UK Enterprise 2017

54 WORLDWIDE BUSINESS REVIEW / UK Enterprise Awards 2017 , Best Workplace Conflict Resolution Company 2017 HR&DiversityManagement Limited provides a range of conflict resolution services to employers and employees in both the public and private sector. We invited Christine Pratt to talk us through the vital services the firmprovides. Established in 2003, HR & Diversity Management specialise in supporting clients through a wide range of disputes including grievances, disciplinaries, redundancy, wrongful or unlawful dismissal, long-term absence or suspension or any situation where the contractual relationship is fragile or is deemed to have irretrievably broken down. Christine outlines the range of services the firm offers and how it works to provide the highest possible level of service and support for clients. “At HR & Diversity Management, on a consultancy basis we offer independent workplace investigation services to employers and Case Assessment and a Settlement Agreement service for employees. In respect of the latter, uniquely, we are a Claims Management Company (CMC4003) authorised by The Ministry of Justice. This authorisation enables us to give employment law advice to aggrieved workers in cases where they might seek compensation for loss, or future loss, of a job or salary. “Finally, where we have assessed a case and where there is mutual agreement we work with both the employee and employer to help them remedy their dispute. This involves engagement in without prejudice discussions and careful negotiation on our part. Where WUK17046 settlement is reached we then draw up legally binding Settlement Agreement which usually includes an agreed Job Reference. This settlement approach is often the preferred outcome and enables the parties to part company amicably without risk of future legal action.” Another key area that the firm operates is its helplines. As well as its free helpline for employers and employees alike, the Directors of HR & Diversity Management Limited are also the founders of The National Bullying Helpline, funded entirely by the consultancy. Christine is exceptionally proud of the helpline and is keen to highlight its crucial work. “The National Bullying Helpline is a household name and provides invaluable support to adults and children alike. We save lives. For example, one 13-year-old child emailed us saying; “I have been raped and my life is over”. We immediately traced the young girl and alerted the emergency services. That 13-year-old girl is now safe. In another case a vulnerable woman was threatened on-line and the threats were explicit and extremely graphic so we alerted the Police and she is now safe. If a life is deemed to be at risk of self-harm, or harm from a third party, we will trigger the emergency services who we work closely with in these extreme cases. On a daily basis, we receive calls from parents struggling with bullying issues in their child’s school. We have written a Guide for Parents which is complimentary. I am immensely proud to think that my HR work enables me to fund and run such an important, invaluable, and well- known UK helpline.” Overall, it is the firm’s dedication to excellence and unique approach which sets it apart from its competitors, as Christine explains. “What sets HR & Diversity Management apart is that your average HR consultancy focuses on providing services to the employer, typically as an outsourced HR department. These HR Consultancies provide a good service, no doubt, but they are not legally authorised to give employment law advice to employees. Due to the fact that we have Claims Management authorisation we can give legal advice so the employee does not need to instruct a Solicitor. We engage with the employee first and assess their case for a small fee. Then, with consent, we engage in ‘Without Prejudice’ talks with the employer. Perceived complex and contentious cases are often remedied quickly this way. Everyone wins. The employee feels ‘listened to and valued’ and the employer benefits by minimising risk of costly and stressful litigation leading to a potential employment tribunal claim. There are very few organisations in the UK lawfully able to provide this dual, much needed and skilled, level of expertise. We find our work immensely rewarding.” As she explores the future for HR & Diversity Management, Christine is keen to emphasise that employers or employees with any form of issues should contact her firm to gain the support they need. “Looking ahead, we want employers to know that we are here to help. Ideally, we would like to do more to assist the employer struggling with the distraction of complex employees in our world of ever-changing employment laws and complex technology. We really can help set standards and get the business ‘back on track’. One call to our helpline could save an employer thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of pounds in terms of management time, formal process, legal fees, and ongoing risk to the business, and moving forward we would like to see more employers using our services.” Company: HR & Diversity Management Limited Contact: Christine Pratt Contact Email: [email protected] Address: PO Box 1276, Swindon. SN25 4UX Telephone: 01793 338888 Mobile: 07734 701221 Email: www.hrdiversity.co.uk The National Bullying Helpline: www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk