Macmillan Meets…Alison Bell, People and Corporate Affairs Director at MTR Corporation

In the next edition of our ‘Macmillan Meets…’ interview series, Simon Cutner talks to Alison Bell, People and Corporate Affairs Director at MTR Corporation. Together they discuss her career to date, whether HR should have a place around the boardroom table, and how she gets the right balance between her work and home life.

Tell me about your career to date.

I’ve had a very varied career in HR, working across many sectors including private health care, waste management, the airline industry and most recently rail.

The pinnacle of my career to date is working as People and Culture Director for MTR Elizabeth Line where, together, we established and delivered the Elizabeth Line. In this role, I set and delivered the people and culture strategy, within a highly unionised and regulated environment. MTR Elizabeth Line is a Private Sector Company delivering a commercial contract on behalf of TFL. I was instrumental in establishing the business from its inception, working closely with the MD to recruit the executive team.

I executed the people strategy in line with the Crossrail project, navigating ongoing delays to deliver the MTR element on time and within budget. As the senior HR professional, I ensured the delivery of a pragmatic, compliant, and effective HR and Employee Relations department, establishing professional networks and relationships with employees, managers, unions, and the executive team.

I am now the People and Corporate Affairs Director at MTR Corporation (UK). In this role, I provide strategic leadership, setting and delivering the people, culture, and corporate affairs strategy for the UK business. I led on change and business transformation projects and was instrumental in establishing the UK business following the disbandment of MTR Europe.

As a member of the executive team, I led the reorganisation of the business and was involved in the reorganisation and appointment of key executive positions for the operational businesses. A large aspect of my role is establishing and maintaining effective relationships with trade unions. As a confidante to the CEO and Executive team alongside the MDs of our businesses, I provide expert advice and support to Directors and Senior Managers in all areas of Human Resource Management.

The most recent companies you have worked at are very much in the public spotlight, how has that been for you?

It can be challenging but also rewarding. Nobody ever wants to have bad publicity so protecting our brand is always first and foremost on our minds. There are many positive stories from the Elizabeth Line from opening one of the most iconic railways to the people team achieving many great accolades in apprenticeships, ED&I, and health and wellbeing.

How do you feel your previous experience has benefited you in your HR roles?

My previous experience has benefited me in many ways from gaining knowledge and experience in employee relations, industrial relations, conflict and change management and understanding the true value add that the people function brings to each business.

Do you think HR should have a place on the board?

This is something I feel very strongly about. Incorporating HR into the boardroom demonstrates a commitment to valuing employees as integral contributors to an organisation's success, fostering a holistic approach to decision-making that encompasses both financial and human capital considerations. If a business doesn’t see this as important, they are missing the employee perspective. Their assistance in making the best decisions for the business is crucial and that will also impact employees well-being, development and engagement.

How do you find being a woman in a senior position in a male-dominated industry?

Working within a male-dominated industry has presented me with a range of challenges that have encouraged personal growth and resilience. The industry has a long way to go to address the gender imbalance and there are a lot of passionate and hard-working individuals working towards this.

With such a busy role, how do you ensure you get the balance right between work and your home life?

It’s certainly a challenge! And I don’t always manage it. I prioritise and love a list. What really helps me strike the right balance is open communication and working well with my team. I have one of the best teams I have ever worked with and without them would not be the success I am today. It is true what they say, you are only as good as your team.

What is the best piece of career advice you have received?

It’s difficult to choose just one piece but recently I have completed a coaching qualification which taught me an awful lot; about myself and also coaching. I’ve learned to ‘hold the silence’, ‘truly listen to people’ and ‘lean into discomfort’. All very valuable skills if you want to be a true leader.

And you know I always like to throw you a curve ball question, can you share one thing about you that may surprise people?

I’m a twin!

Get in touch

Should you wish to have a confidential chat with Simon Cutner to discuss the current HR market and where we can help with inclusive recruitment or your search for work/recruiting into your team, please contact him directly at scutner@mdhr.co.uk

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