Frequently Asked Questions

Introductory information

What types of HR service do you provide?

We offer a comprehensive range of training, HR and recruitment services. Services we provide include investigations, disciplinary, grievance, redundancy, performance management, contracts of employment, staff handbook and policies as well as HR compliance. Clients have the flexibility to opt for either a pay-as-you-go service or a more budget-friendly monthly retainer.

What differentiates HR People Support from our competitors?

There are both national and local outsourced HR consultancies available; however, we differentiate ourselves through a tailored, client-centric approach. For instance, some businesses might consider services like Peninsula; where they offer a long-term 3–5-year commitment and a notice period of 6 months should you wish to leave their provision. We provide dedicated HR professionals for each account so you won’t need to re-explain your needs every time you contact us. We also only ask you to undertake an initial 12-month contract and thereafter, only require 1 month’s notice so we can help you be flexible with your business requirements.

Can you provide references or case studies from other businesses you have worked with?

Certainly, we have published some of our case studies and they are available to review on our website. Should you wish to have more personal references provided, we would welcome a discussion with you so we can introduce you to considered clients that align with your business size and requirements

What experience do you have in our industry/sector?

Our team of dedicated HR professionals have a broad experience across a variety of sectors, from manufacturing and business services to regulated industries like financial services and healthcare. This enables us to offer solutions that are relevant to your industry.

Can we schedule a free consultation with one of your team members?

Absolutely, you can arrange a free, no-obligation consultation through several methods:

By phone: Monday to Friday, 9 am – 4 pm, Tel: 01242 254466
By email: team@hrpeoplesupport.co.uk
On the contact page of our website

What is your company's mission and vision for HR support services?

Our mission is to deliver bespoke, effective HR solutions aligned with your business objectives. Our business vision is to become the leading HR consultancy in Gloucestershire, distinguished by our commitment to deliver excellent customer service and client satisfaction.

Do you serve a particular size or type of business?

We work with businesses across all sizes and sectors, offering solutions that can scale with your business’s growth. From small businesses taking on their first employee to large companies looking to help from a strategic perspective, we can help.

How many clients do you provide HR support services to, and where are they typically based?

We currently support approximately 250 clients throughout the UK, with 60% of them based in Gloucestershire.

Why shouldn’t we engage the services of an employment lawyer and use your HR service instead?

Choosing between an employment lawyer and our specialised HR services depends on the specific needs and objectives of your organisation. However, there are several advantages to using our HR services over an employment lawyer for employment-related concerns:

Cost-Effectiveness: Our services are designed to be budget-friendly and are typically at least 50% more cost-effective compared to the fees charged by employment lawyers. This allows your business to allocate resources more efficiently.
HR Expertise: While employment lawyers excel in the legal aspects, they may not have the comprehensive understanding of HR best practice that we possess. Our services focus not just on compliance, but also on optimising workforce management, improving employee engagement and supporting organisational development.

We work closely with a number of employment lawyers, and the two approaches are not mutually exclusive, often complementing each other. However, for most HR-related needs and concerns, our specialised services can provide a more holistic and cost-effective solution, before employment lawyers are required.

Are your team of HR professional members of CIPD?

Yes, all members of our HR team are accredited members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). This ensures that our team is well-versed in the latest HR best practices, legal guidelines, and emerging trends in the field of human resources.

We are taking on our first employee; how can you help us to put the correct paperwork in place before their start date?

Bringing on your first employee is a significant milestone for any business and preparing adequately is crucial to ensure compliance, productivity and employee engagement from day one. To streamline this process, we offer a complete HR set-up package designed to meet the specific needs of your business and industry sector. Our fixed-price project fee includes documents such as contracts of employment, offer letters, restrictive covenants, staff handbook, policies, and procedures.

The HR set-up is aimed at equipping you with all the necessary tools to manage your first employee effectively, right from the start. We specialise in creating custom solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also align with your business goals and values.

Are you able to be onsite at our workplace if required?

Yes, we offer flexible onsite support based on your specific needs. We can be at your workplace on a regular basis, whether this is weekly, monthly or as and when required.

Are we able to come in to see you at your office for any confidential discussions?

Certainly, you’re welcome to visit us at Festival House for confidential discussions. We can arrange a private meeting room if we are prepared in advance.

