Vanessa Russell

Vanessa Russell has extensive work experience in the field of Human Resources. Vanessa currently serves as the Human Resources Director at Chiltern Railways, where they lead and drives the people and culture agenda. Prior to this, they were a Non-Executive Director at THE CROYDON ALMSHOUSE CHARITIES TRUSTEE COMPANY LIMITED, responsible for the strategic development and oversight of two charity organizations.

Before joining Chiltern Railways, Vanessa worked at GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) as the Head of People - Southern & Gatwick Express. In this role, they provided strategic leadership and guidance to the people partner team and developed successful People strategies. Vanessa also worked as an HR Business Partner at GTR.

Vanessa has experience in leading and developing the HR function as the Head Of Human Resources at ITC Secure. Vanessa designed and implemented the full HR function, reformed the employee survey, and successfully undertook organizational design activities. Vanessa also managed various HR functions and advised the ITC Board and senior management team on employee relations issues.

Earlier in their career, Vanessa worked as an HR Advisor at London Overground Rail Operations Ltd (LOROL) and Arriva. Vanessa gained experience in various HR responsibilities, including employee relations, absence management, recruitment, and policy development.

Vanessa's work experience also includes roles as a Human Resources Administrator and Assistant at Arriva, where they were involved in recruitment database design, policy interpretation and development, and employee lifecycle administration.

Overall, Vanessa Russell has a strong background in Human Resources and has held various leadership and strategic roles in large organizations in the transportation industry.

Vanessa Russell's education history includes various qualifications and certifications. In 2021, they attended the Institute of Directors (IoD) and completed two programs: "Future Directors" and "Finance for Non Finance Directors." Prior to this, in 2014 and 2015, Vanessa pursued a Diploma in Employment Law at Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd. Their undergraduate studies were completed between 2007 and 2010 at the University of Portsmouth, where they obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA Hons) in Human Resource Management.

In addition to their formal education, Vanessa has obtained several certifications. In 2020, they became a Certified Performance Coach through TAP Learning. In 2014, they achieved the Level 7 - Chartered Member status from the CIPD. Furthermore, Vanessa obtained Level A Occupational Ability Testing certification from SHL Talent Measurement from CEB in 2014.