Welcome! Croeso!
The first decade of her career was spent in professional services, working in-house for several well-known accountancy and legal practices. Testing her theory that “people are people – HR is HR – irrespective of sector”, Lesley set up her own consultancy in 1996, offering independent HR services and interim management.
In 2006, Lesley’s expertise was snapped up by one of Wales’ leading marketing and communication consultancies, tempting her back into an in-house role where she worked alongside the Board advising on all aspects of employment law and people management as the company completed a series of mergers and acquisitions, and floated on AIM.
Having been involved with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the membership body for people professionals, as a member and volunteer, throughout her career, Lesley then took up the role of Head of Wales with the CIPD, where her focus was on enhancing the organisation’s presence – and growing its voice – in Wales and for Wales.
In 2024, Lesley handed back the baton and returned to focus on her own business, working with existing and new clients, and extending her offer to include C-suite support and specialist networking.
Lesley has a background spanning the private, public and not for profit sectors, including local government, manufacturing, hospitality, higher education, scientific consultancy, professional services, transport and logistics, housing, telecoms, retail, charity, and childcare, as well as working with individuals – both employees and employers.
Highlights of Lesley’s career include managing recruitment for a £80m manufacturing investment, strategic consultancy on the restructuring of a public service organisation, managing the integration and harmonisation of staff during multiple acquisitions, and, of course, having the privilege of leading her own professional membership body in Wales!
As I move into a new chapter in both my personal and professional life, I'm excited to have refocused Lesley Richards Limited, drawing on a long career in HR, a varied portfolio as an independent consultant, and the unique experience of leading my professional body in Wales.

