Our advisory team

Our advisory team is based across the UK and all advisors are professionally qualified members of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development), with experience of helping clients from a diverse range of industries at all levels.

Our senior advisors joined the company in January 2001

Alison Blackhurst, Chartered MCIPD Senior advisor

Prior to joining us, Alison spent seven years working as a self-employed consultant providing a full generalist service to SME's, including advising on employment policies, contracts, disciplinary matters and new employment legislation. Alison previously held a number of senior positions in personnel and training within a blue-chip unionised food manufacturing company, an accountancy firm and the BBC.

Susan Watson, Chartered MCIPD Senior advisor

Sue worked for a manufacturing company as Personnel Officer for fourteen years before she joined our team, and prior to that provided HR support for the Royal Northern College of Music. Offering broad HR advice to both senior and site management, Sue has extensive knowledge of employment law, disciplinary procedures and the introduction of new terms and conditions, as well as experience of conducting negotiations with recognised unions in respect of pay awards and policy reviews.

Tracey Riley, Chartered MCIPD Advisor

Before joining the helpline team in 2004 as a part time advisor, Tracey spent 12 years with a leading Industrial Automation provider, in a number of personnel roles. As HR Manager she gained extensive experience at senior management level through successful completion of restructuring activities, following several acquisitions, advising on employment law, harmonising terms and conditions, contracts and policies and all employee relations activities. More recently, Tracey worked as a self employed consultant, providing a full range of generalist HR support to small businesses, as well as outplacement consultancy.

Claire Rogers, Chartered MCIPD Advisor

Claire has over twenty years' experience in HR within a variety of business sectors, ranging from blue-chip fmcg, to high-tech manufacturing and financial services. Claire progressed from recruitment through generalist HR management , alongside management development/training and continues to coach and advise both individuals and corporate clients. She joined the business HR team in July 2005.
 

---

Abi Ashford, Chartered MCIPD Advisor

Abi joined the businesshr team of advisors in 2006. Prior to this her HR experience has been gained within the automotive and aircraft manufacturing industry. Abi's knowledge and experience, developed over 10 years, spans the HR and training & development field.

Chris Pattison, Chartered MCIPD Advisor

Chris joined us in June 2006. Chris has worked in HR for over 20 years, mainly in the public sector, with 6 years at senior management level. In addition she worked as a self employed consultant for seven years with clients in different sectors. As well as her work for us, Chris is an employer's representative Member of Employment Tribunals and runs adult education classes.
 

Our advisors handle our helpline and our website content, which is reviewed, expanded and updated on a regular basis. Our advisors also prepare our monthly newsletter, which can be received if you register.