There’s a doctor in the human resources house!

HUMAN resources expert John Stredwick has been awarded a PhD at the University of Luton, where he is Head of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) studies.

Dr Stredwick, who has lived in Cuffley for the last 20 years, joined the University in 1992 after 25 years as a Human Resources practitioner in the publishing, contracting and service industries.

Johnís detailed experience in Pay and Rewards stimulated him to engage in research and publication in this area, which led to his recent PhD award for his research and thesis ëPerformance Related Pay ñ objectives, operations and outcomesí.

This was based on fieldwork in a Luton Telecommunications company over a period of years. The main outcome of the study was the identification of clusters of employee characteristics related to positive and negative attitudes to PRP.

John, 60, said: ìIt was never going to be too easy to complete a PhD on a part-time basis and retain a ’proper life’ but the University has put in place an excellent supervisory system to give real help and encouragement.

ìMy tutor Professor Brian Mathews was superb in all the time and advice that he gave over five years and helping me overcome the obstacles. I am really grateful to him and the University for providing the opportunity to study deeply into a subject and become confident in my knowledge to the extent I am able to publish.î

Since 1997 John has published five books and several articles on Human Resource Management, and has spoken at conferences and engaged in consultancy in the UK and around the world, including Singapore and Dubai. His work has been translated into Chinese and Russian.

He is very active in the CIPD, having run a series of Reward courses and acted as a national moderator for the Employee Reward module. He has been Head of CIPD studies for the last 10 years.
John received the qualification, along with three colleagues, at the Universityís recent Post-Graduate ceremony which was held at St Maryís Parish Church in Luton.

For further information about the HR courses offered at the University of Luton, please call 0800 389 66 33 or visit the Universityís website at