HR Voices Podcast

hrvoices
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Management
  • Biweekly

Welcome to the HR Voices Podcast, a podcast designed to bring the UK HR community and businesses together. The podcast will be informative, with lots of helpful tips and ideas to help you run your business. Being an HR Independent Consultant can be quite lonely. This is why HR Independents (HRi), the UK body for Independent HR and People professionals has created a home and community for HR Indies. The HR Voices podcast will be discussing hot topics relating to HR and business. This will support HR Independent and People Professionals and the businesses they support. We will be bringing you practical tips, expert views and your views. Join Mary Asante, the Chief Executive of HRi and their expert guests for engaging discussions. We would love to hear from you and for you to get more involved. If you have topics you would like us to discuss, contact us via hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk Learn more about HR Independents – HRi at: https://hrindependents.co.uk/about-us/ or connect with us on LinkedIn: hr independents linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hr-independents/ Hosts: www.linkedin.com/in/maryasante and https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-allfrey Success Together.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 88: The Consultation Conundrum – Why the Detail Matters for HR

    Episode 88: The Consultation Conundrum – Why the Detail Matters for HR Host: Mary Asante Guest: Steve Herbert, HR, Employee Benefits & Workplace Commentator With significant changes taking place across employment rights, payroll, pensions and workplace regulation, how do we make sure new requirements work effectively in practice? In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by Steve Herbert to explore the role of consultation in shaping workplace policy — and why the practical experience of HR, payroll professionals, employers and SMEs matters when changes are being developed and implemented. The conversation highlights an important challenge: awareness. Steve shares research in which 55% of employers surveyed were unaware of three recent consultations relevant to HR and payroll, despite at least one in three saying they would ideally like to read and respond to them.  In this episode, we discuss: Why consultation matters when employment and workplace regulation changes The gap between consultations taking place and employers knowing about them Why practical input from HR, payroll professionals and SMEs matters How regulatory changes can affect smaller employers differently Why implementation detail can be just as important as the overall policy The developing role of the Fair Work Agency National Minimum and Living Wage increases, employment costs and the challenge of balancing employer and employee needs How HR professionals can stay informed about consultations and upcoming changes Pension changes and why employers should focus on confirmed developments rather than speculation Why early intervention in employee ill health and absence matters Steve also highlights the importance of the Fair Work Agency and why HR and payroll professionals need to understand its developing role in the employment landscape.  What Should HR Professionals Do? Steve's advice is simple: Keep your eyes open for consultations. Read them. Contribute where you have relevant experience. For independent HR professionals supporting SMEs, staying informed can help you anticipate change, understand the practical implications and have better conversations with your clients.  The episode also ends with an important reminder about early intervention in sickness absence: sometimes simply making contact early can help employers understand what's happening and identify support before an absence becomes more difficult to manage.  Key Takeaway Good workplace policy needs workable implementation. HR and payroll professionals aren't simply responsible for implementing change. Their practical experience can also provide valuable insight into how workplace changes operate in the real world. 🎧 Listen to Episode 87 for a practical discussion about consultation, employment change and what HR professionals and consultants should have on their radar. 📩 Questions, topic suggestions or interested in joining HR Voices? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk #HRVoices #HRConsulting #EmploymentLaw #WorkplacePolicy #HRLeadership

