Recruitment business and Seasonal Worker Scheme operator Pro-Force has appointed Justin Rigden as People and Culture Director, reinforcing its strategy to put people at the heart of its continued growth.
Justin, who joined earlier this month, will support a people and culture strategy that connects Pro-Force’s commercial goals with the support colleagues need to succeed. He will help ensure colleague development, management capability and internal communication align with the business’s plans for growth.
He brings extensive experience in people leadership, HR and business operations, following an earlier career in field and retail marketing and client services. His experience includes shaping people strategies, establishing HR functions, developing managers and improving employee engagement, alongside helping teams work more effectively through change.
Andy Simpson, Managing Director of Pro-Force, said:
“Putting people at the heart of everything we do means investing in how we lead, develop and support our colleagues. As Pro-Force grows, including through acquisition, this becomes increasingly important.
“Justin’s appointment is a key part of that strategy. His commercial understanding and people leadership experience will help us strengthen management capability and bring teams together, ensuring our culture remains a source of strength as the business expands.”
Justin was attracted to Pro-Force by its welcoming culture, consistent growth and opportunities to contribute to the next stage of its development.
Justin Rigden, People and Culture Director at Pro-Force, said:
“The welcome I’ve received at Pro-Force has reinforced what attracted me to the business: its people and the opportunity to help shape its future.
“My first priority is to listen. I want to understand what colleagues value about working here, what helps them do their jobs well and where we can improve. That understanding will guide how we support managers, strengthen communication and create opportunities for people to develop as the business grows.”
Justin will initially focus on understanding the business and shaping a people and culture strategy aligned with its wider goals. Priorities will include clearer internal communication, practical support for managers and ensuring colleagues have the tools and guidance they need to do their best work.
Based at Pro-Force’s head office, Hunstead House in Canterbury, Kent, Justin will work with teams across the business, spanning from Kent and Cornwall to Scotland and the regions in between.