Nicola Barber

Nicola Barber, Chartered Fellow (FCIPD). Having enjoyed a 20-year career in the people profession, spanning a range of industries and sectors, Nicola is genuinely passionate about growing the potential and capability of people at work.  

In her current role in the Department for Infrastructure, she is responsible for leading a large-scale Transformation Programme focusing on People and Culture and for leading on strategic workforce planning for a complex and multi-disciplinary workforce. 

As Chair of the CIPD NI Branch, Nicola has championed a strong local HR community, supporting professional development and driving engagement with CIPD’s mission.

Committed to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, Nicola is the Race and Equality Champion at the Department for Infrastructure, and with her knowledge of employment law and specialist experience, is an appointed Independent Appeal Chair with the LRA. Having a keen interest in employee engagement, Nicola has been the Lead Regional Ambassador with Engage for Success for over 10 years.

With a passion for learning, Nicola holds a master’s degree in HR and is a qualified and experienced Mediator, Coach and Mentor and holds advanced qualifications in Employment Law and Employee Engagement. 

Nicola is dedicated to advancing the HR profession and shaping the future of HR through her mentoring of emerging leaders and HR professionals. As a part-time lecturer, Nicola has delivered the HR master’s degree with Queens University as well as CIPD HR qualifications with Belfast Metropolitan College.