About Deborah Payne

Deborah Payne has held a number of senior HR roles in a career spanning 17 years, both in-house and within consultancy. She is part of the senior leadership team of RSM’s Pay and People team, and leads a nation-wide team of HR consultants.

In her career to date she has gained specialist knowledge of:

• people strategy;
• change management;
• business transformation;
• organisational design;
• talent and performance management and;
• acquisitions (including due diligence and post-acquisition harmonisation).

She has worked on a wide variety of projects and partnered with a diverse range of business teams, always combining her in-depth knowledge of employment matters with a solutions-driven, project-led approach. Deborah has experience in multiple industry sectors including energy and natural resources and infrastructure as well as the NHS, rural services, recruitment and consumer markets.

Deborah is a regular presenter at client seminars, and produces thought leadership on emerging trends and developments in HR. She is also a Chartered Member of the CIPD.

When asked what she likes about her role, Deborah says:

First and foremost I enjoy working with people. HR as a profession lets me help clients achieve their goals. Providing solutions to a range of scenarios is challenging and keeps me agile, meaning that no two days are the same – and that is what makes the job really interesting. Working with other talented RSM colleagues across other service lines lets us work as a team to provide a wider, joined-up service to our clients.'

Outside of work, Deborah enjoys an outdoor life, especially looking after her dog and her horses – she competes in dressage events and enjoys going on sponsored rides. She also loves spending time with her family and friends.

Deborah’s RSM timeline:

• 2021: Global Payroll Association, Outstanding Award for RSM People Advisory Services
• 2016: Joined RSM as Associate Director, Organisational Design and Change Transformation