There are plenty of opportunities for HR professionals who are prepared broaden their horizons

According to analysis by recruitment consultancy Badenoch & Clark, a rising number of organisations in the not-for-profit sector are hiring change management specialists to review the current organisational structure. Those who have experience in organisational development in particular are highly regarded by employers.

And new regulations and compliance requirements in the City are ensuring there are plenty of opportunities for resourcing and recruitment specialists. Recent mergers and acquisitions are also keeping senior HR interims busy."

Senior learning and development and organisational design/delivery professionals are in demand as more organisations invest in developing and redeploying the people they have, as opposed to recruiting others.

Lynne Hardman, managing director, professionals services at Badenoch & Clark, said: "There is increasing demand for learning and development and rewards professionals. The impact of the recession has been that more companies are investing in developing their workforce, in order to retain their talent for the long-term."

The report also shows the rise in recruitment activity has brought opportunities for HR. Although slowing down over the summer months, there is a renewed focus on recruitment activity. This is leading to a need for more recruitment-focused roles, or at least for recruitment to take up more HR responsibilities.

Commenting on senior HR positions, Hardman added: "Organisations are focusing on the long term. Strategic senior HR professionals, and those with a track record in adopting a proactive approach, are in high demand as organisations focus on the future and look to long-term resource planning and talent management."

This article was first published on hrmagazine.co.uk