10 Best HR Consulting Firms UK Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best services providers from the 19 we reviewed.
Get free help from our service advisors to find your match.
Handling HR challenges can be tough for your team. Whether you're dealing with compliance issues, employee relations, or compensation management, the right HR consulting firm can provide guidance and support when you need it.
To help you find the best partner for you, I've reviewed some of the HR consulting firms in the UK, highlighting their strengths and specialties.
You'll discover which firms are best suited to address your specific issues and how they can support your team's goals.
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Best HR Consulting Firms UK: Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes key details for my top HR consulting firms UK selections to help you find the best partner for your budget and business needs.
Service | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for platform-enabled consulting | Free demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website | |
2 | Best for employment law advice | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best for scaling businesses | Free initial consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
4 | Best for compliance assurance | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
5 | Best for public sector expertise | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
6 | Best for strategic HR planning | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
7 | Best for small business support | Free initial consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
8 | Best for interim HR solutions | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
9 | Best for local HR support | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best for tailored HR services | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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HiThrive
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Guru
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Absorb LMS
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best HR Consulting Firms UK Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best HR consulting firms in the UK that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.
Deel is an international HR and payroll platform and service that helps companies hire, manage, and pay teams across borders.
Why I picked Deel: Deel's consulting expertise is supported by its robust platform, which means you can apply guidance directly through their tools without needing other systems. For UK-based businesses hiring talent globally or those expanding into the region, Deel offers comprehensive advice on national tax regulations, employment classifications, localized benefits administration, legal documentation, and labor compliance.
Standout Services: Deel also offers employer of record (EOR) services so you can employ full-time staff in the UK without setting up a local business entity. You can even access immigration guidance for handling visa applications and use their HR documentation tools to manage contracts, offer letters, and company policies—all in one place.
Target industries: Technology, finance, education, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Specialties: Global payroll, compliance management, employer of record, benefits administration, immigration support, and contractor management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good for expanding internationally to or from the UK
- Strong emphasis on compliance
- Support for local taxes, benefits, and payroll management
Cons:
- May have unnecessary services if you don't have global expansion plans
- No in-person, face-to-face consulting
Peninsula Group offers HR and Health & Safety consulting services tailored for small businesses, including expert advice, documentation support, and tribunal assistance. They provide HR software and 24/7 employment law support, focusing on reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace efficiency.
Why I picked Peninsula Group: Peninsula Group provides unlimited employment law advice, ensuring you have access to critical support whenever needed. Their HR software helps manage staff-related tasks efficiently, while workplace mediation services address conflicts effectively. This comprehensive approach makes them ideal for businesses seeking reliable legal support.
Standout Services: Peninsula Group conducts risk assessments, helping you identify workplace hazards and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. They also provide fire safety evaluations, assess potential fire risks, and advise on measures to protect your employees and business premises.
Target industries: Small businesses, retail, healthcare, hospitality, and education.
Specialties: Employment law support, HR software, documentation management, risk assessments, and workplace mediation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong compliance focus
- Experienced consultants
- Wide range of services
- Fixed monthly fee
- 24/7 employment law support
Cons:
- UK-centric services
- Requires consultation for setup
- Limited customization in services
- Primarily small business-focused
- Pricing details not online
People Puzzles offers fractional HR consultancy services, focusing on leadership coaching, talent retention, and strategic HR support. They primarily serve businesses seeking to align people strategies with growth objectives.
Why I picked People Puzzles: People Puzzles specializes in helping businesses scale by providing tailored HR strategies that align with your growth objectives. Their services, like leadership coaching and talent retention, are designed to address specific people-related challenges, making them a great choice for businesses looking to grow sustainably.
Standout Services: People Puzzles provides leadership coaching, helping your management team enhance their skills and drive your business forward. They also focus on talent retention, working with you to develop strategies that keep your top performers engaged and committed.
