Private Sector

Navigating change using practical know-how that gets results

Changing markets and developing technologies are driving organisational change at an increasing pace. We support HR teams to meet this challenge by leveraging our hands-on experience. That means delivering not just technical knowledge, but also the practical tools to meet real-world commercial challenges.

A client in the asset finance industry was acquiring a non-performing division of a global company. The TUPE provisions applied to the transfer of staff meaning that in the first instance their existing contractual terms had to be preserved post-transfer. However, it was vital for our client to fundamentally restructure the existing team with a much greater focus on sales to make the business viable. We were able to explain to him that the restructuring was achievable, but that to mitigate the risk to the business of potential fines, proper information and consultation requirements had to be met at the right time. 

We supported the client through the process, the restructuring was successfully completed without legal challenge, and in its first year after the transfer the new business exceeded its sales budget by 200%.

Generating value from independence

In modern knowledge economies business performance is driven more than ever by good employee relations. A high level of employee engagement leads to higher rates of staff retention and higher productivity. When issues arise, particularly around trust and communication between employees, there can be real benefits in support from someone outside the organisation’s culture who is detached from existing relationships. It’s a powerful demonstration of the organisation’s commitment to resolve the issue, and gives employees space to participate.

A client in the energy sector experienced a significant increase in staff turnover and increased sickness levels, with staff informally reporting low morale. We created a bespoke online survey to properly understand the issues. Having analysed the results, we facilitated staff focus groups where staff had the time and space not just to outline the issues, but also to propose solutions. An engagement plan with action points was agreed and implemented.

Since the plan’s implementation staff turnover has gone from 23% to almost zero, and there have been no further instances of staff reaching sickness absence trigger points.

 Effective workplace investigations

We're highly experienced in investigating disciplinary and grievance matters, when they’re complex or involve senior individuals. We’re often recommended to companies by their lawyers because of our track record of investigating thoroughly and with discretion and of delivering reports that are clear, decisive and actionable.