Our Happy Clients

Debbie has supported a number of my clients with investigations for disciplinary, grievance and other people matters in recent years, and I am very pleased to be writing this recommendation as a result. Debbie is very quick to understand the key issues in cases, including any potential legal risks. She is professional in her approach with all parties, and diligent in collecting and reviewing the necessary evidence to arrive at a fair conclusion. Her reports are always clear and thorough. Her wide-ranging experience as an HR Consultant means that she is able to step into many different sectors.

Debbie assisted us with a large investigation relating to an employee who raised concerns about their employment. This involved speaking to a number of people, and required care for the wellbeing of everybody involved. The concerns raised were extensive, and Debbie’s report into these was balanced and very thorough. The matter was unfortunately taken to an employment tribunal, however we were successful in defending the claims brought by the employee, and Debbie’s investigation was an important part of this.

Debbie was recommended to me by another HR consultant colleague when I required someone to investigate a grievance raised by a client’s employee. In my initial meeting with Debbie, she was personable and professional, making it clear how she would run the investigation process and outlining her pricing structure. Debbie managed the investigation thoroughly and with expedience involving all parties successfully – no mean feat! Subsequently, she provided feedback to me which was very helpful to gain perspective and learning. I will definitely work with Debbie as an associate in the future when I need support with client’s employee relations issues – thank you!

Debbie has worked with us on two significant investigation projects in the last few years and her work has been exemplary. I have always found her to be knowledgeable, professional and supportive. Debbie has an open, warm and approachable style and always gives full clarity. Investigations are never easy for anyone to be part of but I find that Debbie always approaches them sensitively while also establishing boundaries, being clear and focussed. In both occasions Debbie supported me to progress both situations towards a clear outcome and I valued her support in doing so. I would recommend Debbie due to the way that she approaches these complex areas of work and I am grateful for her support.

We engaged the services of The HR Detective (previous Concilium HR) to pursue a full investigation following a serious grievance accusation against a senior member of staff. On first contact with Debbie it was made very clear to us what steps we needed to take immediately and reassured about the process which would follow. Debbie took ownership straight away, and made contact with the complainant, taking time to meet with them out of hours at a weekend in order to reassure them and us that the situation was being brought under control. The investigation was carried out thoroughly and professionally, allowing all parties a very fair and impartial opportunity to present their views and evidence. The final report was extremely comprehensive, although clearly also edited down to ensure that we had the full evidence without unnecessary duplication or ‘noise’. The advice we were given to support our decision making was again professional and comprehensive, and Debbie’s guidance in ensuring that we were following due process was invaluable. I would not hesitate to recommend Debbie as the HR Detective to any organisation facing an investigation. It is never a pleasant experience, but Debbie’s professional approach, advice and communication took away a lot of the unknowns, and ensured that we could be absolutely objective in our decision making.

Businesses nowadays face ever increasing demands regarding employment law and, just as important, increasing employee expectations. Having a competent, well informed, and experienced HR resource is essential to support any successful business and plays a crucial role in helping managers resolve issues when things don’t go to plan and the inevitable HR challenges happen. I would love to say we could all be experts and make the correct decisions when asked but without the experience and knowledge that Debbie has demonstrated many times over the years for our Business I wouldn’t feel as confident as I do HR challenge wise & I wouldn’t be sleeping very well!

Debbie as our HR Detective has on several occasions assisted and provided support to our business through difficult circumstances. Sometimes as business owners and managers, challenging situations can become both time consuming and extremely stressful, but we want to do the right thing by everyone and at these times objectivity is key. Debbie has provided huge support to our team whilst addressing sensitive problems and investigations, she held our hands and walked with us through the whole process. Whilst nobody wants or looks for issues, from time to time they happen, so it is very reassuring to know that you have a dependable professional to turn to in Debbie.

We first worked with Debbie several years ago when she helped us to investigate a particularly sensitive disciplinary issue. This was new territory for us and having someone completely independent to explore the situation and support us during a stressful process was invaluable. Debbie is very approachable and has since become our ‘go to person’ when our HR needs deviate from anything beyond basic!

Whilst one of my many responsibilities includes HR within our business I’m not formally qualified so simply knowing that I can call upon Debbie to provide me with reassurance that I’m doing things correctly which best protects us as an employer and also being fair to our employees is really beneficial. In the past we’ve sought advice from solicitors which has proved expensive and has not necessarily resulted in practical advice on how to deal with day to day issues. Debbie is able to bring that practical workplace experience, as well as advise us on what will work best for us, balanced with our legal obligations. For me having Debbie as our local HR expert who is able to respond quickly to our needs and is happy to come on site is just brilliant. I now have someone to talk HR with, support me and when necessary I simply pass her the baton and she gets on with it!

Debbie has helped me sort out a very sensitive issue with a staff member which could have been a potential disciplinary situation, but with her help, support and advice has actually now resulted in the individual becoming one of our most valued members of staff. I would have no hesitation in recommending Debbie as I believe her obvious expertise and service with a warm friendly approach would benefit any business.

I recently asked Debbie to assist one of my clients in handling a sensitive employee relations issue where HR support was required from a professional who was completely independent from the organisation.  I know I can trust Debbie’s expert knowledge and professionalism and she did not disappoint!  My client was extremely impressed and learned a great deal from her handling of the process.  As an independent HR consultant, it is not unusual to have a requirement for an additional layer of HR support for a client from an associate whose own HR consultancy might be in direct competition with our own.  I strongly recommend Debbie as a trusted associate as well as a highly skilled and experienced HR professional.