    Episode 88: The Consultation Conundrum – Why the Detail Matters for HR

  2. Oct 19

    Episode 87: What a Quiet Team Is Telling Its Manager

    Episode 87: What a Quiet Team Is Telling Its Manager   Host: Mary Asante Guest: Scott Hunter, Founder of The Trust Leader   When your team stops asking questions, raising concerns or sharing ideas, is everything really okay?   Silence in the workplace doesn’t always mean agreement. Sometimes it signals a lack of confidence, declining trust or a workplace culture where employees have learned that speaking up isn’t worth the risk.   In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by Scott Hunter, founder of The Trust Leader, to explore what a quiet team might be telling its manager — and how everyday leadership behaviours influence employee voice, trust, psychological safety and team performance.   Drawing on his 18 years in the UK Prison Service, including experience in hostage negotiation training, Scott shares practical lessons about building trust, recognising changes in employee behaviour and creating an environment where people feel confident speaking up.   In this episode, we discuss:   Why silence doesn’t necessarily mean agreement The difference between a quiet team and a team that has stopped speaking up How managers unintentionally discourage questions, feedback and challenge Why leadership intentions don’t always match employees’ experiences The importance of asking better, open-ended questions How trust is built, maintained and sometimes eroded through everyday interactions Recognising changes in communication, particularly in hybrid and remote teams Why an open-door policy means little without genuine attention and follow-through How HR consultants can help managers identify and change behaviours that discourage employee voice Practical ways to strengthen trust, communication and psychological safety at work   Scott’s Top Three Tips   1. Really listen. Notice what employees are saying, what they’re no longer sharing and any changes in their usual communication. 2. Reflect on your own behaviour. Think about how you’ve responded when employees have raised questions, concerns or difficult issues. 3. Start a conversation. Ask for feedback, explore what has changed and demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in understanding their experience.   Key Takeaway   Before asking, “Why won’t my team speak up?”, ask, “What happens when they do?”   Take a look at this blog for more information: https://hrindependents.co.uk/what-to-do-when-your-team-goes-quiet/    For HR professionals, managers, business leaders and independent HR consultants, this episode offers practical insights into building workplace trust, improving leadership communication and creating teams where people feel heard, valued and confident to contribute.   🎧 Listen now and discover what your team’s silence might be telling you.   📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk   #HRVoices #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeVoice #HRConsulting

    Episode 87: What a Quiet Team Is Telling Its Manager

  3. Oct 5

    Episode 86: Behaviour, Legacy, Business & Brilliance – Key Lessons from HR Voices Episodes 82, 83, 84 and 85

    Episode 86: Behaviour, Legacy, Business & Brilliance – Key Lessons from HR Voices Episodes 82, 83, 84 and 85 Host: Mary Asante What connects human behaviour, leadership legacy, financial sustainability and getting the best from your people? In this HR Voices recap episode, Mary Asante revisits Episodes 82–85 and draws together four very different conversations with one powerful theme: intentionality. How intentionally are we showing up? What impact are we leaving? Are we running our consultancies as sustainable businesses? And are organisations actually accessing the capability of the talented people they've hired? In this episode, we revisit: Episode 82 – Human Behaviour at Work with Vicky O'Farrell The ripple effect of our behaviour, self-awareness and the powerful question: “What's it like to be on the receiving end of you?” Episode 83 – Living Your Legacy with Louise Camby Why legacy isn't something we only leave behind. It's created every day through how we lead, treat people, share knowledge and influence those around us. Episode 84 – Know Your Numbers with Mark Randall Why being a great HR consultant isn't enough when you're running a business — and why understanding your pricing, costs, profitability, tax and cash flow matters. Episode 85 – You Hired Their Brilliance. Are You Getting Their Compliance? with Amanda Anderson What happens when talented employees learn to filter their ideas, judgement and expertise — and why organisations need to ask whether they're genuinely accessing the capability they've already hired. The Bigger Questions Across the four conversations, Mary reflects on some important questions for HR professionals, consultants and leaders: What is it like to work with — and challenge — you? What legacy are your everyday behaviours creating? Do you genuinely understand the financial health of your business? What behaviours does your organisation recognise and reward? Are you getting the best from the people you already have? What capability, knowledge or perspective might you be overlooking? Key Takeaway Better workplaces and stronger businesses aren't created by one big initiative. They're shaped by what we repeatedly do — the behaviours we model, the decisions we make, the numbers we pay attention to, the people we listen to and the contribution we enable. 🎧 Listen to Episode 86 for the key lessons from Episodes 82–85 — and then revisit the individual conversations that resonate most with you. 📩 What challenges are you seeing in your consultancy or workplace? What conversations should HR Voices be having next? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk #HRVoices #HRConsulting #HRLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #PeopleManagement

    Episode 86: Behaviour, Legacy, Business & Brilliance – Key Lessons from HR Voices Episodes 82, 83, 84 and 85

  4. Sep 14

    Episode 85: You Hired Their Brilliance. Are You Getting Their Compliance?

