Seven of the top HR consulting firms in the UK

It’s great that you’ve decided to outsource your human resources management, but which consultancy should you work with?

When so many different companies offer items that are in significant ways equivalent to one another, it may be difficult to determine which one to go with.

Below you will find a list of the vital traits that each supplier possesses; however, before we get to that, let’s have a look at the attributes that you should require of your source.

How can I choose the most qualified human resources consulting firm?

Start with their interactions with one another (and which sectors their clients are in). It’s a good sign if they’ve worked with a significant number of your company’s clients in the past, particularly if those clients were of a larger size and better-known status. In a similar vein, verification of their credentials instils confidence in you regarding their capabilities as well as the benefits they can offer you. Think about how well their products and services tie in with the expansion strategies and goals that your firm has for the following year.

The following step is to investigate any additional charges. Does an early termination of the contract result in additional costs or other financial penalties? The business may at first give the impression of being more affordably priced, but just like the worst low-cost airlines, they have a sneaky way of delivering you a swift kick in the behind.

During this time, check to see that the payment and contract terms are understood by both parties. It is necessary to provide variable payment options (paying as a one-off or on a retainer). It would be ideal if they could provide you with a free trial of some kind, such as the opportunity to work on a simple project.

Even though human resources are not often viewed as the department that generates the most revenue, you still need a return on investment from that department. Consider the following outcomes as examples of things that won’t necessarily be measured in dollars: increased productivity, reduced employee turnover, and reduced absenteeism. Find out what the aims of your HR provider are and how long it will take them to reach those goals.

Even more important is the fact that they are familiar with the culture of your firm. In the event that they do not, there is a possibility that they will make a poor decision on your behalf. Or, what’s even worse, they might hire the wrong people, which would cause a variety of problems for you over the long term. Having the option of a free trial would be useful in this scenario as well.

Last but not least, make sure you ask your preferred provider for at least two or three recommendations from other satisfied customers. Once you’ve made the decision to work together, it’s important to be transparent about the terms of your agreement and to keep in mind that those terms are open to change in the future to accommodate the requirements of your business.

The following is a selection of what some of the most reputable human resources (HR) vendors in the UK have to offer.

citrus HR

Citrus HR is an outsourcing company that focuses on handbooks, contracts, and legal advice for employees.

Together with HR help, a software platform is used that has a built-in way to make contracts. It handles things like vacations and sick days, health and safety warnings, performance reviews, employee onboarding, and the ability to make and send offer letters. Digital staff handbooks are available to all clients to help them learn how to use the programme.

There is no minimum contract, there are no hidden costs, and there are no start-up fees, so businesses that don’t want to be tied down don’t have to worry.

All charitable groups can get a 10% discount, which is good for charities.

Pricing: The monthly fee is a cost of £7.50 plus an additional £50 for each employee (plus VAT).

If you want on-site consulting or other services, you will be charged £85 per hour (plus VAT) for locations outside of London and £95 per hour (plus VAT) for locations within London.

There is also a software-only version available for £2.50 per employee each month with a 14-day free trial if you’re looking for something less expensive that allows you to retain your personnel on staff.

Peninsula

Peninsula has a lot of experience when it comes to writing documents. Think about contracts, corporate manuals, and other paperwork, such as records of parental leave, exit interview forms, and papers for going back to work.

This one is like citrus in that it comes with an HR software package. It includes training for risk assessment, an annual review, and e-learning webinars with tribunal representation.

You will be assigned a lead consultant who can be reached for HR help every day of the year, 365 days a year. With the consultant’s help, you may be able to find out why people take sick days and what other “hidden costs” hurt the profitability of your business.

Peninsula HR and Peninsula health and safety are the two packages that can be bought. Still, you can put them together to make a complete solution called Peninsula HR and health & safety.

Since Peninsula’s products are based on one- to five-year contracts, it takes more commitment to join the company. They pay a monthly fee for each worker.

With some packages, you can get legal expenses insurance to protect your business from claims of unfair firing and indirect discrimination. With this extra insurance, you will also be fully covered in the case of an employment tribunal.

Pricing: Use the Peninsula website’s calculator to determine your cost for five years of mid-rate terms. Rates will vary depending on your industry or financial situation.

Workplace HR

Workplace HR has a specific Outsourced HR offering, with the promise of an immediate response to any HR problems or issues. They can provide:

• Pre-employment checks for new starters and exit interviews for leavers
• Handle staff info for third parties like pension providers
• A dedicated team with a variety of different skills
• Absence management (including a return to work interviews)
• Staff training (such as GDPR)

Most clients use Workplace HR on a pay-as-you-go basis so it’s better for short-term contracts and budgets. They do offer a monthly retainer if you’d prefer.

