Our people matter to us!
Simon Hulme, HR Director
Our HR function has a wide remit which focuses on adding value to the business by working in partnership with our leadership teams to deliver success through our people.
Our team supports the 4,000 people that serve over 16,000 pharmacies, hospitals and dispensing doctors. We ensure that people, policies, processes as well as leadership standards are in place to evolve the capability of our people in an ever-changing business that is thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
The HR & Payroll department
There are 5 key areas within the department:
HR
Our small team of HR professionals act as advisers, coaches and consultants to our leadership teams. We provide the people management processes to enable managers to deliver results through their teams.
Our activities are closely aligned with the business objectives and the function is seen as a key partner in delivering all key projects and initiatives.
Payroll
Our in-house payroll team manage all 8 payrolls to ensure our people are paid accurately and on time every month. They make it look so easy! But it's down to the level of commitment of the HR & Payroll teams at Head Office and at our Service Centres that all payments and deductions for all 4000 people are processed with very few hitches.
Internal Communications & CSR
Internal Communications & CSR forms part of the wider HR structure. This area covers all aspects on Internal Communications, employee engagement, organisational change communication and Corporate Social Responsibility.
This area is key for ensuring our people are involved, listened to and communicated with in an open and honest way and at the right time, whilst reinforcing our culture and values.
Health & Safety
Health and Safety is managed centrally from Head Office in Chessington, with a support network of Health, Safety and Compliance Managers at the Service Centres. This involves updating the business with changes in legislation, and best practice, accident investigations, training, and continually looking at ways of improving our health and safety performance.
Reception & Directorate
As in any organisation, we could not function without our invaluable administrative and support teams. Without these people, our company would not be able to run as smoothly as it does and we have a wide range of roles in this crucial area across the organisation, including Receptionists, Directors' P.A.s, and of course our HR and Payroll Administrators.
Meet our people
Bill, National Health & Safety Manager
"Since joining Alliance Healthcare I have been very impressed with the standards."
I joined Alliance Healthcare in January 2011 as National Health and Safety Manager, having moved from within the Group where I had held positions as Health and Safety Manager and Operations Manager.
I have a varied role and work closely with the Health, Safety and Compliance Managers at our Service Centres to continually develop and improve our Health and Safety management, policies and performance. Since joining Alliance Healthcare I have been very impressed with the standards, and commitment to manage health and safety at every level of the business.
Trudy, Head Office HR Manager
"I get involved in such a wide variety of projects and tasks that no two days are the same"
I joined Alliance Healthcare in 2008 as HR Manager for Head Office and even during this relatively short period of time the business has evolved considerably, I am part of a team that are true generalists and by that very nature I get involved in such a wide variety of projects and tasks that no two days are the same.
I work closely with my stakeholders and aim to truly partner with the business to deliver quality solutions. In doing so I am expected, amongst other things, to be; knowledgeable, agile, strategic, credible and a coach. I am continually learning and it is with pride that I can look back and see how I have genuinely influenced both people and processes.
Jacqui, Payroll Supervisor
"Alliance Healthcare has supported me in attaining the IPPM diploma in Payroll Management."
I joined the company in April 1998 as a payroll clerk. I'm now the Payroll Supervisor and Alliance Healthcare has supported me in attaining the IPPM diploma in Payroll Management.
It's a really friendly company to work for with lots of social events. I've made some real life long friends since being here.
The company has also been great at accommodating my home life. I've had 3 children since I started and we've worked out a work schedule to suit both my childcare needs, whilst still working around the most important time of the month - pay day!!
Lizzie, Internal Comms & CSR Manager
"The culture here is one in which you are encouraged to grow"
I joined the Alliance Boots Group in 2004 where I began my career as an Internal Communications Officer for Alliance Pharmacy, the then Retail arm of the business in the UK.
After two years of working in this role, I was promoted to 'Lead Internal Comms Specialist' where I became responsible for project managing internal comms and employee engagement initiatives and took on managing people for the first time in my career. I was then promoted to Internal Comms Manager for Healthcare and then in 2009 moved from Retail to Wholesale and joined the Alliance Healthcare Team. I am now Internal Communications and CSR Manager working within the HR Team. This is a broad role and has a huge focus on employee engagement, which is challenging and fast paced but incredibly satisfying, interesting, heartening and no two days are ever the same.
I feel that I have been nurtured by the business throughout my career and have always been given opportunities to develop and progress. The culture here is one in which you are encouraged to grow and I would not be where I am today had it not been for some great leadership and development opportunities. I am incredibly grateful for being given a chance seven years ago and I hope I also get to give someone that same opportunity in the future.
Linda, Receptionist
"I enjoy my role and always welcome new ideas to enhance our service even further"
I joined Alliance Healthcare (then Unichem) 26 years ago. I started as a Junior Receptionist/Switchboard Operator in 1985 but soon progressed to senior level within the role.
I currently head a team of 4 receptionists and together we run a very efficient switchboard and reception area providing excellent customer service. I know many of our visitors well due to the number of years they have been attending meetings with Alliance Healthcare. The role also includes several administrative tasks which are dealt with daily.
I also run the Company Sports & Social Club. This entails organising many different activities including theatre trips, days/evenings out and the annual Christmas Party. A lot of work is involved but I enjoy the challenge.
I enjoy my role and always welcome new ideas to enhance our service even further.
Gillian, P.A.
"I feel privileged to work alongside such exceptional and talented people on a daily basis"
Alliance Healthcare has an unusual vibe of feeling like a family run company, yet is part of an extremely successful international Group.
I joined in June (2009), initially on a temporary assignment to support a small team who were rolling out a new project throughout the UK. Following nationwide success of the venture, and expansion of the team, I was delighted to be offered a permanent contract.
I have recently undertaken a challenging and exciting role in another part of the business, and I feel privileged to work alongside such exceptional and talented people on a daily basis.
Jacki, P.A.
"Alliance Healthcare is a company where individuals and hard work are recognised"
I came to Alliance Healthcare on a temporary basis and after only three weeks I was approached by and offered a permanent position.
Within 3 months the Marketing Director asked me to work for him. 18 years and several roles later, I am still here!
Alliance Healthcare is a company where individuals and hard work are recognised; where you can, if you choose, develop your career through promotion within. With the agreement of my line manager, I was able to adjust my working hours when I had a family. Alliance Healthcare is supportive of its employees and this in turn, yields loyalty from its staff. I am one of very many long servers within the organisation!