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Unit 9: Global HR Issues in the Host Context

operation into one guided by a global mindset. The broader agenda requires the Notes
establishment of processes, structures and frameworks that provide generic guidance and
clarity for country operations but have sufficient flexibility to accommodate cultural,
legal and social factors.
In order to achieve this, the primary agenda items for the HR team in 2006 include,
International Resourcing, International Mobility, Talent acquisition and development
and Global policies and frameworks:

A Global Approach to International Resourcing
One of the key challenges facing Barclaycard International is how to resource and then
transfer capability globally, either within an existing business or during start up and
subsequent building of a local business. To enable Barclaycard to recruit globally a range
of preferred recruitment suppliers are used from large global recruitment agencies to
specialised local firms: Given the nature of country operations, historically relationships
with these agencies and suppliers have largely been handled by local HR Business Partners.
The HR community is building up its networks across these agencies and ensuring that it
learns how best to manage the different types of agency and understand the true global
capability of suppliers as well as the availability of skills that are available in each labour
market.

To support the movement of internal employees, HR Business Partners now make sure
that all employees are aware of job opportunities in other countries. There is a common
site to share every vacancy between Hamburg, Zaragoza and Dublin and a frequent exchange
of information between country HR Business Partners. It is proving successful in sourcing
applicants and will be extended to all locations in due course.
Recruitment of International Resourcing Manager
Another consequence of rapid international expansion has been the need to create a
dedicated International Resourcing Business Partner. The new role has to act as a support
mechanism for HR Business Partners and business leaders in the acquisition of top talent
from the market. There will always be a significant proportion of recruitment activity that
is nationally focused. This requires decisions about which resourcing activities need
strategic and central oversight, and which can be left to the country-based HR Business
Partners. On the recruitment of the International Resourcing Manager, they will look to

 Negotiate global preferred supplier arrangements for use of head-hunters and
research institutions
 Develop the employee value proposition and employment brand across countries

 Advise on which processes must be run globally and which should best operate
under local context
 Provide a challenge to all sites by signalling sources of best practice

 Ensuring appropriate geographical acquisition and use of international talent.
Central Operation
Barclaycard’s call centre in Ireland builds the central platform to enable the business to
expand. It now employs 360 people, up from a base of only 10 people working in-country
in 1997. During this time there has been remarkable change in terms of international
recruitment. Barclaycard’s initial intention was to use Ireland to support non-UK operations.
Eight countries are now served out of the Dublin centre, including Ireland, Italy, Spain,

Contd...

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