Five Minutes with Lynne Goodman

As SEA continues to grow, creating a welcoming and well-organised experience for every new starter is more important than ever. HR Advisor Lynne Goodman plays a key role in making that happen. We caught up with her to learn more about her work, her professional development, and the value she places on supporting people. 

Could you tell us a bit more about your role?

Once someone agrees to join, I coordinate their onboarding journey. I issue contracts and all other necessary paperwork making sure they have a clear point of contact for any questions before joining us.

During their first fortnight, I check in to see how they’re settling in, whether they feel welcome and whether they’re receiving the right support from their line manager, team and colleagues across the business. The HR team continues to keep in touch with new starters throughout their SEA journey, helping us strengthen our ambition to be an employer of choice.

Alongside onboarding, I manage our occupational health programmes and several internal award schemes, whilst personally supporting our Production and Facilities teams. It’s a varied and busy role, but the most rewarding part is supporting our people and helping every new starter begin their SEA career with a positive experience.

How do you make sure people feel welcome at SEA?

Joining a new company can be daunting, especially when there are unfamiliar systems and acronyms to navigate. During our HR inductions, we guide new starters through our systems, highlighting useful tools and information they need to familiarise themselves in order to hit the ground running.

I always hear how people at SEA are so welcoming, and I believe this is due to our people remembering what it felt like to be new themselves. New starters often tell me that it’s the best onboarding experience and warmest welcome they’ve received. Hearing that is incredibly rewarding.

You’re currently working towards your HR Qualification - CIPD Associate Diploma. How’s that going?

It’s demanding, but very worthwhile. I attend Exeter College every Thursday; currently completing one assignment each month. There’s also a significant amount of study outside the classroom, so many of my weekends are currently devoted to assignment writing. To complete the diploma, I’ll undertake final assessments to the CIPD covering a workplace project and eight areas of personal development.

Returning to the classroom as an adult learner has its challenges, but the structure helps me stay focused. It’s a valuable opportunity to learn from others as everyone brings experience from a different organisation. I receive excellent support from my line manager, which makes it easier to balance an intensive course with a busy day job.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

I love my job because I genuinely enjoy working with people and making a difference to their experience at work. If you’re approachable, curious and enjoy connecting with others, HR can be an incredibly rewarding career.

Working in a time where Employment Law is ever changing, staying on top of new and revised legislation keeps things interesting! No two days are the same especially having three UK sites and over 450 people to look after. I consider myself to be very lucky, as I enjoy working not only with my amazing immediate team but also getting to know every single new face within the business. If you’re a people person like me, HR is the career for you.

Last year, you used our Pay It Forward scheme. How does that work?

I’m a trustee of Torrington Town and Lands, a charity that provides affordable, long-term housing for local people in need. Having lived in the town all my life, I wanted to give something meaningful back to the community. Volunteering in this way would require annual leave, but through Pay It Forward the scheme gave me dedicated time to support a cause that matters to me and make a practical difference in my community.

Thank you, Lynne

Are you looking to build a career at a growing business with a strong reputation in delivering excellence? Have a look at our careers, and you may meet Lynne in your onboarding.