Stepping into partnership is a significant milestone in any career, but as SRLV’s first HR partner, it is particularly poignant for Nicola O’Shea and a meaningful recognition of the impact HR has had across the firm.

Having progressed from a non-fee earning background, her journey demonstrates SRLV’s commitment to recognising and rewarding the contribution skilled people make in all areas of our business.

Congratulations on becoming a partner. How does it feel?

I feel proud. As someone from a non-fee earning background, it’s particularly meaningful. It shows that SRLV values all parts of the firm and recognises the positive impact HR can have on both our people and the business as a whole.

What do you enjoy most about working at SRLV?

It’s the combination of being in a high-performing professional services environment and working with people who are focused on delivering a great service. There’s a real sense of shared purpose, and success comes from supporting people to perform at their best.

Can you tell us a bit about your career journey?

I started working in an office at 17 and progressed into office manager roles, where I became involved in HR. My formal move into HR came at international consultancy firm Kaiser Associates, where I was given the opportunity to train and develop professionally. I spent over a decade there leading our international learning and development programme, which really shaped my career path.

What brought you to SRLV?

After ten years at my previous firm, I felt I had one more big role in me. I stayed through Covid, which was an important time for HR, but eventually decided it was time for a new challenge. I was approached about SRLV while on holiday, and the opportunity to help support a growing firm really appealed to me. I joined SRLV in 2023.

What do you enjoy most about working in HR?

It’s all about people. I enjoy helping individuals develop, reach their potential and seeing that progress over time. If the right structures and support are in place, people can really thrive, and that ultimately benefits the whole firm.

What advice would you give to those aspiring to become a partner?

Keep going and be clear in your ambitions. At SRLV, there isn’t a fixed path that excludes people – your success is yours to build. Focus on developing your skills, seek out advice, and aim to perform at the highest level in your role.

What are your priorities as you step into your new role?

One of the key areas is how we adapt to change, particularly with technological developments. It’s about ensuring our processes remain efficient while maintaining the people-centred quality of service our clients expect and supporting continued growth across the firm.

SRLV’s staff have a 50:50 gender balance. How do you ensure that translates into everyday experience?

It comes down to our approach and valuing diversity as a firm. That means thinking carefully about recruitment and recognising that diversity goes beyond gender, including background, experience and perspective. The aim is to create balance across the firm and ensure opportunities are as accessible as possible to the widest range of people.

If you weren’t in HR, what would you be doing?

I was told I would have made a good teacher when I left school, and I think there are definite similarities. Both roles are about supporting and developing people, so it’s not too far removed from what I do now.

 

To read more about Nicola and her work at SRLV, please see her full bio or find her on LinkedIn.

If you’ve been inspired by Nicola’s story, you can find more staff case studies here, or visit SRLV’s careers page for our latest job opportunities.