Realising the benefits of a retained HR Service

AL HR Consulting was introduced to Wolffkran Ltd when they reached out looking for help and support having recently promoting an internal candidate to the role of HR Manager. They wanted to provide support for the newly appointed candidate whilst they were developing in the role and also have extra support on hand to deal with the more complex issues as they occurred. 

Support was required soon after putting in place the retained HR service agreement for a disciplinary investigation into serious allegations of aggression at work and the case resulted in a dismissal with support from AL HR Consulting at each stage of the company’s disciplinary procedure.

Wolffkran Ltd is part of the Wolffkran Group employing 800+ employees worldwide and circa 250 employees in the UK. Wolffkran has been manufacturing Tower Cranes in Germany for 170 years as well as having a large rental fleet of more than 750 Wolff Tower Cranes globally. Wolffkran Ltd, based in Sheffield (UK), supplies Tower Cranes and lifting solutions primarily to the construction sector with the majority of the workforce unionised. With over 50 years of experience in the UK, Wolffkran Ltd is seen as a market leader for their impeccable safety record recording more 750,000 without a recordable incident. 

Wolffkran Ltd is keen to develop and invest in talent from within the business. 

They wanted to provide proactive support and also offer development for the new HR Manager with a secured HR retained service to advise and guide providing a safety net for the business and eliminating risk. 

The business is run by Andrea a HR Consultant with over 20 years of experience, offering outsourced HR support to businesses. Andrea has experience in the construction sector and had previously led a small HR team as well as varied experience partnering with key stakeholders, dealing with complex employee relations issues, a background in reward, change management and the implementation of HR initiatives. The retained HR service offered great value for money for Wolffkran Ltd.

After completing a short requirements review, regular one-to-ones were put in place with the HR Manager to provide dedicated time and guidance where needed. Templates and guides for specific cases were shared and the HR Manager was guided in the process or procedure to follow for a particular case. It was quickly discovered that the managers within the business could benefit with some upskilling in dealing with misconduct and grievance issues and AL HR Consulting designed and delivered training on ‘Conducting Investigations and Disciplinaries’ and ‘Conducting Grievances’ to 18 supervisors and managers.

Wolffkran Ltd have now been using the HR retained service for over 18 months and in that time a number of complex employee relations issues have arisen where AL HR Consulting was able to guide the business in dealing with these fairly and in line with the business needs, minimising potential risks. To date there have been around nine complex employee relations cases where AL HR Consulting has supported to achieve a satisfactory outcome these included capability, disciplinary, grievances and redundancy cases. 

The Managing Director for Wolffkran Ltd gave his feedback of his time working with AL HR Consulting. Richard said “Throughout our partnership with AL HR Consulting we have had nothing but a positive experience. We were introduced to Andrea at a time when the business desperately needed experienced HR support and the advice and guidance provided by Andrea has proved to be invaluable in navigating some complex issues, ensuring that risk to the business is minimised whilst also delivering a fair outcome for the employee. AL HR Consulting has provided a flexible solution to our needs and I would not hesitate in recommending Andrea to any business requiring HR services”.

To reap the benefits of a HR retained service, contact AL HR Consulting today and find out how I can support your business no matter how big or small. 

The service includes: 

• Provision of general advice via e-mail and telephone, regarding employment issues based on knowledge of employment legislation, best practice, and the Client's particular circumstances at that time.
• Provision of standard letters, review of draft letters and completed paperwork.
• Provision of general advice on all policies / terms and conditions, either by phone or e-mail.
• Provision of advice at formal meetings as required in accordance with policies and best practice.
• Support and guidance on the various stages for casework
• Updates on legislation changes provided
• Onsite support if required [subject to location]