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…

The Chancellor’s Budget sets out a clear direction: the cost of employing people is rising, the tax landscape is shifting, and businesses will need to adapt quickly. For SMEs, these changes will influence how you hire, reward and retain your…

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…

Every December, offices, workshops and Zoom screens start to buzz with talk of the Christmas party. It’s the time to celebrate the year’s achievements, thank their people for another year of hard work and let the team unwind. But while…

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…

Running a business is a team effort. You’ve got finance keeping the numbers in line, operations keeping things moving, and sales driving growth. But when it comes to people — the hiring, managing, supporting, and sometimes letting go, many organisations…

You’re a small business with a lean team. You don’t have an HR department — you’ve never really needed one. So when something people-related crops up, it goes to the person who handles payroll. Usually finance. And that works, for…

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…

How is neurodiversity in the workplace shaping the future of work? It’s a conversation that more SMEs and HR professionals are now starting to engage with. Diagnoses of ADHD, autism, dyspraxia and other neurodiverse conditions are rising. At the same…

Neurodiversity in the workplace attracts increasing attention, with conditions such as ADHD and dyslexia more frequently cited in Employment Tribunal claims under the Equality Act 2010. These claims highlight employers’ legal duties — particularly around making reasonable adjustments and avoiding…

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…

Disability discrimination claims can be complex, particularly when workplace behaviour is in the spotlight. The case of McQueen v General Optical Council [2023] EAT 36 is a useful example of disability discrimination claim under Section 15. It reminds employers that…