    Episode 85: You Hired Their Brilliance. Are You Getting Their Compliance? Host: Mary Asante Guest: Amanda Anderson, Keynote Speaker, Broadcaster & Author You hire people for what makes them different — their experience, judgement, ideas, creativity and perspective. So what happens when they join your organisation and gradually learn to filter, soften or withhold the very things you hired them for? In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by keynote speaker, broadcaster and author Amanda Anderson to explore the gap between capability and contribution — and what Amanda calls “The Compliant Collapse™.” Amanda explains how highly capable employees can continue performing, hitting targets and appearing engaged while an organisation may only be accessing a fraction of what they could really contribute. In this episode, we explore: Why capable people start filtering what they think and know How organisations unintentionally teach talented employees to “play small” Why compliance is useful — but shouldn't be confused with value How recognition, promotion and reward can encourage conformity Why someone can perform well while withholding valuable ideas and perspectives The difference between psychological safety and having your contribution recognised and used How leaders can encourage challenge and different thinking The business cost of paying for capability you're not accessing Why organisations should consider culture add, not simply culture fit Amanda also shares a simple but powerful way to change meetings so that quieter or different perspectives are heard before the loudest voices influence the room. Amanda's Top Three Tips Ask what hasn't been said. Follow “What's your opinion?” with: “What else are you thinking that you haven't yet said?” Notice who always agrees with you. Are people adding something meaningful or simply reinforcing what you've already said? Look at who you reward and promote. Are you rewarding genuine contribution and difference — or simply the people who are easiest to manage? Key Takeaway Hiring brilliant people isn't enough. You need to create the conditions that allow their brilliance to show up. For HR professionals, leaders and HR consultants, the question isn't only how to attract and retain talent. It's whether you're actually accessing the talent you've already hired. 🎧 Listen now and ask yourself: are you getting their brilliance — or their compliance? 📩 Questions or ideas for HR Voices? hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk #HRVoices #HRLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeVoice #TalentManagement

    Episode 85: You Hired Their Brilliance. Are You Getting Their Compliance?

  5. Aug 31

    Episode 84: Know Your Numbers: The Financial Side of Running an HR Consultancy

    Episode 84: Know Your Numbers: The Financial Side of Running an HR Consultancy   Host: Mary Asante Guest: Mark Randall, Your Finance Team   Tax changes, rising employment costs, cash flow, pricing and profitability — how well do you really understand the numbers behind your business?   In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by Mark Randall from Your Finance Team to explore the financial, tax and regulatory changes affecting small businesses and independent HR consultants — and what they mean in practice.   From Making Tax Digital and Companies House requirements to employer National Insurance, dividend tax and the true cost of employing someone, Mark explains what business owners need to understand and why financial awareness matters when making business and people decisions.   In this episode, we discuss:   Making Tax Digital (MTD) and what it means for sole traders Tax and regulatory changes affecting small businesses Employer National Insurance and rising employment costs National Minimum Wage and Statutory Sick Pay changes Companies House identity verification requirements Corporation tax, dividends and remuneration for company directors The true cost of employing someone beyond their salary Budgeting, forecasting and planning for tax liabilities Why cash in the bank doesn’t necessarily mean it’s available to spend Cash flow, VAT and managing business finances Pricing, profitability and knowing when to review your fees The numbers every independent HR consultant should understand How financial awareness can help HR consultants give better commercial advice to clients   Running a Business, Not Just Doing a Job   Being a great HR consultant or technical expert isn’t enough on its own.   Mark explains why independent consultants need to understand revenue, costs, profitability and cash flow if they want to build a financially healthy and sustainable HR consultancy.   The conversation also asks an important question: how can HR consultants advise clients commercially about recruitment, retention and people investment without understanding the financial impact of those decisions?   Mark’s Top Tips   1. Remember that you’re running a business Understand your revenue, costs and profitability — and don’t neglect your own business while looking after your clients.   2. Review your pricing As your costs change, review your fees rather than continuing to charge the same simply because that’s what you’ve always charged.   3. Understand your cash flow Know what’s coming in, what’s going out and when tax, VAT and other liabilities are due.   Plus: talk to your accountant. Don’t wait until year-end. Use them as a sounding board for what’s happening in your business and the decisions you’re considering.   Key Takeaway   Financial understanding isn’t just for accountants.   Understanding your numbers helps you make better decisions, prepare for tax and regulatory changes, price your services appropriately and build a more sustainable business.   For HR consultants, it can also help you better understand the commercial realities facing your clients — and become a stronger business adviser as a result.   🎧 Listen now for practical insights into tax, cash flow, profitability, employment costs and running a financially healthier HR consultancy.   📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk   #HRVoices #HRConsulting #SmallBusiness #BusinessFinance #HRConsultant

