Blair Mcpherson

1 month ago | thehrdirector.com | Blair Mcpherson

I read an article that argued that a corporate happy hour was a means by which organisations could encourage employee mental well being. The argument was that a drink after work was good for team bonding. Calling it a happy hour did seem to reinforce the idea that lots of alcohol would be involved. This brought to mind those stereotypes images of a group of mainly men, mostly white, city traders quaffing champagne to celebrate another big deal and another bonus in a trendy crowded cocktail bar.

1 month ago | thehrdirector.com | Blair Mcpherson

Most organisations have management steering groups to monitor their equality strategies and action plans. But the agendas lack passion, fail to inspire and reflect the slow bureaucratic approach to change. Moreover, the groups tend to comprise of managers nominated as representatives of their departments rather than due to their passion for the cause. Undoubtedly, these groups are set up with the best intentions, but they are not necessarily the best way to champion EDI.

1 month ago | thehrdirector.com | Blair Mcpherson

The job of a prison intelligence analyst is about more than listening in on inmates phone calls or watching monitor screens in the hope of catching them deal drugs, fashioning weapons or using smuggled in mobile phones. Most of their time is spent reading 5 by 5 ‘s that is processing and analysing intelligence reports submitted by prison officers. These consists of overheard conversations, tip offs, rumours, gossip and who is mixing with who.

2 months ago | thehrdirector.com | Blair Mcpherson

AI- automated recruitment systems that aim to eliminate any subjective human bias risk overlooking candidates personal skills and contribute to creating a dehumanising environment for job seekers who spent hours crafting a supporting letter or completing the Additional Information section only for these to be over ruled by an AI straight jacket. Call centres and the Gig economy are examples of de humanised efficiency . Every one hates Call Centres even the people that work in them.

2 months ago | themj.co.uk | Blair Mcpherson

LEADERSHIP Gambling on the next chief executive Appointing any chief executive is a risk, so how can councils shift the odds in their favour, asks Blair McPherson. By Blair McPherson | 28 April 2025 SHARE Appointments at chief executive level are always a gamble. History tells us most appointments fail. Especially if the previous post holder was a long-term success.