12 June 2025 
Emma Walton-Pond, Communications Officer
Stepping into the co-opted role on the UHR Executive last September has been an incredibly rewarding and insightful journey! From the very beginning, I've felt genuinely welcomed. This opportunity has truly opened my eyes, giving me a unique look behind the scenes of such a vital and impactful organisation.
It's been a real privilege to contribute to strategic decision-making and help shape the planning of UHR's activities. Being part of those conversations has allowed me to play a direct role in supporting the professional development of HR practitioners across the sector. I’ve also had the opportunity to hear firsthand updates from key bodies like UCEA, Universities UK, and Advance HE on matters of mutual interest, which has been incredibly enriching. My involvement also extended to the Events Steering Group, where I actively participated in planning big events like the annual Conference, the Senior HR Summit, and our Connects gatherings. It's given me a much deeper appreciation for all the effort that goes into delivering such valuable experiences for our members!
This experience has definitely put the skills I gained from the TrailBlazers programme into action. That programme really transformed my understanding of confidence, showing me how to tap into it as a state of mind I can control. Those tools — positive thinking, visualisation, and even adjusting my posture — have been incredibly helpful as I've navigated Executive discussions and contributed to important decisions. It's allowed me to approach challenges with a more resilient and positive mindset, actually reframing those pre-meeting jitters into focused energy.
What’s more, this role has been a significant step forward in building my legacy. When I applied for this opportunity, I was keen to gain senior-level exposure and work alongside leading HR professionals. It’s been amazing to see how being on the Executive has allowed me to actively build on my leadership skills, sharpen my decision-making, and expand my network. Most importantly, it’s given me the chance to contribute to the long-term success of an organisation that makes a widespread impact on our profession. For me, it's a tangible way to inspire others, especially my daughter, by showing that aiming high and making a difference is truly within reach.
Beyond the Boardroom
It's not all serious business though! At March's meeting, after our Executive discussions, some of us hot-footed it across London for the Collaborative Annual Dinner hosted by Oracle. This fantastic networking event brought together senior business leaders from Government, Higher Education, and Health, offering a wonderful opportunity to share insights and celebrate the amazing work of PPMA, UHR, HPMA, and CIPD in the world of HR. It was a great way to hit our step targets too, enjoying the sights of London while connecting with peers!
I’m so grateful for this incredible opportunity and I’m really looking forward to passing the baton to the next TrailBlazer, Lisa Bryant.