    Episode 84: Know Your Numbers: The Financial Side of Running an HR Consultancy

  6. Aug 17

    Episode 83: Living Your Legacy – The Impact You Leave at Work and Beyond

    Episode 83: Living Your Legacy – The Impact You Leave at Work and Beyond   Host: Mary Asante Guest: Louise Camby, Speaker and Legacy Advocate   What will people remember about the way you worked, led and made them feel?   Legacy is often something we think about at the end of a career or life. But in this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by Louise Camby to explore a different perspective: we are creating our legacy every day.   Louise shares the personal story behind preserving the legacy of her grandfather, composer, arranger and conductor Johnny Douglas, whose work included The Railway Children and music for well-known animated television series. Her experience led her to think more deeply about what legacy really means — not only personally, but in our careers, leadership and workplaces.   In this episode, we discuss:   What it means to consciously live your legacy Why legacy isn’t reserved for famous people or senior leaders How everyday behaviours and interactions shape how we are remembered The impact leaders and managers leave on their people How good leadership can influence someone long after they have left a workplace Why making employees feel heard and valued matters Knowledge transfer and succession planning when employees leave or retire How organisations can retain valuable knowledge and experience The importance of planning for the transition into retirement How individuals and businesses can create meaningful legacy projects Why capturing stories, experiences and knowledge matters for future generations   Louise explains that leadership legacy can be found in something as simple as understanding how individuals in your team work best, valuing their contribution and helping them grow.   Louise’s Top Three Tips   1. Capture the stories Take the photos, document the stories and preserve the experiences that matter.   2. Pass on your knowledge Think about knowledge transfer and succession planning so valuable lessons and experience aren’t lost when people move on.   3. Create a legacy project Combine something you enjoy or are good at with a cause or purpose that matters to you.   Key Takeaway   Your legacy isn’t created by one defining moment.   It is built through the small choices you make, the way you lead, the knowledge you share and the way you make people feel every day.   🎧 Whether you’re an HR professional, HR consultant, business owner, leader or simply thinking about the impact you want to have, this episode will encourage you to consider the legacy you’re already creating — and the one you want to leave.   📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk   #HRVoices #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #Legacy #HumanResources

    Episode 83: Living Your Legacy – The Impact You Leave at Work and Beyond

  7. Aug 3

    Episode 82: Human Behaviour at Work – The Ripple Effect of How We Show Up

    Host: Mary Asante Guest: Vicky O'Farrell, Founder of Queen of Behaviours Every workplace interaction has an impact. In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by human behaviour expert Vicky O'Farrell to explore how our everyday behaviours influence workplace culture, leadership, employee engagement and team performance. Together, they discuss why HR professionals, managers and business leaders need to look beyond policies and procedures and focus on the human side of work. From understanding the ripple effect of our actions to creating psychological safety and responding rather than reacting, this conversation is packed with practical insights for anyone who leads or works with people. In this episode, we cover: Why workplace culture is built through everyday behaviours The ripple effect of how leaders and colleagues show up What it's really like to be on the receiving end of your behaviour Why psychological safety starts with self-awareness The importance of understanding the experiences behind people's opinions How to pause before reacting and have better workplace conversations Practical ways HR professionals and leaders can create more respectful, people-focused workplaces Vicky's top tips ✔ Ask yourself, "What's it like to be on the receiving end of me?" ✔ Remember that behind every opinion is a human with a lifetime of experiences. ✔ You don't need to react at the speed in which you receive—pause, reflect and then respond. This episode provides practical insights to help HR professionals, managers, leaders and business owners better understand human behaviour, build stronger workplace relationships and create positive, people-centred cultures where individuals and teams can thrive. 📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk #HRVoices #HumanBehaviour #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #PeopleManagement

    Episode 82: Human Behaviour at Work – The Ripple Effect of How We Show Up

  8. Jul 20

    Episode 81: Building a Future-Proof HR Consultancy – Key Lessons from Episodes 72, 73, 74 and 80

