Human Resources
Where can I find free or low-cost advice for an operational staffing matter or an HR legal issue?
When you have a recruitment or HR problem, finding practical solutions is often tricky – and costly. We’ve done the hard work for you and found great-value resources to give you comprehensive advice and insight on a huge range of staffing topics, so you know exactly where to go if any problems arise.
HR policies and legal documents
Refer to a comprehensive set of HR policies and legal templates
from Rocket Lawyer
WHAT? Easy to access legal templates and advice on all the core aspects of business
WHEN? You’re starting out and need the key employment legals to ensure compliance. Or you’ve reached that stage of business growth where you need defined HR policies so you can grow in a controlled way.
WHY? It’s affordable, simple and available digitally and backed-up with email and phone support
OTHER RESOURCES?
>> Many accountancy firms will provide payroll and HR services that include access to the key employment contracts and HR policies
HR factsheets
Study a range of Human Resources factsheets
from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
WHAT? A set of factsheets that get straight to the key points relating to any given HR topic. Requires a degree of HR and employment knowledge to make best use.
WHEN? You’ve got an issue which relates to a specific staffing topic
WHY? The UK’s leading professional body for businesses keeps the broadest range of up-to-date factsheets on any aspect of employment and HR management
OTHER RESOURCES?
>> For businesses at an earlier stage, this content may be overwhelming. In which case, look at this recruitment guidance from the Federation of Small Business (which you’ll need to pay for, but it's backed up with phone support)
HR training
Enrol on an HR training programme for beginners
from ACAS
WHAT? A one-day £170 training course on the fundamentals of employment law and HR, giving you the confidence and knowledge to know where to go to to get access to a deeper level of information
WHEN? You’ve reached the size where your management, accounts or administration staff need or want to have a deeper grasp of HR
WHY? You’re calling on your accountant or legal provider with increasing frequency and need to develop better skills internally
OTHER RESOURCES?
>> For staff looking to develop their HR skills to a much deeper level, the CIPD offers training courses and professional qualifications that can be studied online and/or part time
HR Support
Consider a membership to an advice centre
from Federation of Small Business (FSB)
WHAT? This membership, which costs £245 a year, gives you specialist phone support and guidance from HR experts. You’ll be able to confirm your analysis or seek specialist guidance to give you, your staff, customers, suppliers and job applicants the confidence in your position.
WHEN? You have specific HR queries that are important or quite strategic and you can’t answer them from online resources, internally or from within your existing network.
WHY? The consequence of bad HR choices can be hugely detrimental. If your common sense and online research is not getting you to the right answer, tailored advice at a sensible price is worth it.
OTHER RESOURCES?
>> The CIPD is the professional body for HR professionals. Their resources are substantial and extremely detailed, but consequently can be a little overwhelming and difficult to navigate for startups and small businesses. Browse their content here.
