable to your HR role, particularly as you move into more senior positions.
