TESTIMONIALS

Trusted Advisor

I have worked with Katherine for the last two years. She has acted on matters that I was unable to, and I am confident that she provides astute knowledge and a practical approach to all clients.

Wendy Davidson
Butcher Andrews

Motivational maps were a real eye opener

We have used keeping HR Simple for the past 3 years after they were recommended to us. The team are approachable and reliable. They always go the extra mile in finding the solution you need, offering their services above and beyond your initial query to ensure the best customer service they can offer, delivering the best possible results.

The team can always demonstrate their knowledge from past experience. Jason and Kathryn have genuine care for their clients and passion for not only HR, but the wellbeing of the business too. Having their own business means they can empathise, this along with their hands on approach is comforting and reassuring.

By taking the advice of Keeping HR Simple, we took some time to focus on team morale, using motivational maps to discover the needs of our team in order to help the business develop.

Motivational maps were a real eye opener and the information we took away from them was invaluable. We implemented tailor made changes and in turn the business significantly benefited, productivity, team morale and profits all increased. We even won an award with the judges commenting on the management’s focus on the team clearly impacted on our success.

Keeping HR Simple thinks outside the box and continues to grow and expand their services. They are invaluable asset to our business and we continue to be more than happy with their service.

Rebecca Allbones - Studio Manager
Studio 11 Architecture

Incredibly easy and painless process…

Thank you so much for revolutionising our HR systems. Until I met you I thought the HR was something that massive PLCs had to worry about so was deeply concerned when I realised that we had to take it far more seriously! You made the whole process incredibly easy and painless for me though and we now have systems in place for every possible scenario. The communication between me and my team is also vastly better as a result. The contracts and handbook are superb and cost far less than I initially anticipated such items would cost. You did a vastly better job then my lawyers did of the previous contracts so I can safely say that all HR from now on will be done through you. Thank you.

Ed Williams, Director & Solo Channel Swimmer
Elite Swimming Academy

Saved us time and effort…

Mind in Cambridgeshire engaged Keeping HR Simple to assist us in updating our policies and procedures.  They worked with us to identify what policies and procedures we really needed and provided us with updated information in line with legislation.  This has saved us a huge amount of time and effort and we’re very pleased with the results.  All charities need to have their HR documentation in place and I would recommend Keeping HR Simple’s straightforward and hands-on approach.

Sally Keown, Core Services Manager
Mind in Cambridgeshire

Tailored advice and support…

As a start-up business, we were looking for some external HR support, with the skills and expertise to deal with our particular circumstances in the hospitality sector. There are companies out there which seem geared up to larger businesses only, and have a rigid one-size-fits-all approach to supporting businesses. I’m so pleased that we found Keeping HR Simple. From the outset, our specific circumstances were understood, appreciated, and factored in to any support and advice we were given. The start-up package, which included staff contracts, offer letters, and staff handbooks containing guidelines and policies, were tailored to us, which was incredibly important. Experienced staff have themselves praised the handbook, saying how excellent and thorough it is, particularly in comparison to other places they have worked.

The support has always been excellent: giving us the help we need, when we need it, and always in a clear and friendly way.

I very highly recommend Keeping HR Simple.

Tim Mills, Owner
Edgar House

Lovely to work with…

I would highly recommend Katherine and Keeping HR Simple. Katherine works incredibly quickly and effectively and makes the whole process really easy – she really ‘got’ our organisation, our culture and our challenges straight away, and that was so important in ending up with a great piece of work that really will deliver for us. She’s also lovely to work with which helps!

Claire Rintoul, ex-Chief Executive
Peterborough & Fenland Mind

Knowledgeable, helpful and professional recruitment…

Second testimonial:
“My second recommendation for Katherine’s work in support of our recruitment activities. Working with Katherine is very straightforward. She knows her stuff when it comes to HR and leads the process in a way that makes it very easy for anyone engaging her. We jointly developed a job spec for our latest hire and several candidates remarked that it was the best job spec. they’d seen for that type of role – this was largely Katherine’s work. Katherine also goes above and beyond the basic work offering advice and support on related matters – very valuable to HR neophytes such as myself. I look forward to working with Katherine again and have again recommended her to other business contacts.”

First testimonial:
“I worked with Keeping HR Simple on the recruitment of an Events and Marketing Co-Ordinator for Software Acumen. Throughout this work it was clear that we had engaged a knowledgeable, helpful and professional company to help us. Keeping HR Simple explained the whole recruitment process to us and managed every aspect to a very high standard. We’re happy to say that we’ve found our new employee in a very short space of time with their help.”

Mark Dalgarno, Director
Software Acumen Ltd

Professional and affordable advice…

Having decided to undertake an essential reorganisation of the charity to secure its future, we were keen to obtain professional and affordable advice on HR matters. This to ensure we keep on the right track when liaising with existing and any new staff members. Katherine Duff (MD) always had sensible and practical solutions, was quick to reply on any queries and welcomed at staff meetings to explain matters when needed.

