What this service is

Some organisations don't need an embedded Head of People. They need a trusted senior advisor they can reach when a people question lands — someone who already knows their context, their team and their history, and can give a straight answer rather than a hedged one.

That's what this service provides. A retained advisory relationship with a senior HR professional who is genuinely available, genuinely engaged, and genuinely accountable for the quality of the advice.

What this looks like in practice

A charity CEO came to us after handling a grievance themselves. They'd done their best, followed what they thought was the right process, and resolved it — but were left uncertain whether it would hold up if the employee came back at them. We came on to a monthly retainer, reviewed what had happened, gave them a clear view of the risk, and put a framework in place so the next situation wouldn't feel like improvising. Six months later, a more complex ER case landed. They called us the same day. We advised through the whole process. It was handled properly, documented correctly, and closed without escalation.

That's what having senior HR in your corner actually means.

What's included

• Strategic HR advice and decision support across your people agenda

• Guidance on people issues, risks and emerging challenges as they arise

• Input into policies, frameworks and people processes

• Coaching and support for founders, CEOs, EDs and managers

• ER oversight — from early-stage issues through to formal processes

• Monthly check-in and priority-based advisory time

• Access for ad-hoc questions and urgent escalation between check-ins

• Light-touch monitoring of employment law changes relevant to your organisation

What this enables

Faster, more confident decision-making on people issues. Fewer surprises. Better-supported managers who aren't being left to handle difficult conversations without guidance. A more consistent approach to HR across the organisation. And the confidence that when something serious lands, there's someone senior to call who already knows the context.

Who it's for

Leaders who want reliable access to senior HR expertise but don't need — or aren't ready for — an embedded fractional Head of People. Typically founders, MDs, CEOs or EDs who are carrying the people agenda themselves and want a trusted sounding board and escalation point. Often organisations of 15 to 80 people navigating steady growth, occasional complexity, or the aftermath of a situation that made clear they needed proper support.

Investment

From £750 /month — based on organisation size, complexity and advisory hours required.

We'll agree a monthly scope on the discovery call and review it quarterly to make sure the level of support still fits where you are.