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HR Dept offers support for changing times

HR Dept offers support for changing times

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With the impending election, many small business owners may be uncertain about what this means for their business future. Part of these concerns will likely surround their employees and what changes may come into employment law – especially what this may cost them.

With this in mind, The HR Dept has developed resources to help SMEs navigate the changing times. These include an online election hub and whitepaper, detailing some of the key proposals and their likely impact on SMEs. From additional day-one rights to plans for stronger enforcement. Increased costs to empowered trade unions. The impact of this election on SMEs across the country is likely to be huge. These resources are designed to provide employers with insight into what they could mean for them and, more importantly, how they can future proof their business by getting ahead of the changes.

Felicity Kenny is the Managing Director of the HR Dept

“SMEs make up the backbone of the UK economy but are often under-represented in conversations and debates around the future of employment legislation. We are proud to have always been the ‘ HR Voice of the SME’ and as part of this commitment is to provide resources and expert advice during transformative change.” 

You can find these free resources at https://www.hrdept.co.uk/

Random Acts Of Connection: Loneliness Awareness Week 2024 is all about the power of micro-connections in our everyday lives.

Random Acts Of Connection: Loneliness Awareness Week 2024 is all about the power of micro-connections in our everyday lives.

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Every June, millions of people from every part of society in both the UK and around the world take part in Loneliness Awareness Week.

Almost half of the population of the UK report feeling lonely at least some of the time, and loneliness is on the rise, with many more people in the UK feeling lonelier since the pandemic¹.

The Marmalade Trust is the only charity in the world specifically dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness. This year their annual campaign, Loneliness Awareness Week, is looking at the incredible power of micro-connections, by championing the theme: #RandomActsOfConnection.

Micro-connections are all about those small, simple interactions in life – stepping outside of your comfort zone and starting a conversation, joining a new group, smiling at someone on the street, or reconnecting with an old friend.

Taking place from 10th – 16th June, Loneliness Awareness Week encourages everyone to increase those simple, everyday moments of connection. It is proven that these small connections help us feel happier, more connected and less lonely; ultimately creating more connected communities.

Loneliness Awareness Week is vital in increasing awareness and understanding of loneliness and how we can create a more connected society. It all starts by having open, honest conversations. Loneliness is a natural human emotion and by talking about it, we can boost awareness levels and support those around us.

Joe Harrison, Campaign Manager of Loneliness Awareness Week, shares four of the ways that people can get involved and help make this a reality:

  1. Make #RandomActsofConnection and encourage those around you to do the same.
  2. Share our campaign graphics on your social media channels. 
  3. Host or join an event and be sure to add it to the map on our website

Loneliness Awareness Week, hopes to encourage individuals, businesses, organisations, and community groups to join together to create supportive communities by harnessing and sharing moments that matter. Start a conversation about loneliness and see where it takes you.

These moments of connection can significantly affect our happiness and sense of belonging.

To get involved with the campaign and to access our free resources on understanding loneliness and making social connections, check out our brand new campaign website: 

https://www.lonelinessawarenessweek.org

The HR Dept Launches New Podcast: ‘Preventing People Problems’

The HR Dept Launches New Podcast: ‘Preventing People Problems’

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The HR Dept is thrilled to announce the launch of its new podcast channel, featuring insightful discussions on ‘Preventing People Problems’. The podcast will take a deep dive into the world of human resources, where listeners get expert advice, valuable tips, and guidance on a broad range of topics. 

The first episode, ‘Investigations’, hosted by Tracey Hudson, addresses the challenges senior managers and business owners face when they become the subject of a grievance and workplace investigation. Hudson is joined by HR experts Sarah Bradley, HR Director, Leeds South, and Michaela Gartside, HR Director, Bracknell, Windsor & Heathrow, to discuss investigations when things go wrong, dealing with the emotions, the process, and the aftermath. 

Business leaders will get practical guidance on navigating the complexities and nuances of workplace investigations. They will gain valuable insights from experienced HR professionals, learn practical strategies to address grievances, protect all parties involved, get closure, and foster a healthy work environment.

“We’re excited to launch the Preventing People Problems podcast, which is aimed mainly at small and medium-sized enterprises. Episode 1 delves into workplace investigations’ impact on leaders and employees. Our goal is to equip senior managers and business owners with the knowledge needed to handle these situations successfully,” said Tracey Hudson, Executive Director at The HR Dept South Warwickshire, North Warwickshire, Rugby & North Derbyshire.

To listen to the podcast and gain valuable insights on how to manage workplace investigations, visit https://www.hrdept.co.uk/podcast/

Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home announces Bristol City Women’s Football Club as Their First Team Ambassador

Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home announces Bristol City Women’s Football Club as Their First Team Ambassador

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Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home proudly announces a partnership with the Bristol City Women’s Football Club. This collaboration marks a significant step forward, celebrating some amazing women and advancing the Jessie May mission of providing support to children and families in need. 

