HOMEBUILDER Anwyl has appointed its first head of human resources.
Former HR and culture manager Lauren Humphreys has been promoted to the position, having been with the Ewloe-based company for almost three years.
Lauren, from Ruthin, brings a decade of experience to her new job. She previously worked in specialist and advisory human resources roles for a range of banking and manufacturing firms including MBNA, Jaguar Land Rover and Morrisons.
She said: “I’m focussed on delivering our people strategy, which has been designed to support the company’s planned growth, while maintaining a proactive approach to legislative changes being driven by the new government.
“It’s vital we maintain a skilled workforce with the right support for our colleagues to enable them to perform at the highest level. This ensures they can deliver the best possible homes and service to our customers.
“As a family business we are also committed to making a difference to our colleagues’ working lives, so they can grow their careers while feeling confident and supported in their roles. Anwyl has strong values in place and a visible senior management team who lead by example. This has really helped to create a collaborative and supportive workforce.”
Lauren, who went to Mold Alun High School, is Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualified and has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cardiff University. She also received a scholarship to study cultural relations at the University of California, in Los Angeles in 2014. She now lives with her husband, Matthew, labrador and two spaniels in Ruthin.
Along with almost a fifth of Anwyl employees, Lauren is a qualified mental health first aider. She was recently shortlisted for Most Inspiring HR Leader of the Year at The Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards, which take place in London on March 20, 2025.
She added: “I’m thrilled to have been shortlisted for such an esteemed award and I’m looking forward to attending the ceremony. I have always made a personal commitment to make human resources more ‘human’ by being a friendly and active listener. A smile, a positive outlook, and humour go a long way at work and I have tried to develop a positive wellbeing culture throughout my career by leading with these values.
“Understanding what is important to individuals both inside and outside of work, from their children’s first days at school, an important football match at the weekend, or a challenge they may be experiencing, are all just as important for me to understand, listen to and empathise with.”
