Lauren Dodge
Employee Relations Business Partner
I joined at 17, as a business admin apprentice supporting the HR team. When I finished I had the option to stay in HR, so I did, and completed my level 3 CIPD as an apprentice. I’ve now been here 8 years and have gone on to do my Level 5 CIPD here at The Ilchester Cheese Co.
Within my current role, I mainly look after Employee Relations, so it’s the people side – maternity, absence management, CSR, employee engagement. I see myself as the link to people – making sure that people are treated consistently and fairly, and making their time at work as positive as it can be. I’m really proud of the benefits package we’ve put together, such as the enhanced maternity benefits, and the personal finance support package we are bringing in this year.
In a lot of businesses, HR is where you go if you’re in trouble, but I love that people come to us looking for help and support. Being able to help others, and really make a difference, even the small things I can tweak, is what gets me out of bed in the morning.
The Ilchester Cheese Co. is a very friendly place to be. People know each other on a personal level which is so valuable for the business too. I’ve never had a day where I’ve not wanted to come in.
I love our Marmite® cheese in a toastie because it’s so flavoursome – the perfect balance of Marmite® & cheddar!
“People know each other on a personal level which is so valuable for the business too”