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Staff spotlight: Liliane Zagnoli Vieira

Name: Liliane Zagnoli Vieira
Job title: BSMS HR Manager
Year started at BSMS: 2024

Tell us a bit about your background

I graduated with a degree in Law in Brazil in 2008 and subsequently moved to the UK. Initially, I sought a career where I could utilise my legal skills, but over time, I developed a strong interest in Human Resources.

In 2018, I began my HR career at a local NHS Trust, coordinating locum doctors' shifts and pay. Shortly after, I was given the opportunity to serve as an HR Team Leader during a secondment, leading a small recruitment team. This role provided valuable experience and led to my position as an HR Officer within the Medical HR Team, where I ensured rota compliance for Junior Doctors according to BMA guidelines and their employment contracts.

My final role at the NHS was as an HR Advisor, where I oversaw workforce allocation and rota compliance. Seeking new challenges, I joined the Chailey Heritage Foundation in September 2022 as an HR Advisor, leading an International Recruitment project. This experience renewed my confidence and allowed me to apply my skills and expertise in a new environment.

Now, I am excited to be part of BSMS, where I look forward to continuing my professional growth and making meaningful contributions.

What’s your role like day-to-day?

My day-to-day role is multifaceted and dynamic. I've been immersing myself in the higher education setting around Sussex, while applying skills I acquired mostly during my time at the NHS. My responsibilities involve participating in a variety of meetings, supporting managers, and collaborating closely with colleagues in Finance, Payroll, and HR.

A key element of my job is building relationships and partnering with people, which I truly enjoy. On a daily basis, I review and analyse sickness and annual leave reports, oversee overseas working arrangements, performance management, ensure compliance with the Working Time Directive, and engage in post-restructure activities. Additionally, I take part in Return to Work (RTW) meetings.

Currently, I am focused on aligning Sussex with best practices from other universities. This involves implementing changes in contracts, refining processes, and improving ways of working to ensure we are operating at the highest standards.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

The aspect of my role that I enjoy the most is building relationships and partnering with people. I find great satisfaction in getting to know my colleagues and working collaboratively with managers, Finance, Payroll, and HR teams. This interaction allows me to support and influence various aspects of our work environment, from reviewing performance management and compliance with the Working Time Directive to participating in Return to Work meetings. The opportunity to connect with others and contribute to their success, while also driving organisational improvements and best practices, is incredibly rewarding for me.

In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?

I find success difficult to measure, and I am with a broader understanding of success. Through my change in career and setting a new life in a different country where I did not speak English at first, seems to me a huge accomplishment.

I measure success in small and consistent steps, and I am very proud of my walk through challenge times, and being able to always keep positive and resilient. Moreover, I keep myself opened to new challenges and opportunities.

Somes of my accomplishments that I am most proud of are:

Leading an International Recruitment Project: At the Chailey Heritage Foundation, I successfully led an International Recruitment project. This initiative required a strategic approach to attract and onboard talent from overseas and its success greatly boosted my confidence and honed my skills in global recruitment.

Ensuring Rota Compliance for Junior Doctors: As an HR Officer within the Medical HR Team at the NHS, I ensured rota compliance for Junior Doctors according to BMA guidelines and their employment contracts. This was a critical responsibility that directly impacted the doctors' work-life balance and overall job satisfaction, whilst ensuring smooth operations and optimal staffing levels.

Each of these accomplishments has played a significant role in my professional growth and has contributed to the success of the teams and organisations I've been part of.

I hope soon to be achieving big accomplishments in BSMS as well, as I have been working hard for that, but I have been celebrating small wins already.

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

How have you developed your skills professionally since joining BSMS?

Since joining BSMS, I have significantly developed my skills professionally by working alongside many experienced and inspiring individuals. Every day presents new learning opportunities, and I have eagerly embraced them. I have familiarised myself with new processes such as Academic Promotions and Research Pathways, which were completely new to me.

I have also taken full advantage of the training opportunities available, refining my skills in areas such as coaching, emotional intelligence, and handling difficult conversations. These skills have proven to be extremely useful in my day-to-day job, allowing me to better support managers and colleagues.

My hunger for professional development drives me to continuously seek out new learning experiences and add more skills to my portfolio during my time at BSMS. This proactive approach ensures that I remain effective and adaptable in my role, contributing to both my personal growth and the success of the organisation.

How do you contribute to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment at work?

I contribute to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment at work by fully embracing inclusion and making it a core principle in all my interactions. As someone from overseas, I understand the importance of being treated with respect and inclusivity, and I strive to ensure that everyone experiences this in their interactions with me.

My active participation in the Equality, Diversity, and Staff Development Committee at BSMS is a key part of my commitment. This role provides me with valuable insights into the expectations around inclusion and diversity at BSMS and helps me understand their impact on employees' professional development.

In my daily work, I am welcoming and approachable, ensuring that colleagues feel comfortable speaking with me. I practice active listening and maintain a non-judgmental attitude, creating a safe space for open and honest communication. By fostering an environment of respect and openness, I help build a workplace where everyone feels valued and included, contributing to a positive and supportive organisational culture.