Costs and Payments

How often do you review or increase your fees?

We evaluate our pricing annually, typically in July. Clients are notified of any fee adjustments at least three months in advance, with the new rates taking effect in January of the subsequent year.

When is the first payment due for the HR monthly retainer?

Upon your acceptance and return of our commercial terms of business, an invoice will be sent to you with an agreed start date. The initial payment is due within 14 days from the invoice date. Our monthly retainer fees are billed monthly, in advance. Payment is facilitated through GoCardless direct debit system, for which you’ll receive an email link to sign up.

Do you require a deposit for any of your services?

Deposits are only required for our bespoke training sessions. A 50% deposit is due upon booking to secure the training dates, and this allows us time to undertake all the necessary course preparation.

How do you invoice?

Invoices are generated omitting sensitive personal information to comply with data protection legislation.

Monthly retainer invoices are dispatched from our accounts department through the Xero platform and are automatically collected via GoCardless direct debit on the payment due date.
Pay-as-you-go invoices are sent weekly, through the Xero platform and are collected via GoCardless direct debit on the due date.

All invoices are payable within 14 days of receipt.

Are there any hidden fees in the pricing models?

No, our pricing is transparent and outlined in our commercial terms of business. We will work closely with you to avoid any unexpected costs.

How much do you charge for your services?

We have a “pay as you go rate” of £180 per hour, and a minimum £330 per month retainer fee, for a 12 month period.

What payment methods do you accept?

Payments are required to be made through the GoCardless direct debit system. After the initial invoice is issued, you’ll receive an email link to set up your direct debit, offering a seamless and accurate payment process, saving you time. You will receive an invoice for all work undertaken, issued before payment is collected.

How do you charge for travelling costs?

Mileage is charged at the standard HMRC mileage rate, calculated from our office to your place of work. Travel time is billed at either your retainer or pay-as-you-go rate depending on the service we provide to your business and it’s also specified in your commercial terms of business.

Do you offer other services like employee benefits such as pension administration and payroll?

Yes, in addition to our core HR services, we also offer services such as pension administration and payroll management. These services are designed to further streamline your HR processes, ensuring that your business remains compliant with legal requirements while also enhancing employee satisfaction. Our comprehensive suite of services allows you to focus on your business goals, knowing that your HR needs are in expert hands.

Service – Packages & Options

How long is the contract for the monthly HR support retained services?

The initial contract for our monthly HR support retainer is 12 months, reflecting the up-front intensive work often required at the outset. After this period, you may transition to our pay-as-you-go option with just one month’s notice.

What is the notice period for the HR support retained services package?

The notice period for discontinuing the monthly HR support retainer, after the initial 11 months, is one month, as specified in our commercial terms of business.

What services are included in the HR monthly retainer package?

The monthly retainer offers a tailored number of hours which are recorded and summed up quarterly. It covers a broad spectrum of HR services and includes the following features:

Allocated Hours: Customised to your needs, e.g. 15 hours over a quarter for a 5-hour monthly package.
Service Range: Covers various services, such as recruitment, general HR support and training.
Adaptability: Tailored to focus on your current business objectives.
Ongoing Support: Regular HR consultancy to ensure legal compliance.
Priority Access: Retainer clients receive prompt attention for any HR emergencies.

What happens if I don't use all my allocated retained hours during each month?

Any unused hours from your monthly retainer are assessed on a quarterly basis. We actively work with you to ensure these hours are effectively utilised through proactive HR projects.

What if I exceed my allocated hours in the HR monthly retainer package?

We always try to manage the support to our retainer clients to meet accurate needs so we have enough available HR professionals to cover our clients. However, should you approach your allocated hours, we offer two options:

Project Adjustment: Defer planned projects to remain within your allocated time.
Additional Billing: Continue services beyond allocated hours, with extra time invoiced quarterly, at a reduced retainer rate.

How are HR support activities tracked and recorded?

Activities are logged in six-minute increments and tracked on our system. While our invoices don’t detail this usage, a comprehensive activity report can be generated separately and upon request.

How does the pay-as-you-go model work?

With our pay-as-you-go model we will invoice you for the exact time spent on services, measured in six-minute increments. This offers flexibility but is generally less cost-effective than our retainer package.

Can I switch between pricing models?

