Harwood HR Solutions

18/09/2026

☕ Another great morning at Busy Women Networking!

Zoe enjoyed another brilliant BWN meeting in Banbury, with plenty of opportunities to catch up with familiar faces and make new connections.

This month’s speaker was Phillipa Carson from Not Just Travel, who talked all things holidays and added a fun touch with little suitcases used as raffle tickets.

It was also great to see the latest edition of In The Know, a magazine produced by one of the BWN members and distributed locally.

Great conversations, a lovely lunch and a really friendly group. Zoe is already looking forward to the next one!

Interested in finding out more about Busy Women Networking? Visit busywomen.net or contact Zoe at [email protected]

17/09/2026

🔍 Could a trait you see as a weakness actually be a candidate's biggest strength?

This article from HR News explores the idea of "skills-flipping", looking beyond traditional labels such as quiet, cautious or talkative to understand how those characteristics could translate into valuable workplace strengths. Read more: https://ow.ly/tQ3c50ZG0Nq

As skills-based hiring becomes more common, looking beyond qualifications and first impressions can help employers recognise potential that might otherwise be overlooked.

The best candidate isn't always the person who fits a preconceived idea of what "good" looks like. Understanding how someone works, communicates and contributes to a team can reveal a very different picture.

16/09/2026

📋 Do small businesses really need HR support?

If you employ even one person, UK employment law already applies to your business. Contracts, disciplinary and grievance procedures, right to work checks, holiday entitlement, workplace safety and more all bring responsibilities from the moment you start employing people.

Our latest blog looks at what small businesses must have in place by law, the risks of getting HR wrong and how outsourced support can give you access to HR expertise without the cost of an in-house team. Read the blog: https://ow.ly/K50k50ZG0Jp

With further employment law changes taking effect throughout 2026 and 2027, now is a good time to ensure your HR foundations keep pace with your business.

15/09/2026

👓 Are your workplace policies keeping up with new technology?

This article from Personnel Today highlights the growing legal and HR considerations surrounding smart glasses in the workplace, from covert recordings and confidential information to data protection, privacy and harassment. Read more: https://ow.ly/B2Zj50ZFIsi

As wearable technology becomes more sophisticated, existing policies may not adequately cover how it can and can't be used at work. But employers also need to consider where devices could provide valuable support as a reasonable adjustment.

It's another reminder that workplace policies need to evolve with technology, rather than waiting for an issue to arise.

Smart glasses at work. Would you embrace them, restrict them or ban them? Let us know what you think.

Smart glasses present a clear legal risk to employers and employees. But so far regulation has been piecemeal. Should ministers get involved?

14/09/2026

☕ Back from the summer break and ready to reconnect!

Busy Women Networking is back this Wednesday, bringing together local women in business to build relationships, share experiences and support one another.

Our Zoe will be there representing Harwood HR Solutions and is looking forward to catching up with the group and getting back into networking after the summer break.

Interested in getting involved? Visit https://www.busywomen.net or get in touch with Zoe at [email protected].

10/09/2026

🔍 Are you confident your DBS checking process is up to date?

The Disclosure and Barring Service has updated its Update Service guidance for employers, providing greater clarity around status checks, their limitations and how they can support safer recruitment and employment practices.

The updated guidance covers how employers should conduct and interpret status checks, as well as how to take a proportionate, risk-based approach to checking.

The DBS is also running two free online information sessions on 15 September and 15 October, covering the changes, status checking, safer recruitment considerations and good practice. Find out more: https://ow.ly/9Pmg50ZFIgf

If DBS checks form part of your recruitment or safeguarding responsibilities, now is a good time to make sure your processes remain up to date.

The government’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has updated its ‘Update Service’ guidance for employers.

09/09/2026

🔄 Planning a business restructure?

Whether driven by growth, changing market conditions, cost pressures or a new strategic direction, restructuring can be a complex period for any organisation. Careful planning, clear communication and the right processes can help reduce disruption, protect employee relationships and ensure you meet your legal obligations.

Our Restructure Management Service provides practical HR support throughout the process, from initial planning and consultation to workforce realignment and post-restructure support. Find out how we can support your business: https://ow.ly/GmMN50ZFIek

Having experienced HR support alongside you can help you make informed decisions, manage risk and navigate organisational change fairly and confidently.

08/09/2026

☕ As the school holidays wind down, it’s time to reconnect.

Join the Bicester business community for a morning of relaxed, informal networking at Bicester Buzz on Thursday 10th September.

Hosted by Jennifer Williams at McCafferty’s Irish Bar, it’s a great opportunity to meet local business owners and professionals, make new connections and catch up with familiar faces, all without the pressure of pitches or presentations.

As proud sponsors, the Harwood HR Solutions team will be there too. Come and say hello!

Book your place: https://ow.ly/aXbT50Z5S1j

07/09/2026

🦺 Incident reporting shouldn't be complicated.

When an accident, incident, or near miss occurs, businesses need a straightforward way to capture details and maintain accurate records.

Our Health & Safety Portal provides incident reporting tools that help you manage this information in one central place, making it easier to stay organised and understand where action may be needed.

Simple tools. Better records. A more proactive approach to workplace safety.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/PFcu50WKgqv

04/09/2026

🎯 Is a training course really going to solve your leadership challenges?

This article from HR News explores why challenges such as poor communication, weak accountability, or the avoidance of difficult conversations aren't always caused by a lack of skills. Sometimes, the wider culture, structure or expectations within the organisation are part of the problem. Read more: https://ow.ly/kQeZ50ZFHXA

Training can be hugely valuable, but only when it addresses the right issue. Before investing in development, businesses need to understand what's driving the behaviour and whether managers need new skills, greater support, or changes to the environment they work in.

At Harwood HR Solutions, we help businesses identify what their managers and teams really need, providing practical HR support and tailored training that addresses the root of the challenge, not just the symptoms.