Target industries: Manufacturing, technology, retail, healthcare, and financial services.
Specialties: Leadership coaching, talent retention, strategic HR planning, employee engagement, and people strategy alignment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Focus on aligning business goals
- On-site and remote support
- Expertise in scaling businesses
- Tailored HR strategies
- Flexible contract options
Cons:
- Focused on long-term planning
- Requires initial consultation
- May not suit very small businesses
- Limited global presence
- Pricing not readily available
BedrockHR provides HR support for employment law, workplace policies, and risk management. They focus on helping businesses comply with employment laws and improve workforce efficiency.
Why I picked BedrockHR: BedrockHR emphasizes compliance assurance by offering services like dispute resolution and HR policy creation, ensuring your business meets legal requirements. Their dedicated HR Business Partners work closely with your team to understand and address your specific needs. This collaborative approach helps you maintain compliance while optimizing employee management.
Standout Services: BedrockHR provides dispute resolution, helping you handle workplace conflicts before they escalate into costly legal issues. They also offer HR policy creation, working with you to develop clear guidelines that align with employment laws and support a productive workplace.
Target industries: Startups, professional services, education, charities, and small businesses.
Specialties: Employee management, engagement, dispute resolution, HR policy development, and compliance assurance.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Professional and reliable
- Focus on compliance
- Affordable service options
- Dedicated HR Business Partners
- Tailored HR solutions
Cons:
- Primarily London-based services
- Requires consultation for setup
- May not suit large enterprises
- Limited global presence
- Pricing not listed online
Fitzgerald HR provides HR consultancy services, focusing on employee relations, policy development, and strategic HR support. They primarily serve public-sector organizations and offer tailored solutions to meet specific regulatory and operational needs.
Why I picked Fitzgerald HR: Fitzgerald HR’s expertise in the public sector allows your team to navigate complex regulatory environments effectively. They provide strategic HR support to align your organization's goals with HR practices and offer policy development services to ensure compliance. This specialized focus makes them an excellent choice for public sector organizations seeking expert HR guidance.
Standout Services: Fitzgerald HR provides policy development services, helping you create clear and legally compliant workplace policies that align with your business needs. They also offer employee relations support, assisting with conflict resolution, performance management, and workplace investigations to maintain a productive and fair work environment.
Target industries: Public sector, education, healthcare, non-profit, and local government.
Specialties: Public sector expertise, employee relations, policy development, strategic HR support, and compliance management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strategic HR support
- Experienced consultants
- Strong compliance focus
- Tailored HR solutions
- Public sector expertise
Cons:
- May not suit private sector firms
- Setup requires consultation
- Primarily public sector focus
- Limited international reach
- Pricing not transparent
HR Inspire provides tailored HR support, employee relations management, and HR software implementation services. They primarily serve businesses of all sizes, focusing on delivering practical solutions and expert guidance.
Why I picked HR Consultancy: HR Inspire offers strategic HR planning services that help your team develop a clear roadmap for human resources management. They offer comprehensive employee relations management to ensure a harmonious workplace and HR software implementation to streamline your processes. Their focus on practical solutions makes them an ideal partner for businesses looking to enhance their HR functions.
Standout Services: Emphasizes internal communications, ensuring your team stays informed and connected, which boosts engagement and productivity. They also offer employee engagement initiatives to boost morale and productivity.
Target industries: Professional services, healthcare, education, retail, and technology.
Specialties: Retained HR support, employee relations, HR software implementation, HR compliance, and administrative support.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Competitive pricing
- Practical HR solutions
- Strong focus on compliance
- Experienced professionals
- Tailored HR support
Cons:
- Primarily UK-focused services
- May not suit very large firms
- Setup requires consultation
- Limited international reach
- Pricing not transparent
Avensure provides HR outsourcing, employment law, and health and safety consulting services, primarily to small—to medium-sized businesses. Their focus is on ensuring compliance with UK laws and enhancing business productivity.
