Birch-HR

18/12/2025

We wish our valued clients and partners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

As we look ahead, may the coming year inspire strong leadership, empowered people, and sustainable growth

15/12/2025

Whether you are navigating complex ER casework, resolving workplace tensions, or looking to strengthen your leadership bench, Birch-HR is here to help.

Led by Samantha Hulson (Chartered Fellow CIPD, ILM Level 7 Executive Coach), our team brings deep expertise and measured judgment to every engagement. We specialize in the "difficult stuff" solving sensitive problems quickly, compassionately, and with lasting impact.

Why partner with us?
✅ Seasoned Expertise: A CIPD-qualified team ready from day one.
✅ Transparent Onboarding: Clear scope, clear costs, no surprises.
✅ Flexible Delivery: On-site, remote, or project-based support that fits your needs.

From Workplace Mediation to Executive Coaching, we are the specialist talent you can turn on when you need it most.

🔗 Read more about our approach here: https://birch-hr.co.uk/welcome-to-birch%e2%80%91hr-your-trusted-partner-for-leadership-and-people-challenges/

09/12/2025

The festive season is a fantastic time to boost morale and celebrate success. However, as every HR professional knows, what starts as a cheerful night can quickly turn into a significant headache.

Recent case studies show that employers can be held liable for incidents at parties, including a recent tribunal that awarded £36,000 for harassment at a work event. Under the new Worker Protection Act, the duty to prevent harassment extends to these celebrations.

We’ve put together a guide on how to navigate the season safely, including:
✅ Managing Alcohol: Setting limits and providing alternatives.
✅ Inclusivity: Ensuring everyone feels welcome, regardless of how they celebrate.
✅ Social Media Boundaries: Protecting privacy and reputation.
✅ Reporting Channels: Making sure safety nets are in place.

Check out our full guide here! https://lnkd.in/ePMaput8 🔗

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07/11/2025

Does your organisation have the agile, people-focused HR support it needs to navigate today's complex workplace challenges?

We've detailed our Flexible HR Consultancy Offer in our new blog, showing how we partner with you to empower leaders, provide support, and strengthen your culture.

From employee relations to executive coaching, see how we can help: https://birch-hr.co.uk/empowering-people-and-performance-our-birch-hr-flexible-hr-consultancy-offer/

05/11/2025

Serious misconduct allegations are tough.

They become incredibly complex when they collide with:

🔹 Discrimination counter-claims

🔹 Multiple employee grievances

🔹 Employee absence & mental health concerns

🔹 Immediate Acas conciliation

One Multi Academy Trust faced this exact high-risk situation.

Birch-HR was engaged to provide specialist support, ensuring a legally compliant, fair, and defensible process from start to finish. We guided the investigation, managed the disciplinary process, and led Acas conciliation.

The Result:

✅ All claims were ultimately withdrawn.

✅ £0 compensation was paid.

✅ The dismissal and grievance outcomes were not appealed.

✅ The organisation's reputation was protected and staff were safeguarded.

This is the value of expert, technical HR support in high-stakes situations.

See the full, step-by-step case study: https://birch-hr.co.uk/managing-complex-employee-gross-misconduct-allegations-absence-and-multiple-grievances/

When handling a complex investigation, what's your biggest priority? Let's discuss below. 👇

21/10/2025

Menopause support in the workplace is no longer optional, it’s becoming law. Starting 2027, large UK employers must make real changes that support millions of women going through menopause.

Ready to create a workplace where everyone thrives? M-Power offers practical tools and training to raise awareness, empower leaders, and build trusted champions.

Take action now, don’t get caught out by the ER Bill.

💡 Discover how M-Power can help your business lead with empathy and inclusion:
https://birch-hr.co.uk/menopause-the-er-bill-m-power-why-now-is-the-time-to-act/

21/10/2025

Farewell & Good Luck Hollie

As October comes to a close, we’re saying goodbye to our wonderful HR Advisor, Hollie, who will be leaving Birch-HR due to relocation and a new HR challenge.

Hollie has been a valued member of our team.

We’re incredibly grateful for everything Hollie has brought to Birch-HR, including the client support and wish her every success and happiness in the future.

Thank you, Hollie
From all of us at Birch-HR

17/10/2025

Glenmead Primary, Birmingham is hiring a Headteacher!

If you believe in leading with kindness, equality, and community spirit, this is your moment.

School visits welcome
Closing date 10 November 2025

Birmingham | Apply now: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/103320/EDV-2025-GPS-21897

Closing date: 5:00pm, Mon 10th Nov, 2025. View full details and apply online at MyNewTerm.

17/10/2025

Is the four-day work week just a trend, or is it the future of high-performing teams?

Recent UK trials have shown compelling results: higher productivity, reduced burnout, and better staff retention. But implementing it isn't as simple as just cutting a day.

It requires a fundamental shift in mindset, from measuring hours to measuring outcomes.

In our latest article, we break down the practical HR considerations for both businesses and schools, exploring:

✅ Workload management and reorganisation

✅ Clear communication strategies

✅ Balancing staff wellbeing with operational needs

Ready to explore how to make it work for your organisation?

Read the full guide here: https://birch-hr.co.uk/why-the-four-day-week-is-gaining-momentum/

16/10/2025

Behind every resolved HR challenge is a calm, credible expert team. 🧭

When investigations are sensitive, conflict is escalating, or leadership needs a steady hand, the right specialists make all the difference. 🤝

Meet our CIPD‑qualified consultants at Birch‑HR bringing clarity, discretion and real‑world outcomes across investigations, mediation, employee relations, coaching and training. 🎓

What we’re known for:

✅ Workplace investigations, grievances and gross misconduct

🤝 Mediation and conflict resolution that de‑escalates and rebuilds trust

🧠 Executive coaching and leadership development for better decisions

📚 Manager training that equips teams to handle issues early and well

Get to know the people behind the impact and how we support organisations across education, SMEs and charities with professionalism and procedural rigour. 🌟

Meet the Birch HR experts: https://birch-hr.co.uk/meet-the-birch-hr-experts-behind-the-scenes/

Which capability are you strengthening this quarter - investigations, mediation or leadership development? 💬

15/09/2025

Is your organisation equipped to handle complex workplace investigations?

A staggering 73% of organisations still rely on inefficient paper-based systems for workplace investigations, and only 39% have fully trained investigators. This leads to costly delays, increased legal exposure, and damaged employee trust.

Independent investigations offer a strategic, compliant, and cost-effective solution. Our latest blog post breaks down the ROI, from reducing the risk of employment tribunals to improving impartiality.

Discover how Birch-HR helped a client achieve consistent, best-practice outcomes and build a culture of fairness.

🔗 Read more here: https://birch-hr.co.uk/independent-workplace-investigations/

01/09/2025

How can the right HR turn the Employment Rights Bill Roadmap from a compliance burden into a strategic advantage?

From proactive compliance and risk reduction to strengthening workplace culture, engagement, and diversity, the new Employment Rights Bill opening from 2025–2027 offers a clear opportunity for employers to thrive.

Discover how strong HR practices can help you navigate the changes, reduce risk, and build trust across your organisation:

👉 https://birch-hr.co.uk/employment-rights-bill-roadmap/

The Employment Rights Bill roadmap may well feel like a compliance burden for many employers, or can this be an opportunity to strengthen culture, retention,