    Episode 81: Building a Future-Proof HR Consultancy – Key Lessons from Episodes 72, 73, 74 and 80 Host: Mary Asante What does it take to build a successful, sustainable and future-proof HR consultancy in today's rapidly changing business environment? In this special recap episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante brings together the key insights from four recent episodes covering employment law, LinkedIn, consultancy growth and HR audits. Drawing on expert discussions with Amanda Trewhella, Meg Hudson and Tania Harland, Mary explores the common themes emerging across the HR consulting profession and what independent HR consultants need to focus on to thrive. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Employment Rights Act 2025 and what the upcoming employment law changes mean for employers and HR consultants ✅ Why staying ahead of employment law developments creates opportunities to support clients proactively ✅ How LinkedIn can help HR consultants increase visibility, build credibility and attract new clients ✅ The importance of content, connections and conversations in growing a consultancy business ✅ The most common challenges HR consultants are facing right now, including pricing, positioning, client acquisition and retainers ✅ Why HR expertise alone is not enough when running a consultancy business ✅ How HR audits can identify risk, strengthen client relationships and generate strategic advisory opportunities ✅ Using HR audits to support compliance, improve people practices and create ongoing consultancy work ✅ Building a consultancy that is proactive rather than reactive Key Themes Across these four episodes, one message stands out: Successful HR consultants combine technical expertise with visibility, commercial thinking and proactive client support. The consultants who thrive are not simply those with the most HR knowledge. They are the ones who: Stay ahead of change Build strong professional networks Communicate their value clearly Create meaningful conversations with clients Identify opportunities to add value and solve problems Questions to Consider As you listen, ask yourself: How prepared are your clients for the Employment Rights Act 2025? How visible are you to your ideal clients? Are you building your consultancy strategically or reacting to opportunities as they arise? When did you last conduct an HR audit with a client? What steps are you taking to future-proof your consultancy business? Mary's Key Takeaways ✔ Stay ahead of employment law and workplace developments ✔ Build visibility consistently through LinkedIn and networking ✔ Think like a business owner, not just an HR practitioner ✔ Focus on creating value and solving client problems ✔ Use tools such as HR audits to strengthen relationships and uncover opportunities Featured Episodes This recap brings together key insights from: Episode 72: Employment Rights in 2025 – What Employers Need to Know Episode 73: How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your HR Consultancy Business Episode 74: What HR Consultants Are Asking Right Now (and What It Means for Your Business) Episode 80: HR Audits – The Hidden Opportunity for HR Consultants and Their Clients 🎧 Whether you're an HR consultant, HR leader, people professional or business owner, this episode provides practical ideas to help you build a stronger, more sustainable consultancy and deliver greater value to clients. 📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk #HRVoices #HRConsultant #HRConsulting #HRLeadership #EmploymentLaw #EmploymentRightsAct2025 #LinkedInForBusiness #BusinessDevelopment #HRAudits #HRCompliance #PeopleProfessionals #HRStrategy #HRCommunity #HRIndependents #SmallBusinessGrowth #ConsultingBusiness #FutureOfWork #HumanResources #BusinessGrowth #PeopleManagement

    Episode 81: Building a Future-Proof HR Consultancy – Key Lessons from Episodes 72, 73, 74 and 80
See All (89)

About

Welcome to the HR Voices Podcast, a podcast designed to bring the UK HR community and businesses together. The podcast will be informative, with lots of helpful tips and ideas to help you run your business. Being an HR Independent Consultant can be quite lonely. This is why HR Independents (HRi), the UK body for Independent HR and People professionals has created a home and community for HR Indies. The HR Voices podcast will be discussing hot topics relating to HR and business. This will support HR Independent and People Professionals and the businesses they support. We will be bringing you practical tips, expert views and your views. Join Mary Asante, the Chief Executive of HRi and their expert guests for engaging discussions. We would love to hear from you and for you to get more involved. If you have topics you would like us to discuss, contact us via hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk Learn more about HR Independents – HRi at: https://hrindependents.co.uk/about-us/ or connect with us on LinkedIn: hr independents linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hr-independents/ Hosts: www.linkedin.com/in/maryasante and https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-allfrey Success Together.

Information

  • Creator
    hrvoices
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    HR Voices Podcast