Beck Associates

06/06/2026

This is your Final Call to sign up to attend a workshop I'm presenting at the Ocean Village Innovation Centre this coming Tuesday 9th June on the topical subject of the change in Unfair Dismissal Service requirement from 2 years to 6 months. And the implications it potentially has for employers recruiting staff from this coming 1st July.

Well worth giving up an hour of your time, starting at 9.30am

05/06/2026

Today is World Environment Day, a global initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme to raise awareness and encourage action to protect our planet.

While environmental responsibility is often viewed as a moral obligation, it has increasingly become a business imperative.

Across the UK, organisations bidding for Local Authority, Housing Association, NHS and Central Government contracts are being asked to demonstrate their commitment to Social Value. Increasingly, that means showing how they will reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Environmental commitments that often strengthen tender submissions include:
· Reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption
· Supporting biodiversity and green spaces
· Minimising waste and increasing recycling rates
· Using sustainable procurement practices
· Encouraging active travel and greener transport options
· Supporting community environmental projects and volunteering initiatives
· Educating employees and local communities about environmental sustainability

The message is clear: social value is no longer just about people – it is also about the planet.

Businesses that embed environmental responsibility into their operations are not only helping to tackle global challenges such as climate change, but are also strengthening their reputation, improving operational efficiency, and increasing their competitiveness when bidding for public sector contracts.

On this World Environment Day, it is worth asking:
"What practical steps is our organisation taking to leave a positive environmental legacy for future generations?"

Small actions, consistently applied, can create significant impact.

04/06/2026

When you get the opportunity to move into leadership and management, avoid the temptation to overhaul everything on day one. Take time to understand your team’s current workflows, career goals, and communication preferences. Conduct 1-on-1 meetings to ask what they need from you to succeed.

01/06/2026

Your Job Title doesn't make you a Leader, see below what does !

01/06/2026

*** National Volunteers' Week: Turning Social Value into Action ***

This week is National Volunteers' Week, ( 1st June – 7th June ) it's a timely reminder that volunteering is much more than a goodwill activity – it's one of the most visible and impactful ways organisations can demonstrate their commitment to social value.

Across the UK, businesses are increasingly being asked not just what they do, but how they contribute to the communities in which they operate.

Volunteering provides a practical and meaningful answer to that question.
When employees volunteer their time, skills and expertise, the benefits extend far beyond the immediate project:

* Local charities and community groups receive much-needed support
* Communities become stronger and more resilient
* Employees develop new skills and gain valuable experiences
* Team morale, engagement and wellbeing improve
* Businesses strengthen their reputation as responsible employers

The most effective social value programmes are about creating genuine partnerships and making a lasting difference. Employee volunteering offers organisations the opportunity to contribute their greatest asset – their people.

Whether it's supporting a local charity, mentoring young people, helping with environmental projects, serving as school governors, or sharing professional expertise with community organisations, every volunteering hour creates value that reaches far beyond the workplace.

This National Volunteers’ Week let's recognise and celebrate the individuals who generously give their time to support others, and encourage more organisations to make volunteering a central part of their social value strategy.

Volunteering isn't just good for communities – it's good for business to

31/05/2026

Did you see the news article earlier this week on Alan Milburn's report into NEETS, young people not in Education, Employment or Training?

His report highlights job and career opportunities for young people are "not growing, they're shrinking", with one in six set to be out of work, education or training in five years unless action is taken.

He went onto say that the education, health and welfare systems are no longer fit for purpose in preparing young people for adult life.

"We are at risk of a lost generation," he warned, with young adults facing a "perfect storm" of challenges. The review came as official figures revealed more than one million young people were not in education, employment or training - the highest level in more than 12 years.

This is truly shocking not helped by Government policies but not all the blame can lay at their door. I'm convinced companies can do more in terms of offering short term work placements and "Taster" Days.

Click Here to read the full article

A report warns the number of 16 to 24-year-olds out of work, education or training is set to rise to 1.25 million by 2031.

30/05/2026

With the Unfair Dismissal service requirement reducing from 2 years to 6 months from 1st January 2027, there are implications for probation periods of employment, especially for new employees employed from 1st July 2026, which is not that far away !!

We are running a one hour workshop at Ocean Village Innovation Centre, Southampton on 9th June at 9.30am ( see previous posts) on this subject which will include how to manage probation periods. To book e mail [email protected] or register via Eventbrite https://lnkd.in/ewuGx6cz

29/05/2026

An excellent tip and one which is often well received by a team. Gives kudos to the Leader

20/05/2026

Today is International Human Resources Day.

It is a day dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of HR and people professionals in creating productive, inclusive, and ethical workplaces.

The central focus for International HR Day is "Empower people to lead change". The 2026 campaign spotlights two primary pillars:

· Future-Focused Leadership: Building trust, enabling flexibility, and empowering employees in a rapidly changing workplace.

· Human-Centric AI: Navigating digital transformation responsibly by balancing productivity gains with human oversight, transparency, and inclusive upskilling

HR can move beyond operational excellence to drive business performance, empower employees through trust and clarity, and build change readiness in an AI-enabled world.

Support and celebrate your HR colleagues !

08/05/2026

Today is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026, and the theme this year is “United in Humanity”, which celebrates the volunteers and staff who stand alongside communities in times of crisis, not as outsiders, but as part of them. In an increasingly complex and divided world, they turn compassion into action, offering hope, dignity and support when it matters most.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is both a tribute to their unwavering commitment and a moment to remember those who have lost their lives in service of others. It is also a call to uphold and protect humanitarian action, ensuring that neutral, independent and impartial support continues to reach those most in need, wherever they are.

Crises may look different from one place to another, but the need for support, solidarity and connection is universal. In these moments, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers step forward to support those around them.