WollongongOnline examines the background and thoughts of the Principal of Wollongong based Centre for Employment Relations who says “The best relationship is truly a working one”
WOL : What are your hobbies or passions?HTW: Always been interested in cricket, tennis and body surfing, but less as a participant in recent years. Love fishing, (recently become a part owner in a boat), and the occasional game of golf. Greatly enjoy travelling with my wife in Australia and Europe. I enjoy playing a few musical instruments and being part of a band of musicians at my local church.
WOL: What is your life/business philosophy?
HTW: Primarily based on the teachings and example of Jesus so I was pleased to come into a business which has as it motto “the best relationship is a working one” and helping to achieve outcomes that are in he best interests of employer and employee.
WOL: Finish the following sentences
“At school … I was a bit of a nerd.
“I wish … I hadn’t let the opportunity to do some things pass without having grabbed them.
“I’m good at … mentoring.
“I’m bad at … finding things I am looking for even if it’s in an obvious place.
“I often wonder … at how fantastically made living things are and the world we live in is, not to mention the solar system, galaxies.... awesome!!
WOL: How long have you lived in the area?
HTW: Apart from a couple of years in NZ, I’ve lived in the Illawarra since my family moved to Bulli when I was 11 years old.
WOL: How long have you been in your current position?
HTW: I took up the role as Principal of the CER in June 2007
WOL: How long have you worked in the area?
HTW: I have 7 years teaching and training experience and 27 years in Industrial/Employment Relations
WOL: Describe your business … what makes it different/better?
HTW: The Centre for Employment Relations aims to assist organisations deal with employment legislation matters, dispute resolution, performance management, policies and procedure development, restructuring and role clarity. Its focus is on ensuring that there is a positive relationship between the employer and employees to enable best results for the organisation preferably with early intervention. The CER can also provide targeted training for managers, supervisors and employees in employment relation related areas.
WOL: What are your short term goals?
HTW: To establish the CER as a supplier of reliable and practical advice in Employment Relations in the Illawarra region so that businesses can make better decisions knowing the options before them and the risks and consequences of those options.
WOL: What about 5 years?
HTW: For the CER team to be the preferred supplier of Employment Relations advice and training in the Illawarra.
WOL: What is your latest project?
HTW: I am currently developing training for organisations in performance management and attendance, developing EBA’s and giving general Employment Relations advice in the light of the current legislations and likely changes to that legislation.
WOL: What you love about your work?
HTW: Helping people to recognise the range of possible solutions to their Employment Relations issues and the consequences and risks associated with them. This ensures informed and sound decisions are made which will benefit the organisation and its employees, and enhance good relationships in the workplace.
WOL: Has your family/partner been a help?
HTW: Invaluable – My family is a true blessing. My wife is a remarkable, capable person who is very supportive and often provides insights that I would otherwise overlook.
WOL: What business books do you read?
In recent times my focus has been on publications/journals on Employment Legislation, updates on developments in what’s been happening in the Industrial Commissions and I have enjoyed reading a number of articles from the Harvard Business School Working Knowledge website.
WOL: What formal qualifications do you have?
HTW: BSc, DipEd, DipIR.
You can contact Howard: howard@centre4er.com
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