Ansu Marld

What do you do in the business?

I have been with CT Skills since November 2016, starting as an HR Advisor and growing with the company to my current role as HR Manager. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the business, our purpose, and the values that guide everything we do — Pride, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Service Excellence. These values shape how we work together, how we support one another, and how we deliver on our commitment to giving young people the opportunities they need to grow and succeed.

As HR Manager, I support managers and teams with all things people-related. This includes recruitment and selection, employee relations, absence management, policy interpretation, payroll, and pensions. I see my role as a blend of problem solving, supporting, and guiding our people so they can do their jobs well and feel valued. We also run annual surveys to understand what’s working well and where we can improve. These insights help us strengthen engagement, wellbeing, and the overall employee experience.

HR is rewarding but can also be challenging, often involving difficult decisions that impact both people and the business. I approach these moments with empathy, honesty, and transparency, always striving to balance the needs of the business with the needs of its people. No two days are ever the same — one day I might be helping a manager navigate a complex situation, and the next I might be working on a wellbeing initiative or reviewing policies to make them more relevant and inclusive. I see my role as protecting the business through compliance and good practice, while also protecting our people by addressing concerns and helping create a positive, supportive workplace. I love working in HR and feel incredibly grateful for the support of our directors and colleagues, who are some of the best people I’ve worked with. That’s the thing about HR — every day brings the chance to make a positive difference.

What’s your background?

I have over 20 years of experience in HR, across a variety of organisations and sectors. Throughout my career, I’ve built a broad skill set and developed a strong understanding of how to support both people and business needs. This experience helps me find practical, balanced solutions that support my colleagues and the company every day.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve given or received?

The best career advice I’ve ever been given is simple: work hard. If you put the effort in, you can overcome challenges, reach your goals, and feel genuinely proud of what you’ve achieved. No matter where you start or what life brings your way, hard work is the foundation for success and personal growth.