Yes, switching is possible as follows:

From Retainer to Pay-As-You-Go: After 12 months on the retainer, switch with one month’s notice.
From Pay-As-You-Go to Retainer: Switch at any time, useful if your business is scaling up.

What is the minimum commitment for the monthly HR support services?

A 12-month minimum commitment is required, reflecting the initial intensive workload often necessary at the start of our engagement.

Can we contact you outside of normal office working hours if we have an emergency?

Absolutely, we provide emergency HR support services for our retained clients outside of standard office hours. This includes evenings, weekends, and public holidays. We understand that HR issues can arise at any time, and we aim to offer immediate assistance to mitigate any potential negative impact on your business.

How quickly can I expect service delivery with any of your HR services?

Our standard service level agreement is to provide responses within 48 hours, including after the commercial terms of business has been signed. We prioritise urgent matters and are committed to providing timely, high-quality HR services that meet your business needs.

When we need HR support, how do we contact you?

You can contact us in many ways for HR support. These include:

Email: You can email our dedicated team support inbox which is monitored during office hours.
By phone: Our office phone line is open Monday to Friday , 9am – 4pm,. Tel: 01242 254466
You will have the mobile phone number of your HR Consultant
Teams/zoom: You can also book an appointment to see your HR consultant using teams or zoom calls.
In-person: For clients who prefer a face-to-face approach, our office at Festival House is open for visits during standard business hours.

Do you offer bespoke training for our line managers, so they can lead their teams effectively?

Yes, we offer bespoke training programmes specifically designed to equip your line managers with the skills and knowledge they need to lead their teams effectively. Our tailored approach ensures that the training content aligns with your business goals and challenges, as well as learners needs.

If we had a monthly HR support retainer in place, can our staff contact you direct?

Absolutely. With a monthly HR support retainer in place, not only can the directors of your business access our services, but line managers and other employees are also encouraged to reach out to us directly. This comprehensive support structure aims to resolve HR issues swiftly and efficiently at all levels of your business. We will work with you to agree a mechanism to manage this effectively.

Do you offer any HR software to manage employee data and who do you partner with?

Yes, we are proud gold partners with Breathe HR, a trusted name in HR software solutions. We offer a free Breathe HR demonstration via a Teams call to help you understand its features. Investing in Breathe HR is an affordable way to manage employee data securely, ensuring you remain GDPR compliant, as well as providing a self-service platform for employees to manage their own employment information.

Confidentiality & Compliance

What protection do you have in place to help us share confidential employee information with you?

All confidential information is stored on our secure, encrypted servers to ensure maximum security. We strictly adhere to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines. For enhanced protection, we provide secure links through which you can share confidential files. Additionally, we have achieved our Cyber Essentials certification, which means we meet stringent cybersecurity requirements.

Do you provide cover for employment tribunals?

At present, we do not offer legal cover for employment tribunals directly. However, many businesses find that they are already covered for such eventualities under their existing business insurance policies. To activate this coverage, it’s often necessary to have followed best practice HR advice. If you’re uncertain about your coverage, we can review your insurance policy and provide clarity on this matter.

How do you ensure compliance with employment law and regulation?

Our team collaborate with local employment lawyers to stay up-to-date with the latest changes in employment legislation. We continuously review and update our procedures and services to ensure full compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations.

Do you have Cyber Essentials certification?

Yes, we hold Cyber Essentials certification, providing an additional layer of assurance that we have robust cybersecurity measures in place to protect your employee data.

How do you keep up to date with changes in employment law and regulations?

Our HR professionals regularly undergo comprehensive training, and we subscribe to legal updates from reputable sources. This ensures that we are always well-informed about the latest changes in HR best practice and employment law.

When employment law changes, how do you let us know?

If you are one of our retainer clients, we promptly notify you via email whenever there are significant amendments to employment law that may affect your business. This is part of our commitment to our retainer clients for proactive, preventative HR management. We also produce an annual HR fact card available to all clients as a printed copy and PDF. The fact card is a useful reference guide which we publish in April each year.

How is data stored and who has access to it?

Client data is securely stored on encrypted servers, and access is tightly controlled. Only designated HR professionals who are directly involved with your account are granted access to this information, providing an added layer of security.

Can you provide Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for our employees?

