I’m passionate about people working together in a spirit of genuine collaboration
Expert in governance, employee participation and facilitation to achieve great outcomes
Contact Info
Ian Hiscock Consulting
ian@ihc.limited
Independent Directors and Trustees Ltd
ian.hiscock@directorsandtrustees.co.uk
Tel: 07718 287427
IanHiscock
Director
I set up Ian Hiscock Consulting because I’m passionate about the difference people working together in a spirit of genuine collaboration can make. My experience of employee ownership has taught me about the benefits of genuine engagement, leaders recognising the benefit of working side-by-side with their teams, and why it’s critical all employees should be treated with dignity and humanity at all times. Those principles influence my work as a Trust Board Director, as a consultant and in the world of facilitation.
I have spent my career working for and with employee-owned businesses. I have a strong knowledge of governance, expert in employee engagement and elected representation, and I’ve acted as a critical friend to leaders.
I now act as an independent trustee for a number of employee-owned companies in a range of sectors, some of which I am supporting as they make the move into employee ownership.
I also advise employee-owned businesses on internal communications, the principles of employee ownership, employee experience, the voice of the employee and the role and structure of elected bodies.
My strong knowledge of the employee ownership organisational model, and the relationship between executive and Trust Boards, allows me to work with various sized companies in different sectors.
I am also a professionally qualified facilitator, with extensive experience of chairing meetings, employee-elected bodies and statutory redundancy consultations.
Drawing on a wealth of experience in employee ownership, having led and developed teams, advised businesses and been an Employee Trustee with John Lewis, and I am an active Supporter Member of the Employee Ownership Association, (https://employeeownership.co.uk) regularly contributing to – and facilitating – at their events.”
In my 29 years at the John Lewis Partnership, I chaired some of the John Lewis Partnership’s senior employee-elected bodies and served for five years as an Employee Trustee. Directors also benefit from my advice and support using my knowledge of a business’s strategic direction, governance structure and culture.
Away from work, I am married to Sue and we have two daughters. I enjoy playing golf, skiing and eating out with family and friends. Music, film, horology and reading are all passions, as well as watching cricket live whenever the chance arises. Since the start of the lockdowns, I’ve tried to take more exercise and get (just a little bit!) fitter.
Skill set
Trust governance
As an employee trustee, I recommended changes to articles of association that changed reporting lines for senior directors and rules for the conduct of board meetings. As an independent trustee, I have codified role profiles for independent and employee trustees, creating frameworks for training and support in both roles.
Facilitation
I am an experienced chair of statutory redundancy consultation processes, creating framework for consultation, training leaders and employee representatives in their role, ensuring the whole process meets Acas guidelines for redundancy consultation, and treats affected staff with consideration and humanity.
Meeting chair
I professionalised meetings of elected bodies, ensuring agendas had a clear purpose which were then met. I created a psychologically safe environment where participants of all levels felt confident in collaborating with and, when appropriate, challenging senior leaders on their leadership of the business.
Critical friend
I am adept in building rapport with senior leaders, acting as a trusted confidante, enabling leaders to explore peer relationships, reflect on their actions, and provide a safe outlet for emotions.
Communications
I am able to write, edit and advise on internal communications, ensuring materials meet the needs of the target audience, provide clarity, and engender confidence in the transparency and integrity of leadership.
Engagement
I provide insights to leaders – with recommendations for action – on the employee experience using surveys, facilitated sessions and written reports, analysing the gap between leadership and employee perception.