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 may also have received some fear inducing emails from some of the larger more call centre-based HR providers strongly advising you that you need to sign up with them to avoid being sued. Should you be worried and if so, who should you go to in order to receive balanced impartial advice?

This is where Indies (Independent HR Consultants) come in. We cover the middle ground between having the cost of hiring your own HR Manager (£50k or more for a full-time employee) and dealing with a large call centre operation where you may never speak to the same person twice. Why should you consider working with an Indie?

Getting to know you

First of all, a good Indie will get to know you and your organisation. What makes you different to your competition? What are your core values? This will help the Indie tailor advice and processes to fit what you need. So, you get policies that are appropriate to your needs and not just a template. After all, you want a HR professional to do the work for you don’t you?

Often an Indie will act as a true extension of the management team. Being a business owner can often be a lonely experience so having an Indie on your side can become a real value add as a confidante.

Some of us Indies also have teams, so we’re employers too, we get it!

Specialist advice and support

Indies will typically work across a wide range of specialisms or will have colleagues or associates who can help out with all of your HR needs. Rather than going to different teams in a large organisation, you’ll get a consistent approach when dealing with an Indie. Need some recruitment help? Yes, we can do that! Want a probationary process designing to help you embed that new starter into your business? We’ve got that nailed too. The employee needs some training. Guess what….

Doesn’t it make sense to have one person or a team delivering all your HR needs much like an internal HR department would do?

No lengthy tie ins

Larger HR firms are well known for their 5 year contracts and auto-renewing contracts if you don’t give the right level of notice.
Wouldn’t you rather work with someone because you want to instead of because the contract says you have to? Indies can provide more flexibility and do.
So next time you are thinking about HR support, why not consider an Indie? You won’t regret it.

Author: Nicci Birley, APHRi | Cornerstone Resources HR