Yes, we offer both basic and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Can you provide a baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check for all employees in our business?

Yes, we can facilitate BPSS checks through an external provider. Please contact us for more details.

Can you provide a digital right to work in the UK check for our employees?

Yes, we can arrange this through an external provider for a small fixed fee.

HR Functions and Policies

Can we retain control over certain HR functions while outsourcing others?

Absolutely, our services are designed to be highly flexible and scalable to meet your unique requirements. You can retain control of specific HR functions while entrusting us with others, creating a bespoke solution tailored to your needs.

Can you undertake an HR audit to see if we are compliant with current employment law?

Certainly. Conducting HR compliance audits is a cornerstone of our service offerings. We will thoroughly assess your existing HR practices and provide a comprehensive report, complete with actionable recommendations to help you achieve full compliance.

Does your service include up-to-date templates?

Yes, for our clients, we provide a wide variety of up-to-date templates such as contracts, policies, employee handbooks and other essential HR documents. These templates are regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with current employment law and HR best practice.

We're not sure if our contract of employment is up-to-date, can we ask you to check it?

Of course. Ensuring that your employment contracts are up-to-date and compliant is crucial. We offer this service as a complimentary measure for new clients, as we consider it essential for both legal compliance and establishing trust between you and your employees.

Can you help us with restrictive covenants?

Yes, we can assist with drafting and reviewing restrictive covenants to safeguard your business interests.

When you provide a staff handbook, what kinds of policies will be included?

Our staff handbooks are individually tailored to each business but generally include a broad spectrum of policies, ranging from absence and conduct to data protection and health & safety.

Do you offer salary benchmarking analysis?

Yes, we offer salary benchmarking analysis tailored to meet your specific needs. We provide basic industry benchmarking for many job roles to help you gauge your company’s performance against industry standards. For larger, more complex projects, we also collaborate with an external expert to offer a comprehensive analysis, aimed at keeping your business competitive and aiding in staff retention

Can you help us do a staff engagement survey to find out what our employees need and want from their employment in our business?

Absolutely. Conducting an annual staff survey is an effective way to understand employee needs and wants, aiding in staff retention and helping you achieve your business objectives. We can help design a relevant questionnaire, send out surveys, receive responses and provide a final report.

Can your HR professionals attend our monthly management board meetings?

Yes, our HR professionals are available to attend your monthly management board meetings, offering strategic input for areas such as company restructuring.

Training & Development

What are the most popular training topics you cover for small businesses?

Our most requested topics for small businesses encompass line manager leadership skills, conflict resolution, performance appraisals and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). These topics are crucial for fostering a harmonious, productive, and legally compliant workplace.

Do you charge any preparation time for your bespoke training workshops?

Preparation time is generally invoiced separately to the schedule training workshop, unless otherwise advised by your dedicated HR professional.

Do you offer any online training?

Yes, we offer a range of online training modules that can be accessed remotely. This feature provides flexibility for your staff, accommodating different learning styles and schedules.

Health & Safety

Can you help us if we need to refer an employee to occupational health?

Certainly, we can facilitate occupational health referrals and provide guidance throughout the process, ensuring both the employer and employee are fully supported.

Can you provide a pre-employment medical questionnaire and how does this work?

We offer two levels of pre-employment medical questionnaires. Either through a standard template form that is a paper-based exercise, or through an external provider through an online process. This allows for a GDPR compliant process, mitigating for potential discriminatory bias pre-employment. If further investigation is needed, we can arrange a further confidential telephone interview. This enables us to advise you on any reasonable adjustments that may be required to support the employee in your workplace.

Do you provide Health & Safety support?

We don’t offer direct Health & Safety services at the moment but can recommend a trusted consultant. They can conduct comprehensive health and safety risk assessments and develop a tailored action plan for your business.

Do you offer recruitment services?

Yes, we offer support with recruitment and can work with you to develop job descriptions, create engaging job adverts, screen candidates to agreed criteria, help with preparing interview questions and conduct interviews. This service aims to find the best fit for your company culture and skill requirements. We can include this service in your retainer or provide an hourly rate to undertake parts of the recruitment process.

Can you help us advertise job vacancies for our business?

Yes, we can manage job advertising utilising both traditional and digital channels to ensure you attract a broad range of qualified candidates.