Why I picked Avensure: Avensure offers a 24-hour HR advice helpline and fixed-fee service packages, making it easier for small businesses to access essential HR support without unexpected costs. Their employment law support helps you navigate complex legal landscapes, while health and safety advice ensures your team operates in a safe environment.
Standout Services: Avensure provides employment law support, offering 24/7 advice to help you navigate complex legal matters and maintain compliance with UK regulations. They also offer health and safety advice, assisting in creating and implementing policies to ensure a safe workplace and adherence to legal standards.
Target industries: Health and social care, education, hospitality, retail, and construction.
Specialties: HR outsourcing, employment law, health and safety consulting, 24-hour HR advice, and compliance management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored for small businesses
- Strong compliance focus
- Personalized service with specialists
- Fixed-fee service packages
- 24-hour HR advice helpline
Cons:
- Primarily UK-focused services
- Requires consultation for setup
- May not suit very large enterprises
- Limited trial details online
- Pricing not transparent
Hunter Adams offers HR consultancy services, focusing on interim HR support, recruitment, and project management for businesses of all sizes. They cater to a diverse client base and provide flexible solutions to meet various HR needs.
Why I picked Hunter Adams: Hunter Adams’ interim HR solutions allow your business to access experienced HR professionals temporarily, ensuring continuity during transitions. They also provide recruitment services to help you find the right talent and project management support to execute HR initiatives effectively. This flexibility makes them a valuable resource for businesses facing temporary HR challenges.
Standout Services: Hunter Adams provides recruitment services, helping you find experienced HR professionals for both temporary and permanent roles. They also offer project management support, assisting your team with HR initiatives like restructuring, policy development, and workforce planning to keep business operations running smoothly.
Target industries: Oil and gas, energy, public sector, manufacturing, and professional services.
Specialties: Interim HR support, recruitment, project management, HR consultancy, and change management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong recruitment support
- Wide industry coverage
- Quick response time
- Experienced HR professionals
- Flexible interim HR solutions
Cons:
- May not suit very large firms
- Setup requires consultation
- Primarily UK-focused services
- Limited global reach
- Pricing details not online
The HR Dept provides outsourced HR services for small and medium-sized businesses, focusing on compliance, employee relations, and workplace policies. Their network of local HR professionals offers hands-on support tailored to the needs of businesses in specific regions.
Why I picked The HR Dept: The HR Dept specializes in providing local HR support, ensuring your team receives personalized assistance tailored to your business's unique context. Their employment law services help you navigate complex legal requirements while health and safety support keeps your workplace compliant. This localized approach is ideal for businesses seeking hands-on HR assistance.
Standout Services: The HR Dept provides employment tribunal representation, helping you navigate legal disputes with expert guidance and support. They also offer recruitment support, assisting with job postings, candidate screening, and selection to help you find the right talent for your team.
Target industries: Retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Specialties: Local HR support, employment law, health and safety, employee management, and recruitment support.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible service packages
- Strong legal compliance focus
- Wide range of services
- Experienced HR professionals
- Personalized local support
Cons:
- May not suit very large firms
- Setup requires consultation
- Primarily small business-focused
- Limited international reach
- Pricing details not online
HR Solutions provides outsourced HR support, compliance management, and workplace policy development for businesses of all sizes. They focus on delivering customized HR solutions that align with specific business needs and objectives.
Why I picked HR Solutions: HR Solutions’ tailored HR services adapt to your business's unique requirements, ensuring effective HR management. They offer employee development programs that enhance workforce skills and compliance management to keep your business compliant with legal standards. Their focus on customization makes them an excellent fit for businesses seeking personalized HR support.
Standout Services: HR Solutions offers health and safety compliance, helping your business adhere to regulations and maintain a safe workplace. They also provide GDPR risk and compliance audits, assisting you in protecting data and meeting legal requirements.