As part of this exciting partnership, the Bristol City Women join as the first team ambassador for Jessie May, A group of highly talented and motivated women dedicated to making a difference in their communities. This partnership is sure to blossom, with a presence at Ashton Gate Stadium, engaging in social media appearances, and participating in fundraising challenges to support Jessie May’s work. 

“We are thrilled to welcome the Bristol City Women’s Football Club as our first team ambassador,” said Daniel Cheesman, CEO at Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home. “Their commitment to excellence both on and off the field resonates with our mission to provide exceptional care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. We believe this partnership will create endless possibilities for raising awareness and vital funds to support our charity, and we are honoured that they have accepted our invitation to join us.” 

The partnership between Jessie May and Bristol City represents a great step forward, highlighting the importance of community engagement in driving positive change.  

“We’re delighted to be ambassadors for Jessie May,” said City wing-back Jamie-lee Napier. “When the team and I first went to visit the charity not many of us knew much about it but we were immediately inspired and wanted to know more when we met the amazing nurses, staff, and everyone involved. Hearing about what Jessie May is all about and the work they do behind the scenes with the families is truly incredible. We especially loved it when some of the families came to our game at Ashton Gate. It was amazing to meet them and hear their stories and just talk and get to know one another.” 

Jessie May Welcomes Philippa Brownjohn as Honorary President 

Jessie May Welcomes Philippa Brownjohn as Honorary President 

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“To be invited back feels like coming home. Jessie May is where I belong” Philippa Brownjohn 

Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home was first established by Chris and Philippa Purrington following the death of their baby daughter, Jessica May Purrington. This spring, on the 12th of May, Jessica would have turned 30 and to add to this poignant landmark Jessie May welcomes Philippa back to the charity, as their Honorary President. 

©Barbara Evripidou/FirstAvenuePhotography.com

The Jessie May Trust was set up by Chris and Philippa after they realised the at-home care they received during Jessica’s end-of-life diagnosis was not available in the Bristol area. Jessica was able to be cared for at home throughout her illness until she died in her father’s arms, with dignity, surrounded by love. 

Philippa and Chris were determined to make this sort of care accessible, with the launch of Jessie May in 1996 allowing for children with life-limiting conditions to be supported by a trained nurse in their own homes and be given the chance to die at home when the time comes.  

It was so important to Philippa that Jessica experienced as much as she could in her short lifetime; she wanted a sense of normality for her daughter. When taking her to the hospital in Bristol, Philippa was taken aback to see a baby boy alone crying who had nobody with him. She later found out that he had a life-limiting condition and that his family was unable to be with him. This deeply affected Philippa, as she recognised that he needed to be with his family and not isolated in a hospital room.  

And so, the Jessie May Trust was born.  

Jessie May CEO Daniel Cheesman is delighted by the news, 

“We are incredibly proud to announce Philippa as Honorary President for Jessie May. It feels like a full-circle moment but also incredibly poignant as 2024 marks what would have been Jessica’s 30th birthday. Philippa’s vision has helped create the charity that we are today and means that we can support the hundreds of Jessie May children, young people and their families that we do today.”  

In Jail for Jessie May  

In Jail for Jessie May  

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On Wednesday 7th February six brave Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home supporters will go to jail for the charity. The idea behind this fundraiser is that in order to leave jail, bail will need to be reached via fundraising. 

Participating in the event are local businesspeople Tom Selman of Panoramic, Gemma Przytocka of Pear Tree plus five world snooker stars. Tom is both a trustee and long-time supporter of the work Jessie May do, and Gemma’s company Pear Tree are regular fundraisers. From the world of snooker players Jamie Jones and Stuart Bingham are joined by commentator Rob Walker and Matchroom Sports President Barry Hearn.   

Jessie May Childrens Hospice at Home work in the southwest of the UK providing specialist palliative nursing care at home for children with life-limiting conditions. Jessie May nurses give expert care throughout a child’s life, extending their support to provide bereavement care for families following the death of a child. 

©Barbara Evripidou/FirstAvenuePhotography.com

“We are delighted that we have six brave volunteers willing to be jailed for this fun event that will raise vital funds. We rely on the generous support of our supporters to enable us to care for more young people and their families” Kim James-Coggins, Partnerships Executive at Jessie May 

You can support Jessie May and find out more here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/jessiemayjailandbail2024 

Barry Hearn is arrested by police

Snooker Stars Arrested! 

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…..in the name of charity. 

This morning saw the arrest of four of the UK’s known faces of world snooker. Snooker players Jamie Jones and Stuart Bingham are joined in jail by commentator Rob Walker and Matchroom Sports President Barry Hearn.    

Fear not, it’s all in the name of charity. The chosen charity is Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home and the idea behind this fundraiser is that to leave jail, bail will need to be reached via fundraising. Bail is set by a volunteer judge and must be reached to ensure release.  

Jessie May Childrens Hospice at Home, work in the southwest of the UK. The charity provides specialist palliative nursing care at home for children with life-limiting conditions. Jessie May nurses provide palliative care throughout a child’s life, extending their support to provide bereavement care for families following the death of a child. 