Pricing: You won’t find pricing on the website, though they say that it’s competitive and flexible. Ring up for a quote based on your needs.

HR Solutions

Since more than 20 years ago, HR Solutions has been providing expert outsourced HR consulting. In the last few years, it has grown to have more than 40 team members working in HR, health and safety, payroll, and other areas. It has different levels of packages for its HR retainer services based on the needs of its clients and the number of employees. With its Enhanced Retainer, SMEs get a dedicated consultant who will learn about their business.

All of HR Solutions’ clients are successfully onboarded with its 30-, 60-, and 90-day plans, which make sure that their policies are up to date and help them plan their people strategy quickly and easily.

It works with Breathe to offer a top HR management platform that makes it easy for clients to keep track of their employees’ vacations, policies, and absences.

HR Solutions does more than just health and safety and payroll. They also offer fixed-fee recruitment, training for managers, free webinars, and updates on employment law. It also has a service called the HR Knowledge Base, which is an easy-to-use, searchable online resource with free HR templates. It also has webinars, training materials, and access to HR, GDPR, and compliance audits.

Feefo gave HR Solutions the Gold Service Award in 2022.

HR Solutions’ team of consultants, advisors, and administrators are helped by its team of HR knowledge managers. This means that the company says, “There is no question or case we can’t solve.”

In 20 years of HR service, the consulting firm says it has never lost a case in an employment tribunal.

Pricing: The retained HR services package starts from £138 per month depending on the company size. However, you can find a more specific price by contacting HR Solutions directly.

The firm also runs a one-month free trial of the HR Knowledge Base package. It contains employment law-related template documents, access to HR and GDPR risk and compliance audits, webinar content, and training material.

Avensure

Avensure can help with the implementation of contracts, as well as give advice, guidance, and training.

You will be given a team leader advisor who will work with you one-on-one to help you run your business. You can be sure that there is legal help available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are also protected by tribunal insurance, which is covered by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The company focuses on HR and employment law, as well as health and safety. You can get both of these things in one package, called “Total Business Protect,” if you want.

HR Protect

The cost of HR Protect is determined by your company size, payroll, and requirements. It includes everything mentioned above for a fixed monthly fee. In addition, Avensure can supply a fully up-to-date company handbook and staff contracts tailored to each role and your business style.

HS Protect

HS Protect is similar to HR Protect, but it also includes documentation for health and safety. Avensure can also do a full site survey and make an action plan for you. They can follow up by phone or email. They will send you emails with industry advice, news, and changes, as well as e-learning training videos (you get a starter pack, but you can buy more videos if your business needs them).

Pricing: Contact Avensure for a quote depending on the needs of your business and which packages you’re interested in.

Moorepay

Moorepay is for businesses in the media and entertainment fields. Their HR team is made up of experts in media, and they have over 10,000 customers.

You can choose from HR services, HR software, payroll services, and payment services. Moorepay will send you monthly and quarterly legislation guides, focused blogs, and a knowledge base in your HR Hub to keep you up to date on HR. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) also keeps an eye on its legal team.

If you are worried about your data and how safe it is, it is kept on a secure server in IBM data centers.

Key services include:

• Round-the-clock advice
• HR Consultancy
• Initial audit
• Regular legislation updates
• Annual review (documentation, policies, and procedures)
• Letters and documentation
• Contracts and handbooks (contracts of employment, employee handbooks, HR forms, checklists, and template letters)
• Indemnity insurance (up to £100,000 per employment tribunal)
• Tribunal representation

Additional services include:

• Consultancy visits
• Documentation
• Background checking
• HR admin
• Mediation
• Training
• Indemnity insurance
• Cash flow insurance
• Legal rep and prep

Note that many of these extras are provided as standard in other packages so factor this in when making your decision.

Pricing: Contact Moorepay to get a quote.

Adviser Plus

Professionals who work in employee relations (ER) are Adviser Plus. They offer options for longer-term ER case management and consulting help during times of high demand, such as when an organisation is going through a big change like downsizing, getting bought out, or changing its HR system. One of their solutions is a system for managing ER cases called “empower.” This system lets managers self-serve and handle employee concerns with confidence. Another is an ER advice line that people can call when they need extra help.

They also offer training for managers on things like negotiating, resolving conflicts, mental health, and managing performance. This gives your managers the skills and confidence they need to deal with people’s problems more effectively.

Pricing: Depending on your services, get in touch with Adviser Plus for an estimate.