Indeed, HR can be kept simple and sensible and we are grateful for the effective and friendly customer service we have received and look forward to further work with KeepingHRsimple to train our senior management team on the new appraisal system which has been developed together with Katherine.

Carolin Göhler, CEO
Cambridge Past, Present & Future

A true business partner…

Like many companies we needed to undertake a recruitment campaign. Faced with the plethora of employment legislation and not having the in-house experience to undertake a recruitment exercise, we needed to ensure we followed the right process in order to get the right result.

This is where Keeping HR Simple stepped in. They assisted us by:

creating a job/person specification;

ensured we advertised the vacancy in the right media to attract the most suitable applicants;

assisted with the sifting of CVs for shortlisting for interview; and

supported us by undertaking the interviews with us, training our own staff along the way.

Hydromarque has enjoyed a successful and professional relationship with Keeping HR Simple now for 3 years. Their unique ability to keep pace within an industry that has changed so much has been second to none. They continue to have an amazing ability to assist us in attracting top quality candidates, from junior roles to senior positions. Unlike most other companies, Keeping HR Simple is a true business partner. The end result in our recruitment drive was amazing. We found a hidden gem. Need we say more!!!

Rob Newcombe, Managing Director
Hydromarque Ltd

A huge relief to find them

As a small company, and having to wear several ‘hats’, it was a huge relief for me to find Keeping HR Simple.  I was finding it impossible to feel confident that I was aware of, and complying with, all the legal obligations of an employer.

I found Keeping HR Simple through a search engine, and although they were not geographically anywhere near us, we managed to liaise and work very efficiently through technology, sharing files by internet, and briefing through phone calls.  Katherine and her team are extremely personable and soon got a handle on our requirements.  They kept in close touch and constantly ensured that we were happy with the work they were doing on our behalf.

I have no hesitation in recommending them to support smaller companies in keeping abreast of this important area of your business development.

Kay Jones, Managing Director
Bettws Lifeshouse

Support with getting the right person..

We are a small business and it’s extremely important to us that we recruit someone who fits in with the “family”.  We looked at the option of using a recruitment agency but once we’d compared their charges to the cost of working with Keeping HR Simple, we realised that they offered so much more for less cost.

Katherine worked with us to really understand what we wanted, wrote all the documentation for us, advertised the role and managed all the responses.  She phone interviewed candidates for us and attended a day’s interviewing with us too so we could be sure that we were really getting the right person for our team.  She has supported us throughout the whole process and made it a painless experience.  We are very excited to have our new employee joining the team and we’re confident that he understands and “gets” us before he even starts, thanks to Katherine’s efforts!

Pauline Beard, Sales and Service Supervisor
Phoenix Healthcare Products Ltd

An invaluable service…

My company has grown a great deal over the past 8-10 years.  I used to carry out all of my HR work myself but realised about 4 years ago that my rather piecemeal approach was no longer appropriate.  I decided that all of the contracts and staff handbooks needed to be reviewed and so I got in touch with Katherine and Jason of Keeping HR Simple who visited my firm and came up with a plan of action.  They re-wrote the contracts and added important information to my staff handbook.  We then undertook a period of renewing the contracts to ensure that all staff are now on appropriate contracts that fully comply with the law.

We also subscribe to their service whereby we are able to telephone them with specific queries about individual employees.  This service has been invaluable over the years as no two sets of circumstances are ever the same.  They have ensured that we have dealt with the many different situations professionally and fairly.  I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone who feels they need a little help with their HR systems.

Joanna Reeks, Partner
La Hogue Farm Foods

Exemplary support and guidance

Our existing HR service was coming to an end so we had to look for another company to provide HR support. Over the 7 years we have been in business we recognised the importance of quality HR support to both company owners and staff, especially with the complexities of HR Legislation, which is not our core strength.

Our paths had crossed previously when Keeping HR Simple provided recruitment services to us, very successfully. Our experience gave us the knowledge that they could also provide all our ongoing HR support needs. After a few meetings it was clear that the service they could provide actually surpassed our previous experiences.

It’s been several months since we starting working together and we have had several challenges along the way with HR staffing matters; Katherine and Jason have been there to provide exemplary support and guidance right along the way.

We would highly recommend Keeping HR Simple to any business owner.

Mike Hurley, Owner
Dream Doors Oxford

A common sense approach…

Working with Katherine and Jason has been simple. They make themselves available, for even the smallest of queries, and provide first class support and assistance in the, rather confusing at times, world of HR. Given the fact that HR can be confusing, they’ve honoured their Company name by making it understandable, using plain English and a common-sense approach. I’ve enjoyed the flexibility they offer, not just in helping to get the job done but also, in going ‘above and beyond’ their contractual obligations.

In a relatively short space of time, delayed and hindered only by myself, we’ve generated a coherent, concise and comprehensive approach to employment with emphasis on contracts and staff handbooks.

