James Devine has been named HR Manager of the Month for his exemplary contributions at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.
- With nearly 20 years of experience, James Devine has been pivotal in overhauling HR strategies at the hospital.
- Senior HR colleagues have praised Devine’s ability to solve complex issues and inspire confidence in staff.
- Under his leadership, the HR processes have been recognised with prestigious awards.
- Devine emphasises the integration of HR into strategic decision-making as crucial for future challenges.
James Devine, currently serving as the Deputy Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to the HR field. His extensive experience, nearly two decades in the NHS, has equipped him with the skills necessary to lead significant changes at the hospital.
His tenure at the hospital, beginning in January 2014, has seen him incorporate strategies that align operational goals with HR functions. Known for his methodical and solution-oriented approach, Devine has effectively addressed entrenched issues, fostering a culture of trust and innovation within the institution.
The Director of HR and OD at the hospital, Ali Mohammed, commended Devine for his dedication and problem-solving capabilities. Mohammed noted, ‘James is a very focused, methodical, and hard-working person…what really stands out is his ability to find solutions to seemingly intractable, often long-standing problems.’
Devine has played a crucial role in mentoring both junior and senior staff, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement. His efforts in systematically addressing performance and behaviour issues have modernised managerial practices, contributing to a more effective and positive work environment.
His leadership in human resources has been further validated by an independent audit from KPMG, which awarded the HR team the highest level of assurance. The hospital’s HR capabilities were also acknowledged with the HPMA award for best improvement in HR team capability.
Devine attributes his success to a collaborative team and his personal qualities, such as resilience and a steadfast commitment to excellence. He believes that the role of HR must evolve from a support function to a core element of strategic planning and operational management.
James reflected on his motivations and challenges, stating, ‘I genuinely do love working in HR&OD…the biggest thing I have noticed in HR over the years has been the change from being a support function, to one that now needs to be truly integrated in both strategic and operational decision making.’
Devine is optimistic about the future of HR, particularly with the advent of cloud-based technologies, though he remains cautiously optimistic about their implementation. His dedication to the field is evident in both professional engagements and his continuous personal development, including advanced studies in psychology.
His enthusiasm for his work and commitment to maintaining a balance between professional and personal life underscore why James Devine has earned the respect of his colleagues and the HR community.
James Devine’s recognition as HR Manager of the Month underscores his impactful leadership and dedication to advancing HR practices at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.
