The HR Dept - Plymouth/Launceston/SW Devon

31/07/2026

Well what a fantastic day yesterday!

Hayley Dunn, Tim Bardgett L.ISP and I had an amazing morning at the RUN Bodmin where we heard from Emma Spence and congratulations to Mark Roby for winning the prize draw! We also heard from Jo Mottershead about the year ahead for The Really Useful Network (The RUN) as it enters it's 2nd, exciting, year and Lisa Bailey-Brown on how her membership of The RUN has helped her business and being part of the community. We also had 2 people sign up as members after the event 🧡

I then headed to Torbay to see some of our fantastic clients and finished the day on Paignton seafront listening to the Riviera Dogs and watching the fireworks!

I'm so grateful to work across these beautiful regions 💜 💚

Quote of the day - its all about the Cheese! (see photo)

I would love to know what cheese would represent what you want in life?

I think mine would be cheddar - its reliable, strong, versatile, popular and locally made 😁

29/07/2026

Long-term sickness absence can be challenging for both employers and employees, making it essential to have the right processes and support in place.

In our latest blog, we explore how employers can effectively manage long-term sickness absence, maintain communication with employees, and navigate their legal responsibilities while supporting a successful return to work where possible:

https://www.hrdept.co.uk/knowledge-hub/blog/managing-long-term-sickness-absence

If you are a small business and would like some support in managing absence, contact us for an initial conversation

The Odyssey is the big summer blockbuster at the movies. But did you know that Odysseus once “pulled a sickie” in an attempt to get out of the Trojan war?…

22/07/2026

⭐ Training for Managers for a new ERA ⭐

We often advise “policies, policies, policies” to help you get ready for new employment law. But Labour’s Employment Rights Act is so sweeping, we also need to borrow a phrase from a former (New) Labour government and urge: “education, education, education” for your managers.

So much has changed (or will change in the next 12 months), and the consequences could be so great for you if you get it wrong, that it really is essential your managers are fully aware of all the new rules, and how to implement your company policies in practice.

In our latest blog, we further explain the new changes and how you can prepare:

We often advise “policies, policies, policies” to help you get ready for new employment law. But Labour’s Employment Rights Act is so sweeping, we also…

21/07/2026

Wow what a great start to the week! I took the ferry from Brixham over to Dartmouth for a new client visit. I love days like this!😎

If you are a SME in Dartmouth or SW Devon and would like some support with your people needs, then please reach out, [email protected] and we can book a call to discuss!

08/07/2026

There are many stages of parenthood, each presenting different challenges to the working mum or dad. From sleepless nights early on to the financial pressures of a growing family.

One challenge that is near impossible to avoid (for many, many years) is how to care for school-aged children during the endless school summer holidays. For the majority of the year, the routine is set – drop the children off before 9am, facilitate a 3pm-ish pick up (or use an afterschool club to cover the time until a 9-5 finishes).

But for at least six weeks over summer, that goes out of the window, and far more extensive daytime childcare is called for. These have just commenced in Scotland. England and Wales will not be far behind.

That said, your employees have accepted the job and what it entails (as well as accepting family life), and ultimately it is up to them to make it work. You are there to run a business not play social worker – but you’ll still care.

In our latest blog, we explain how to manage this:

There are many stages of parenthood, each presenting different challenges to the working mum or dad. From sleepless nights early on to the financial…

03/07/2026

⭐ Client Spotlight – June 2026 ⭐

We are pleased to have supported The Apricot Centre with their HR and people management needs for over 5 years. The Centre grows biodynamic food which nurtures local people and communities based in Dartington, Devon and recently had a royal seal of approval!

We provide the team with practical, proactive HR support across a range of areas, including:

· Updating their Employee Handbook/policies and procedures in line with the Employment Rights Act changes introduced in April 2026

· Working with team with the Learning and Practitioners Agreements ensuring legal compliance that supports the centre and its learners

· Providing day-to-day advice on all employee relations matters

It’s always rewarding to work with businesses that genuinely care about their people and want to create a positive, compliant and supportive working environment.

Thank you to the team at the Apricot Centre for continuing to partner with ourselves and we look forward to supporting your continued success.

What our client says:

"As a growing social enterprise working across farming, education and wellbeing, having trusted HR support is invaluable. The team have taken the time to understand both our organisational values and the practical realities of our work, providing advice that is pragmatic, responsive and always tailored to our needs. Their support gives us confidence that we can continue to grow while ensuring our people remain at the heart of everything we do."

Rachel Phillips, Managing Director

22/06/2026

So this week its going to be HOT HOT HOT! 😎

See our guide below for managing your team in a heatwave, if you need any support please let us know.

15/06/2026

This week is Learning Disability Week

At The HR Dept, we’re proud to champion workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. People with learning disabilities bring valuable perspectives and strengths that enrich businesses and communities alike.

If you need support creating a more inclusive workplace, we’re here to help, just reach out and we'll be happy to discuss.

12/06/2026

I love visiting clients when the view is like this 😎 Paignton Harbour on a sunny afternoon.

Whilst I work from home most of the time, it is important to me to keep in touch with clients and visit their amazing businesses. Today we talked about the changes to unfair dismissal, sexual and third party harassment in the hospitality environment and DBS enhanced checks when employing 14 to 15 year olds. With our support, our client is proactively futureproofing their business and looking after their teams in line with the company values.

If you run a hospitality business in Torbay, Plymouth or North/SE Cornwall areas and feel you would like to discuss any of the above, then please contact us for a no obligation conversation.