I’m looking forward to working with them both in the future.

Steve Wild, Managing Director
A4 Plus Drawing Services

Professionalism and clear communication

Keeping HR Simple have helped us through the process of recruiting a new graduate for the first time. Jason visited us at our premises and took the time to understand our business and the existing relationship we had with the candidate. Subsequently Katherine prepared all of the documentation that we needed to make the job offer and spent time with me on the phone to make sure that the contract and staff handbook met our needs. Keeping HR Simple have impressed me with their professionalism and clear communication and I look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.

Kevin Mansell, Director
Control F

Sensitivity and Professionalism

Facing an extremely sensitive issue, which would have been impossible to handle internally, we again turned to Keeping HR simple for advice and support. Katherine and Georgia came along, listened to our situation and quickly came back with a solid plan of action which removed any confusion regarding employment laws and procedures.

The situation was handled with sensitivity and professionalism, we were kept informed throughout the process which further provided us with reassurance we had made the right decision to outsource.  I would not hesitate to recommend these guys, they certainly make my role a whole lot easier!

Julie Collins
ALPHR Technology

Efficient and Friendly Training Delivery

Keeping HR Simple have looked after us now for some time but recently we have undertaken some of their management training. We found the experience to be extremely relevant to our business needs and the delivery, as usual, was efficient and friendly.

We are able to integrate the outcomes into our current processes to continue to improve performance.

Always difficult to find time for training, but so important to our growing business.

Thank you!

Sylvia Newman
Sylvia Newman Garden Design

Understanding what motivates us

Katherine came into see me and the team after we had completed our online questionnaires. Katherine really helped us understand what motivates us individually and each other. Off the back of doing Motivational Maps we have already started putting in place training programs for everyone in the office, as our highest team motivator is Expert. I would really recommend this process to any business owner or manager who is looking to get the best out of not only their team, but themselves also.

Karl Newman
Direct Peak

It’s been a revelation!

After a period of rapid growth for our company (from 11 to 48 employees within 3 years) we were struggling to cope with the responsibilities as an employer that a larger workforce brings.

As a family firm we have always had close relationships with all our staff and as much as we didn’t want to lose that, the day to day HR issues became more time consuming. We felt like we were not only letting our staff down, but that we weren’t putting the interests of the business first.

We started using a HR service provided by our bank, which was great for advice but after a year, we felt we were still getting dragged into the day to day issues which were taking up more and more time as we continued to grow. This was time we should have been spending overseeing the entire operations of the business. Then another local business recommended their HR company, Keeping HR Simple.

We have been working with Katherine and her team for over a year now and it’s been a revelation.

Not only have they taken the day to day running of simple HR issue like holiday requests on board with the implementation of HR software (and improved communications to all staff on site with an internal messenger service) but provided advice, strategy and insight in areas of grievance and misconduct that we would have been nervous to pursue without her involvement.

Katherine has created relationships with all members of our staff, taking time to get to know each individual so we can maintain that family firm ethos whilst ensuring we have the best interest of the business at heart​.

Laura Green
Director - Stamford Stone

Everything is Simple

I could not praise Keeping HR simple enough. Katherine & Simone make everything sound so simple and offer such great advice on how to deal with issues when they arise. They give straight forward solutions and always help me to write those tricky letters. I am so glad I have them as back up when I need it!

Tracey Laker
Business Administration & HR Manager - Ginger’s Kitchen

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Google My Business Reviews

5.0 27 reviews

  • Avatar Hollie ★★★★★ 3 weeks ago
    Always on hand with practical, legally compliant advice, and a touch of humour. Katherine takes the stress out of and clears the mist on everything HR. Our business wouldn't be what it is today without her.
  • Avatar Trisha Napier ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    Excellent up-to-date webinar, answering the 10 most asked questions relating to COVID-19, HR and how to deal with certain situations.
    All so relevant and useful.
    Thank you Katherine, another great webinar
  • Avatar Steve Wild ★★★★★ 3 weeks ago
    I've known the team at Keeping HR Simple for a considerable number of years and over that time they've helped us again and again with HR - and, when occasion calls - beyond! Pragmatic advice and very supportive - if you're looking for some … More help then look no further.
  • Avatar Parker Properties ★★★★★ 3 weeks ago
    We would definitely recommend Katherine and her team. They provide good, solid advice when needed, invaluable to small companies like ourselves. Covid and HR advice has proved invaluable on short webinar sessions where Katherine makes what could be … More a very boring session fun. Her use of song titles for emails etc is what makes this light hearted stance become interesting to all! Thanks Katherine and keep up the good work!
  • Avatar LISA GRAVETT ★★★★★ 3 weeks ago
    I have been joining Katherine's webinars since the start of Covid-19 situation from initial furlough introduction to lockdown 3. She provides an excellent overview on current matters that have been extremely helpful. Katherine is very personable, … More giving clear, easy and practical solutions to almost every problem or question for employers during this current pandemic.

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