MEMBERSHIP INSIGHT
5 minutes with…
Jill Smith MCIPPdip, Senior policy and research officer, CIPP
Tell us about your career and background After leaving school at the tender age of eighteen, I found myself enrolled in the Women’s Royal Naval Service; not a path I chose, but one that I absolutely loved. Naval training provided me with a solid foundation incorporating self-discipline, teamwork, self-belief and the ability to work to extreme deadlines. All of which have supported my development. I left the navy after five years in 1991 and joined local government as a housing and benefits supervisor until re-organisation in 1996, where I began working for East Riding of Yorkshire Council and transferred to the payroll section in January 1997 as a payroll supervisor. In this role I gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in both local government and end-user clients progressing to team leader. In 2005 I attained my certificate in training practice which qualified me as a trainer; I developed this role whilst working in payroll and became a freelance trainer for the CIPP in April 2015. When did you first become involved with the CIPP? I realised education was important to progress and on exploring the options available it quickly became apparent that the Institute of Payroll & Pensions Management (now CIPP) was the company for me. They were professional and the level of training and support that was available for a novice (as I was back then) gave me the confidence to enrol on the Foundation in Payroll Administration course which then led onto the Diploma in Payroll Management, which I completed in 2002.
What does your role mean to you? My role proves that no matter what your background, if you set goals, work hard and have a support mechanism in place you can achieve success. From my humble beginnings, I am now in a position where I can represent members and the wider payroll profession. As changes to the payroll and pensions legislation are made, I am able to represent payrollers, acting as their voice. I am also able to influence and assist government; helping ensure that the process of change is as smooth as possible. What does the future hold for the future of payroll, pensions and reward? ‘Forever evolving’ is a statement that springs to mind and this is nothing new in the payroll industry. Brexit brings its uncertainties and no doubt challenges; as who knows what laws and regulations the government will retain or change, causing just another headache for payrollers but I am certain the industry will as always embrace and get to grips with change. What do you do in your available time to unwind? As a qualified fitness instructor I like to be active and manage a couple of spin classes and gym sessions a week along with cycling and power walking. When I have had a tough day at the ‘office’ this helps to refresh and relax the mind. Finally exhausted I also enjoy socialising with family and friends over a good meal and a glass of wine. n
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | September 2018 | Issue 43 10
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