Lesley has worked with a wide range of start-ups over the last 20 years.  If you’re setting up an operation, or taking on your first members of staff, then she can provide expert guidance on all aspects of employment law, advise on organisational structure and work closely with you to develop a full set of relevant policies and procedures.

As an employer managing staff it can sometimes be difficult to identify what is required by law and what is simply best practice.

Many small to medium-sized companies do not have their own in-house HR specialist, but there is still a need for HR within the organisation to meet legal obligations and prevent problems occurring.  Lesley’s friendly, straightforward and cost-effective service is ideal for organisations seeking external support.

Are all your HR policies up to date?  Do you know how your procedures compare with other similar organisations?  An HR audit is a diagnostic review to benchmark your current strategy, policies and processes and their alignment to the priorities of your business.

Once this has been completed Lesley will put together a report detailing priorities, action plan and next steps.  And with over 20 years working with senior managers across a range of industries, she can then develop best practice guidelines that are in line with an organisation’s corporate style and values, and pull all this information together in a manner that works for each employer – be that a weighty handbook, a suite of documents or a bespoke booklet that aligns with your organisation’s unique culture and values.

Do you need HR support but can’t justify an in-house role? Lesley can provide general advice on an ad hoc basis or integrated into your business.  This ranges from everyday queries to expert guidance on difficult and complex people issues such as disciplinary or grievance investigations and hearings, absence management, performance management, contractual issues and consultations.  Many organisations find it easier for a third party to manage exit negotiations at this level as it reduces tensions between senior colleagues and minimises any reputational risk to the company – Lesley is also well-versed in working as an intermediary in these cases, achieving mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties.

Or do you have a one-off project that needs input and guidance from an HR professional.  Lesley does just that with a flexible and practical service that brings objectivity and perspective to any piece of work.

Engaging and maintaining relationships with staff while so many organisations are working remotely is a challenge.  How do you know what your staff are feeling?  And if you can find out, what action, if any, do you need to take?

Lesley has spent a considerable part of her career advising and implementing internal communication strategies.  A staff survey is a good starting point but Lesley will be able to advise on the best approach for that as well as how to respond to the results.  She can also advise on frequency, method and key actions that will deliver the results an employer needs.

Lesley is well-versed in reviewing the feedback and developing an internal communications plan that aligns with staff needs and business priorities.

No organisation ever stands still but it’s a legal requirement to consult with staff when significant change such as restructures, transfers, takeovers or acquisitions are going to take place.  And after the legal bits have been taken care of then ensuring staff buy-in and engagement is critical to the ongoing success of the change.

Lesley has worked with countless organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors on major change initiatives.  She can provide advice and assistance on strategic and operational elements of change management including due diligence, consultations, selection in to, and out of, the organisation, exit negotiations and alignment of terms and conditions.

Redundancies are sadly becoming more commonplace at the moment.  Where they are unavoidable Lesley provides an objective and supportive service for what can be a difficult and upsetting time for both staff and employers.  She covers the full process including calculation of payments, selection criteria, consultation meetings and ensures documentary compliance.

In a challenging recruitment market, attracting and retaining staff is more critical than ever.

Lesley has a passion for developing others –  be that identifying, resourcing and delivering training to broader teams, working with individuals to prepare them for future roles, coaching newly formed teams, mentoring newly promoted managers, or providing a sounding board for HR.

It can be lonely at the top and many c-suite executives find drawing on external resource is of huge benefit in making challenging decisions.

Lesley’s experience as a non-executive director for a number of organisations, as well as working in-house to support board teams working on IPOs and delisting, puts her in a unique place to act as sounding board for plans and ideas.

She brings over two decades of management experience, HR skills and employment law expertise into the boardroom for those organisations that don’t have internal HR advisors and would benefit from an independent trusted advisor.