Target industries: Manufacturing, healthcare, education, retail, and financial services.
Specialties: Outsourced HR support, employee development, compliance management, HR audits, and payroll services.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible service packages
- Wide industry coverage
- Effective employee development
- Strong compliance focus
- Customized HR solutions
Cons:
- Focused on small to medium businesses
- May not suit very large firms
- Setup requires consultation
- Limited international service
- Pricing not transparent
Other HR Consulting Firms UK
Here are some additional HR consulting firms in the UK that didn’t make it onto my shortlist but are still worth checking out:
- Disruptive HR
For innovative HR strategies
- Clover HR
For London-based firms
- Worknest
For health and safety integration
- TRANSEARCH
For global executive search
- Moore Kingston Smith
For financial sector HR
- Wirehouse HR
For health and safety advice
- Reed
For recruitment support
- Tell Jane
For workplace investigations
- OutThere RPO
For outsourcing HR functions
What Do HR Consulting Firms In The UK Do?
HR consulting firms in the UK are specialized companies that provide human resources expertise and solutions to businesses. They might offer things like:
- Employee relations management
- Recruitment and talent acquisition
- Compliance with employment laws
- Performance management and training.
Typically, HR consulting firms are sought out by HR departments, small to medium-sized businesses, and managers who need help with strategic HR planning and addressing workforce challenges.
These service providers help businesses manage employee relations, ensure legal compliance, and improve HR processes.
HR Consulting Firms UK Selection Criteria
When selecting the best HR consulting firms in the UK to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address.
This included things like improving employee engagement and ensuring compliance with employment laws. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:
- Employee relations management
- Recruitment and talent acquisition
- Compliance with employment laws
- Performance management systems
- HR policy development
Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:
- Leadership development programs
- Diversity and inclusion consulting
- Change management support
- Agile HR workshops
- Workforce analytics
Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:
- Years in business
- Range of industries served
- Client testimonials
- Case studies
- Thought leadership
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:
- Speed of setup
- Clarity of instructions
- Availability of support staff
- Customization options
- Training materials provided
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:
- Availability of support channels
- Response time to inquiries
- Quality of support provided
- Availability of dedicated account managers
- Customer feedback on support
Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:
- Transparency of pricing
- Competitiveness against market rates
- Flexibility of pricing models
- Value of services offered
- Return on investment potential
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Consistency of positive feedback
- Commonly mentioned strengths
- Areas for improvement noted
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Testimonials about service effectiveness
How To Choose An HR Consulting Firm In The UK
It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Business Objectives | Align the provider's services with your strategic goals. For example, if you focus on employee retention, ensure they offer robust engagement programs. |
Service Scope and SLAs | Check if the provider covers all necessary HR functions and offers clear service-level agreements to meet your expectations. |
Support Availability | Ensure the provider offers support when needed, whether 24/7 availability or a dedicated account manager for quick resolutions. |
Costs and Pricing Structure | Look for transparent pricing and flexible payment options that fit your budget. Be wary of hidden fees that could affect your ROI. |
Communication and Reporting | Effective communication is key. Ensure they provide regular updates and detailed reports on HR activities to keep you informed. |
Industry Experience | Evaluate their track record in your sector to ensure they understand industry-specific challenges and can provide tailored solutions. |
Customization Options | Determine if they can adapt services to suit your unique business needs, offering personalized solutions rather than one-size-fits-all packages. |
Technology Integration | Check if they use modern HR technologies that integrate with your existing systems for efficient operations. |
Key HR Consulting Firms UK Services
When selecting an HR consulting firm in the UK, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Employee relations management: Helps maintain a positive workplace by addressing conflicts and fostering communication.
- Recruitment and talent acquisition: Assists in finding and hiring the right candidates to meet your business needs.
- Compliance with employment laws: Ensures your business adheres to legal standards, reducing the risk of penalties.
- Performance management systems: Develop frameworks to evaluate and improve employee performance effectively.
