Sarah Souter
About Sarah Souter
Sarah Souter is an Employee Relations Specialist currently working at AXA XL, with extensive experience in HR roles across various organizations, including the NHS and Academy Transformation Trust. She holds an MSc in Human Resource Management and has a strong background in employee relations, talent acquisition, and HR policy development.
Current Role at AXA XL
Sarah Souter currently serves as an Employee Relations Specialist at AXA XL, a division of AXA, where she has been employed since 2021. In this role, she focuses on managing complex employee relations processes, which include handling investigations and sickness absence management. She engages in negotiations with trade unions and internal employee representative bodies, ensuring effective communication and resolution of employee-related issues.
Previous Experience in HR
Sarah Souter has extensive experience in human resources across various organizations. She worked at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust in multiple roles, including HR and Recruitment Assistant, HR Advisor, and Recruitment and HR Admin Team Leader from 2008 to 2013. Additionally, she served as an HR Advisor at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust from 2015 to 2016 and as Regional HR at Academy Transformation Trust from 2016 to 2019. Her diverse background in HR has equipped her with a solid understanding of HR practices and employee relations.
Education and Qualifications
Sarah Souter holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Human Resource Management from South Bank University, which she completed from 2009 to 2012. She also earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Business and Tourism from the University of Plymouth, studying from 2004 to 2007. Her educational background provides her with a strong foundation in HR principles and business management.
Skills and Expertise in HR
Sarah Souter possesses a range of skills pertinent to human resources, including talent acquisition, performance management, and the development of HR policies and procedures. She demonstrates strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and is adept at building relationships with stakeholders. Her experience includes project management, change management, and the ability to interpret complex data to support business needs. She is also proficient in IT, particularly in the MS Office suite.
Professional Development and Contributions
Throughout her career, Sarah Souter has engaged in various professional development activities that enhance her HR expertise. She has experience in line management and supervision, contributing to her ability to lead teams effectively. Her work often involves operating in stand-alone roles while maintaining a strong team orientation. She actively develops and provides HR policy training for managers and staff, ensuring that organizational practices align with current HR standards.