What do I need an HR professional for is a question I'm often asked. Well, have you got any employees? And even if you say one, I will say I presume you have a contract of employment? I presume you've checked whether they have the...
Leonie Goodman Blog
Why You Need HR: Sexual Harassment Policy Changes
In this video independent HR consultant Leone Goodman discusses changes to sexual harassment policies in the UK. Have you thought about the recent changes to the sexual harassment policy and the fact that the burden of proof...
Recruitment and flexible working concerns
Working from home is such a big topic right now, primarily because hybrid working is the most common form of work pattern in the UK currently. Clients I work with, tend to have broad requirements such as...
Making the Leap: How Startups Can Transition to a Structured HR Model Without Losing Their Culture
Growing a startup is one of the most exciting (and chaotic) business journeys there is. You move fast, build quickly, and do whatever it takes to get the job done. But as your company scales; more people, more roles, more complexity; the systems that once worked start...
The Flexibility of Being an Independent HR Professional: Fractional HR vs. HR Consulting
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an independent HR professional is the flexibility to meet clients exactly where they are. Right now, I’m working in two very different capacities; both of which illustrate the value and adaptability of independent HR support....
The Reality of Flexible Working – When Timing Matters
Over the last 3 months, I’ve noticed a pattern — one that speaks to a growing tension between the evolving expectations of employees and the operational reality for employers. In three separate cases with different clients, I’ve seen new hires, often within their...
From Appraisals to Talent Grids: Why SMEs Are Taking the Next Step
The traditional performance appraisal is undergoing a quiet revolution. More and more of my SME clients aren’t just asking for a review of how staff are doing — they’re asking for a deeper insight into who their people are and what they’re capable of becoming. Enter...
The WFH Balance – Who Really Has the Final Say?
The shift to hybrid working has undeniably transformed the modern workplace. Many companies have embraced the flexibility of two or three days a week at home, recognising that productivity doesn’t always rely on physical presence. This model works well when both...
National Insurance Rates for Employers Have Risen – How to Manage Without Diving Straight Into Redundancy
From April, the rise in employer National Insurance contributions has added yet another layer of cost to doing business. For many companies, this shift puts immediate pressure on margins—and the knee-jerk reaction is often to look at headcount. It’s understandable....
Stress Levels Are Rising at Work – Here’s What Leaders Can Do About It
Right now, stress in the workplace is at an all-time high. Employees are feeling the squeeze from all directions: Rising living costs Increased National Insurance deductions Global uncertainty, with U.S. tariffs (thanks, Trump) pushing up supply chain costs And inside...