We welcome Amanda Cooper to Meridian Trust as our HR Director. Amanda brings to our Trust a wealth of experience and a passion for driving positive change within organisations.
Why did you choose to join Meridian Trust?
For me, it was about a return to a generalist Director-level role. I have a passion for working collaboratively with teams and am a generalist at heart. During the recruitment process, I felt a strong connection with Meridian Trust and its values, the team weren’t just paying lip service to these. It really clicked as they are aligned with my own personal values.
Tell us about your previous roles?
My previous role was as HR Lead for the Finance Transformation Programme at the University of Cambridge. This involved spearheading efforts to modernise processes and optimise efficiency in the university’s finance operations.
Prior to this, I had run my own HR consultancy. This decision arrived at a time to allow me the flexibility to balance my professional pursuits while raising two young children. Other roles I have had include as the European HR Director at Harvard Bioscience, and HR Manager at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.
How have you settled into the role?
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the HR Team and other colleagues across the Trust. Back in June we held an Away Day for Core and Schools-based HR staff and it was great to connect with them all in person. There’s a real commitment in the whole team to give the best possible HR service to their colleagues, schools and the Trust and one of my main priorities is to ensure they have the processes, procedures, knowledge and skills to do that effectively and efficiently.
I have been actively involved in developing a new team structure to better support the schools within Meridian Trust. The team structure now revolves around three hubs for the 30 schools we currently have, each with an HR Manager, Senior HR Advisor and HR Officer.
I am also excited about the implementation of iTrent, a new payroll system from MHR. This will simplify and automate complex and time-consuming processes for staff and our HR and Finance teams connected with both payroll and HR transactions such as recruitment, managing leave and absences, booking and recording professional development and conducting and recording performance reviews.
What are your impressions of Meridian Trust so far?
Of the schools I’ve visited each has its own character and vibe which has been refreshing to see. I’m always impressed by how friendly and welcoming the students are.
I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing the student artwork that is displayed inside the schools. There is some real talent there.
What are your interests outside of the workplace?
For the past seven years, I have served as a Magistrate in Cambridge. This is something I really enjoy and I am pleased my commitment to community involvement is fully supported by Meridian Trust as they have given me the flexibility to work compressed hours, allowing me to attend court once a fortnight. I also enjoy reading and gardening; we have a vegetable patch at our home near Swavesey.