“Hopefully we’ll get dozens of donations to get us out as I’d rather not stay in a cell for too long! Jessie May is a fantastic charity and the important thing it to raise much-needed funds for them. With Stuart, Rob and Jamie in the same room I’m planning to have some fun as well! Please give generously.” Barry Hearn OBE 

You can support Jessie May and find out more here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/jessiemayjailandbail2024 

HR Dept Celebrates ‘HR Dept in the Community’

HR Dept Celebrates ‘HR Dept in the Community’

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Throughout September, The HR Dept took part in ‘The HR Dept in the Community’ campaign to raise money for a local charity close to their hearts. Nationally, HR Dept franchises chose local charities to support.

HR Dept Central Office partnered with The HR Dept Bristol and The Health & Safety Dept Bristol to fundraise for Jessie May Trust, a charity based in the South West that cares for children with life-limiting conditions in their own homes. 

They created an itinerary that included fundraising activities throughout the month, including an indoor cycling challenge that covered 688 miles, a team walk up Pen Y Fan, cake sales and a charity quiz night and raffle.

The team raised a brilliant £1500 for Jessie May, which will go towards supporting their palliative care nursing teams.

Felicity Kenny is the Managing Director of HR Dept,

“As a national franchise network, we wanted to find a way to support charities close to our hearts. It was great to see so many of our HR Dept business owners get involved in their local area, for what we hope will be the first year of many HR Dept in the community months.”

Be Astute Join Forces with Snook Digital

Be Astute Join Forces with Snook Digital

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Be Astute are pleased to announce its exciting new partnership with Snook Digital, which is a creative digital marketing company specialising in e-commerce, website optimisation, and process improvement. As one of the South West’s leading management consulting firms, Be Astute knows that this collaboration will be a game changer. 

Bill Stock of Be Astute, has worked with Nathan and Snook Digital for the past two years, so it was a natural decision to formalise this partnership. 

Be Astute is all about collaboration, as the company was created by Bill and Julia Stock, a formidable husband and wife duo who decided to combine their individual years of expertise. They are business-focused IT specialists who have set up a business support company with a difference. 

As a duo, they excel in every department, with credentials such as taking a company with 100 staff which was 90% paper-based, with staff who were highly reluctant IT users, and over a period of 8 years made the business 99% paper-free. 

“This partnership means that we can offer clients more services than ever, allowing businesses to grow in ways that they did not even think were possible without our help”- Julia Stock 

Similarly, Snook Digital are champion of its craft. Building fast, intricate sites that engage users in a way that entices them to learn more about your business or product. Nathan and the team have years of experience in software development, testing, and real-world customer experience, transforming a business’s front end and enhancing its back-end process. 

Whilst Snook Digital specialises in digital marketing, Bill is an expert in databases with the ability to see your IT and data needs in relation to your whole business. To him, data is the blood supply of your business. This joint interest in the digital landscape and technology meant that a partnership was always going to happen between these two companies. Better data means better business, and Snook Digital and Be Astute can not be more excited to share this amazing collaboration. 

Western Building Consultants Extend Dragons RFC Sponsorship

Western Building Consultants Extend Dragons RFC Sponsorship

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Dragons RFC and Western Building Consultants are pleased to announce their partnership renewal for the forthcoming 2023-24 season.

Western Building Consultants pride themselves on the design work that they do to constantly enrich the local area through their unique approach to the built environment. This passion for the local area expands from the professional into the personal, with championing local grassroots sports being a significant element of their company’s ethics.  Based on this, Western building Consultants will see their brand displayed around Rodney Parade along with the Player Sponsorship of returning great, Dan Lydiate.

Rodney Parade is located near one of Western Building Consultants offices in South Wales. Not only are the Dragons based near the office, but they are also local to Sam, one of the Directors of Western Building Consultants.  Both of the Directors, Sam and James are avid rugby fans and originally bonded over their love of the sport when they first met at university. Together, they have long supported grassroots rugby teams with sponsorships in the communities they work in.  Sam has personally been a season ticket holder at Rodney Parade for several years, living close by he splits his time between the Newport, Bath, and Bristol Offices. With both company Directors being such keen supporters of the Dragons, it felt like an easy decision to progress into sponsoring the club.

Last year, Western Building Consultants helped to sponsor the Dragons and this has continued through to the current season, with their support growing as a result of their anniversary celebrations.  As Western Building Consultants are celebrating their 20th year, they knew that they wanted a big celebration, and so their support for the Dragons has been extended this year with their sponsorship of Wales International player Dan Lydiate who has moved back to the club for the 23/24 season.  

Lydiate started his professional rugby playing journey with the Dragons at their academy, making his return to the club even more special – “It’s great to be back. I have fond memories here and I am determined to add to that”- Dan Lydiate

As a business based in the South West, with local Welsh offices and being partly Welsh owned the business is keen to support clubs in the local communities it works within, giving back to the local community. The profound positive impact sport has on communities and those that play it is recognised in Western Building Consultant’s CSR policy and they can think of no better way than to celebrate with the continued support for the Dragons RFC.