Balancing purpose, passion and equity in the people profession

With a career spanning in-house roles, consultancy, mentoring and social justice advocacy, Anne Maltby has built her path on passion, adaptability and a strong sense of values. But like many professionals juggling multiple commitments, Anne has faced moments where she needed to reassess, refocus and build new confidence in her capabilities.

From a law degree and early paralegal work to a Talent role at GSK and the launch of her own HR consultancy, Anne’s journey is one of reinvention, resilience and a deep-rooted belief in fairness and equity. Along the way, she has worked with the CIPD Trust to help sharpen her strategic skills and use her voice to influence real change.

A multifaceted career

Anne began her career with aspirations of becoming a lawyer but quickly discovered that life in law didn’t align with her priorities. A switch into recruitment set her on a new course – one that would eventually lead her to GSK, where she now works in a Talent HR role, balancing operational demands with strategic influence.

Alongside this Anne runs her own consultancy, supporting small and medium-sized businesses with HR strategy and transformation. For her, this approach isn’t just about variety, it’s about keeping her thinking fresh. She says, “Working in consultancy keeps me connected to what’s happening in the external market. It helps me bring innovation back into GSK and vice versa.”

Finding new strategic confidence

Despite years of experience, Anne, like many in the profession, reached a moment where she needed space to grow into her next role. While studying for her CIPD Level 7 qualification and working as Chief of Staff to a senior HR leader, she realised she was craving a different kind of challenge.

That desire led her to the CIPD Trust’s Aspiring HRD mentorship programme. At the time, she had just been promoted into her first HR Director role and was keen to build her confidence in stepping up.

The programme couldn’t have come at a better time. Having a mentor to bounce ideas off, talk through challenges, and reflect with someone who had been there – it made such a difference.”

Merging HR with social purpose

Anne’s master’s degree is in criminal justice and fairness has always been central to her work. When the CIPD Trust’s Finding Potential programme launched a pilot to mentor people with convictions back into employment, Anne didn’t hesitate to volunteer.

She was matched with a mentee who had lived experience of the justice system, and over several months, helped her build confidence, identify transferable skills and navigate the job market.

It’s been so rewarding to see her grow and realise the value she brings,” says Anne. “It’s not just about getting a job, it’s about changing how someone sees themselves.”

Anne was invited to join the Employment Advisory Board at HMP Coldingley, a Category C training prison in Surrey, where she now helps shape employment pathways for people preparing for release. By combining her HR insight with her criminology background, Anne is helping bridge the gap between private sector hiring needs and rehabilitation-focused support in prisons.

Driving change from within

Anne’s advocacy for fair hiring doesn’t stop at the prison gates. Back at GSK, she’s actively working to influence recruitment processes, ensuring candidates with convictions aren’t unfairly screened out.

It’s about understanding risk properly and not making assumptions. We’ve launched a social mobility employee group, and we’re looking at where small changes can make a big difference.”

One key moment came when she met someone recently released from prison who was a qualified accountant.

“It challenged my own assumptions and I took that insight straight back to GSK. These aren’t just candidates for manufacturing roles – there’s talent and skill across all sectors and all professions.”

Readiness as a mindset

Anne is passionate about encouraging others to stretch themselves, particularly women in HR.

I nearly didn’t apply for the Aspiring HRD programme because I didn’t feel ready. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that readiness isn’t a checklist – it’s a mindset.”

She encourages others in the profession to explore opportunities like mentoring. “Not everyone wants to reduce their hours or start a consultancy but if you can find space to do something that stretches you, that keeps you learning, it pays back in ways you don’t expect.” For Anne, the future is about continuing to use her professional expertise to drive fairness, innovation and inclusion. Whether it’s with her clients, her colleagues or those rebuilding their lives after prison.

More on people professional development:

CAREERS WEBINAR

What I wish I’d known – HR Directors

Being a director, adding value, office politics, work-life balance and more… Hear the candid reflections of our panel of HR directors and former Aspiring HRD programme mentees, chaired by Leah De Silva, Senior Programme Manager at the CIPD Trust.

Watch webinar here