QinetiQ cares for the people who know how : New HR boss keen to engage directly with employees

Purpose – The aim is to describe the challenges facing Dave Bradley, the new HR chief at defence and security provider QinetiQ, and the ways in which he intends to tackle them. Design/methodology/approach – The article draws on an interview with Dave Bradley, which covers his HR background, previous jobs, present approaches and intentions for the future. It examines in particular the company's ongoing organizational‐change program, and the role of the company's new employee‐engagement group (EEG), formed after QinetiQ terminated its voluntary collective‐bargaining agreement with its four main unions in March 2012. Findings – The article explains that the EEG gives employees a significant voice on a broad range of subjects, such as pay, pensions, corporate responsibility, diversity and communication. Practical implications – The importance of having employees who are proud to work for the company is stressed. Social implications – The article warns against HR directors “working in a bubble” as employees deal with the current economic climate. It advances the view that, during recession, it is not just about where people work, it is also about family, what is going on outside the workplace and what is happening in the world, as all these factors influence how engaged people are. Originality/value – The article highlights the importance of HR directors getting out into the business to make contact with employees and find out what issues people face and what it is like for them to work for the organization.