The recent Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) decision in Henderson v GCRM Ltd & Ors shows how complex whistleblowing cases can become when investigations lack independence. It’s a timely reminder for employers and HR professionals that fairness, transparency and clear boundaries…

When you first start out as an independent HR consultant, it’s natural to want to be open to every opportunity. But finding your HR niche early on can help you focus on the work that plays to your strengths. You’re…

There comes a point for many independent HR consultants when the business starts to take off, but so does the exhaustion. You’re delivering great work for your clients, but your to-do list never seems to shrink. You end each week…

So, you’ve taken the leap. You’ve gone independent. Surviving your first year as an independent HR consultant is a rollercoaster — equal parts excitement, freedom, and the odd wobble of self-doubt. One week you’re buzzing with a new client win,…

When it comes to people issues, timing matters. Early HR intervention can make the difference between a quick fix and a costly problem. For SMEs, getting HR advice early isn’t just good practice; it’s one of the smartest investments you…

Do smaller employers need anything other than off-the-shelf templates for their HR contracts and policies? When this question is asked, I think back to a client I worked with some years back. They were a small plumbing business with a…

I’m sure we’ve all seen in the press that there a number of pieces of employment legislation going through Parliament at present. This may have prompted you as an employer to think about getting HR support for your organisation. You…

So, you’re thinking about going independent as an HR consultant. Exciting, isn’t it? The thought of calling the shots, choosing your clients, and working the way you want. No corporate politics. No endless sign-off chains. Just you, your expertise, and…

But behind every thriving company lies a strategy that connects people, performance, and purpose, and understanding how  HR strategy can drive growth in SMEs is often what makes the difference. Many small-business leaders still see HR as a back-office function…

You’ve probably heard the old song about getting by with a little help from your friends… and the same is true in business. Every leader knows that with growth comes both highs and headaches — and sometimes the smartest move…

If you run a small business, chances are you’ve heard that “you need HR” at some point. Maybe a colleague has suggested it. Maybe you’ve had a tricky employee issue and wondered whether a professional could help. But what does outsourced…

When you’re running a small business, the stakes are high — and getting HR right can feel like one more thing on a very long to-do list. In moments like these, HRi Certified consultants offer a steady hand. Working with…

HR teams juggle a lot, from recruitment to employee wellbeing, compliance to internal communication. But much of the work that keeps everything running smoothly, is time-consuming and repetitive. That’s where Virtual Assistants (VAs) come in. VAs, used to wearing many hats,…

This year’s theme for International HR Day — HumanifyAI: Leading Change Together — invites us to pause and reflect. Not just on how technology is changing HR, but on how we respond to that change. Because while artificial intelligence offers…

Authenticity. It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot these days and with good reason. Being authentic isn’t just a feel-good concept or trendy workplace jargon. It’s about aligning how we show up with who we really are. At…

April is Stress Awareness Month—and if you’re an independent HR professional, chances are you’re no stranger to stress. When you’re running your own practice, it often feels like you’re wearing all the hats: consultant, business owner, admin, marketer, IT support,…

As data protection requirements evolve, HR professionals must balance effective people management with safeguarding sensitive employee data. The ICO’s newly published guidance on anonymisation and pseudonymisation offers practical ways to reduce risk, ensure compliance, and build trust. Here’s what HR…

The HR profession is evolving rapidly. Independent HR consultants playing an increasingly vital role in helping businesses navigate workforce challenges and implement effective people strategies. For these professionals, establishing their credibility in the industry requires more than just experience and…