Birch-HR

16/01/2026

🚀 HR & Leadership in 2026: Top 3 Takeaways

2026 isn't about new trends, it’s about how strategically you manage your people.

At Birch-HR, we’ve identified the three core areas that will define high-performing organisations this year:

1️⃣ Close the Leadership Gap Under-skilled managers are a risk to retention. Use coaching and mentoring as levers to build confident leaders who embed culture and drive performance.

2️⃣ Governance Over Novelty AI is everywhere, but the real challenge is using it ethically, legally, and transparently. Strategic HR ensures your tech adoption is grounded in robust governance.

3️⃣ HR as a Business-Critical Partner People strategy is business strategy. HR must be courageous interpreting data and challenging leadership to ensure the best outcomes for the organisation.

Is your team ready to thrive in 2026?

👇 Read our full 2026 Outlook and People Strategy guide here: https://birch-hr.co.uk/hr-leadership-2026-people-purpose-performance/

14/01/2026

We recently delivered a leadership session and were thrilled to receive this note: "Everyone felt the leadership session was very beneficial. So thanks Birch-HR."

Helping teams find clarity and confidence is what it's all about. 🤝

08/01/2026

We’ve started the year at Birch-HR with some wonderful feedback. 🏫

Hearing that our "practical support" and "professionalism" have made a significant difference is exactly why we do what we do. We’re honored to be a steady hand and a trusted partner for school leaders when it matters most.

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/