Steve Hodgson of Aptus-HR Improvement Services discusses deploying six sigma in HR

Steve Hodgson of London-based Aptus-HR Improvement Services spoke about using Six Sigma to transform the Royal Mailís HR processes at the Six Sigma Summit, Miami. Now in its sixth year, the Six Sigma Summit is the world’s largest conference on this proven business process improvement methodology. Jack Welch, ex CEO of General Electric, was the keynote speaker.

Addressing delegates from world-wide blue chip companies, Steve Hodgson revealed how Aptus-HR undertook one of the largest ever corporate turnovers and application of Six Sigma in HR by overhauling the HR function at the Royal Mail.

In May 2003, with help from Aptus-HR, the Royal Mail started a customer led process improvement transformation programme in its HR function. The goal was to deliver, by March 2005, an improved customer experience for its managers and employees, a reduction of 50m p.a. on the cost of providing the HR service and embedded continuous improvement capability in the HR operation so benefits would be achieved beyond the initial project.

Steve explained how the Six Sigma programme was established in Royal Mailís HR: an area that was initially uncomfortable with the rigour the methodology brings. The delegates received invaluable insight into the highs and lows of the project and the learning experience for both Aptus-HR and Royal Mail. Steve spoke about the progress and results to date in terms of deployment of the methodology and the financial results. He also discussed how the methodology is now being adopted in other areas of Royal Mailís business and effective techniques for deploying Six Sigma in HR.

Steve Hodgson, director of Aptus HR Improvement Services, comments: ìIt was an honour to be invited to speak on HR transformation at one of the worldís leading Six Sigma conferences, based on the results we achieved for Royal Mail using this highly respected methodology in the HR function. The project involved a steep learning curve and it was an excellent opportunity to pass on helpful advice to other professionals working in this burgeoning area.î

The sixth annual Six Sigma Summit took place on January 25-26 at the Hyatt Regency Miami. Keynote speaker Jack Welch was joined by luminaries from Dupont, Xerox, Bank of America, Coca Cola, Whirlpool and many other prominent companies. The conference attracted more than 3,000 global delegates.

Steve will also be sharing his experiences transforming HR functions at the European Six Sigma Summit on April 27 and 28 in London.