Richard is a HR, Trade Union and Labour Relation’s Specialist.
He currently works for the Civil Service within the Ministry of Justice People Group Directorate and was formally Director of Richard Ikin Associates, HR People & Business Solutions a specialist Employee Relations Consultancy for SME’s, start-ups, and corporate organisations. After his ‘mandatory period’ of being a Consultant Richard has now returned to the corporate fold.
Born in Altrincham, Cheshire, attending Bradbury Secondary school for boys in Hale he studied at night school and day release in Stockport, Manchester & Wigan for his BTEC General & National Certificates in Business Studies finally attending Salford University. His first job was a payroll junior clerk for British Gas (BG) moving to Pensions where he met his wife Laura and then Industrial Relations with BG later renaming to Transco and ultimately National Grid.
Richard worked at National Grid plc for some 34 years. His final, most rewarding role was Employee Relations Manager. This was a senior management role, responsible for complex UK national trade union consultation, negotiation including pay talks, Terms & Conditions changes, and reorganisations, together with responsibility for a Case Management Team.
Richard has also supported a civil engineering company monitoring contractor commercial performance & compliance on an Integrated Security contract on behalf of HM government.
Supporting the China-Britain Growth Agenda he has supported students and organization’s in China to nurture leadership on strategic and operational HR solutions to develop ‘The One Belt One Road’, Made in China 2025 Peoples Republic of China national strategy.
Richard is also a visiting Lecturer and member of the influential CIPD Public Policy Group commenting on public policy. Richard has undertaken voluntary work for the Princes Trust, Young Enterprise, Woodlands Trust and the government’s Young Offenders Programme.
Richard is a regular independent Speaker at Business Forums International Events (BFI) who have been delivering HR knowledge to global and national organisations for over 20 years through world-class conferences
He has been a member of the Cheshire Agricultural Society (CAS) for some 20 years and can often be found, after completing his official duties, in the Member’s Enclosure bar!! Richard has always felt it is important to support young individuals and is passionate about developing young management talent, supporting, and growing developing careers, particularly in the university postgraduate, schools, and agricultural sectors. In partnership with The Royal Cheshire County Show, a number of years ago they created the first ever ‘Young Farmers Development Award’ to recognise promising talented individuals who demonstrate drive and enthusiasm, together with the skills required in this challenging profession. Now known as the ‘CAS Ikin Trophy, Young Farmer Development Award’ it is a regular feature of this annual agricultural Show. Richard is a Trustee and Council Member of the CAS.
Richard is also HR Director Board of Trustees at The Woodbridge Trust. A schools Multi Academy comprising of Ladywood School & Outreach Services, Firwood School and Woodbridge College supporting some 1,900 children and young adults from the age of 2-25 years with educational and development needs for those with severe profound learning challenges. supporting Richard’s belief that every child must be given every opportunity to reach their full potential. His long-suffering wife and son Louie, both keep him very busy and ensure Richard works to allow him, to keep them, in the manner to which they say, they should be accustomed. Richard loves all things French, particularly useful as their son Louie studied French in Paris! And Richard adds that he is still paying for it!!
Richard is, a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development. Richard is a member of The Royal Horticultural Society.