- Leadership development programs: Provides training to enhance the skills of your management team.
- Change management support: Guides your business through smooth transitions, minimizing disruptions.
- Diversity and inclusion consulting: Promotes a more inclusive workplace, improving team dynamics and innovation.
- HR policy development: Creates and updates policies to align with current laws and company goals.
- Workforce analytics: Uses data to inform HR decisions and strategies, improving overall efficiency.
- Health and safety advice: Offers guidance to ensure a safe working environment for your employees.
Benefits of HR Consulting Firms UK
Partnering with an HR consulting firm in the UK offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved compliance: Ensures your business adheres to employment laws, reducing legal risks with expert guidance.
- Enhanced recruitment: Helps you find and hire the right talent quickly through specialized recruitment services.
- Better employee performance: Provides performance management systems to boost productivity and growth.
- Effective leadership: Offers leadership development programs to strengthen management skills and capabilities.
- Successful change management: Guides you through organizational changes smoothly, minimizing disruptions with expert support.
- Increased workplace safety: Provides health and safety advice to maintain a secure working environment for your employees.
- Promoted diversity and inclusion: Encourages a more inclusive culture through diversity consulting, enhancing team dynamics.
If you're operating in the London area specifically, then you might want to check out our reviews of the best HR consulting firms in London.
Costs and Pricing Structures of HR Consulting Firms UK
HR consulting firms in the UK typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:
- Hourly rate: Charges are based on the number of hours worked on your project.
- Project-based: Pricing is set for the entire project, regardless of time taken.
- Subscription-based: Monthly or annual fees for ongoing services and support.
- Retainer fee: A fixed monthly fee for a predetermined amount of service hours.
- Scope of work (SOW): Costs are determined by specific deliverables and outcomes.
Key Factors That Influence HR Consulting Firms UK Pricing
Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of HR consulting firms in the UK:
- Level of customization: More tailored solutions to fit your unique needs can increase costs.
- Industry regulations: Compliance with complex industry standards or specific regulations may require additional resources.
- Number of employees: Larger teams may incur higher costs due to the increased scope of work.
- Service duration: Long-term engagements might be priced differently than short-term projects.
- Expertise required: Specialized knowledge or skills in certain areas might lead to higher fees.
Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.
HR Consulting Firms UK: FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about HR consulting firms in the UK:
How do I choose the right HR consulting firm for my business?
Consider your specific needs and goals. Look for firms with experience in your industry and a proven track record. Evaluate their service offerings, pricing structures, and customer reviews. It’s also important to ensure they align with your company culture and values.
What should I expect during the initial consultation with an HR consulting firm?
During the initial consultation, you can expect to discuss your business’s HR challenges and goals. The consultant will likely ask about your current HR processes and any issues you face. This meeting is an opportunity to assess their expertise and determine whether they’re a good fit for your needs.
How long does it typically take to see results from hiring an HR consulting firm?
The timeframe for seeing results can vary depending on the services you need and the complexity of your challenges. Some improvements, like compliance updates, might be quick, while cultural or structural changes could take longer. Discuss timelines with the firm to set realistic expectations.
Can HR consulting firms help with legal compliance?
Yes, many HR consulting firms specialize in ensuring your business complies with employment laws and regulations. They can provide guidance on policies, procedures, and documentation to help you avoid legal issues. This expertise can be invaluable, especially in highly regulated industries.
Do HR consulting firms work with small businesses?
Absolutely, many HR consulting firms cater to small and medium-sized businesses. They offer flexible service packages tailored to the unique needs of smaller organizations. Whether you need occasional advice or ongoing support, options are available to suit your business size and budget.
What is the role of an HR consultant during organizational change?
An HR consultant can play a crucial role during organizational change by offering strategic guidance and support. They help manage the transition process, communicate changes to employees, and address any concerns. Their expertise ensures changes are implemented smoothly and effectively.
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