HR Consultancy for Organisations,Ā Independent and International Schools
Expert HR leadership on retainer - Chartered FCIPD support without the full-time cost
Many independent schools, international schools, and organisations need expert HR guidance but don't require a full-time HR manager. Our retainer-based consultancy gives you access to Louise Douglas - Chartered FCIPD with over 20 years' experience leading HR across education and organisational development -Ā whenever you need strategic support, compliance advice, or operational guidance.
Whether you're managing recruitment, navigating staff relations, or ensuring employment law compliance, Louise provides senior-level HR leadership without the overhead of a permanent hire
Our HR Retainer Services:
Essential HR Support
- 8 hours of HR consulting per month
- Email access for urgent HR questions
- HR policy review and updates (2-3 documents/month)
- Recruitment advice and job description review
- Compliance updates (safeguarding, data protection, employment law)
- Staff relations guidance (one issue per month)
Ideal for smaller organisations or those with minimal HR needs. Email: [email protected]
Comprehensive HR Partnership
- 20 hours of HR consulting per month
- Monthly 1-hour strategic HR planning call
- Full recruitment support (job specs, shortlisting, interview preparation)
- Ongoing policy development and review
- Staff relations and conflict resolution support
- Manager training and coaching (2 sessions/month)
- Compliance expert advice (safeguarding, employment law, data protection)
- Ad-hoc email support for urgent matters
Ideal for mid-sized organisations, schools undergoing change, or those scaling operations.Ā Email: [email protected]
Premium Strategic HR Partnership
- Unlimited HR consulting (within reason)
- Bi-weekly strategy calls (30-45 minutes each)
- Full-cycle recruitment support and management
- Comprehensive policy framework development
- Staff performance and development system design
- Leadership team coaching
- Safeguarding strategy and training oversight (for schools and child-focused organizations)
- Conflict resolution and mediation support
- Same-day response for urgent advice
- Quarterly strategic HR review
Ideal for larger organisations, international schools, or those in significant transition.Ā Email: [email protected]
What's Included Across All Tiers:
Ā
Recruitment SupportĀ Job description development, recruitment strategy, interview design, shortlisting guidance, contract review, onboarding process design
Policy & ComplianceĀ HR policy creation and updates, safeguarding policy alignment (schools/charities), GDPR compliance, performance management frameworks, staff handbook development, employment law guidance
Staff Relations & DevelopmentĀ Disciplinary and capability guidance, conflict resolution, performance management coaching, staff wellbeing strategy, retention planning
Leadership Support HR strategy consulting, organizational design, change management, board/trustee/governor HR reporting, international compliance (where applicable)
About Louise Douglas
Louise Douglas is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD (Chartered FCIPD) with over 20 years' experience leading HR across education, non-profits, and organisational development. She has recently submitted her thesis for a Doctorate in Education, specialising in organisational ethos and culture, bringing research-informed insight to her consulting work.
Louise has supported organizations through rapid scaling, mergers, safeguarding inspections, restructuring, and organizational change. She serves as Chair of a 13-school Multi-Academy Trust in East London and Essex and has trained leaders, educators, and governors across the UK and internationally.
Who We Work With:
- Independent and international schools
- Multi-academy trusts and school federations
- Charities and non-profits
- Small and medium-sized organizations
- Educational consultancies and training providers
- Organizations requiring safeguarding expertise
How It Works:
- Initial Consultation (No charge)
30-minute call to understand your HR needs and recommend the right tier - Agreement & Setup
Simple terms outlining service level, contact protocols, and notice period - Ongoing Support
Monthly contact with defined channels: email, scheduled calls, or urgent access depending on tier - Flexibility
Tiers can be adjusted quarterly based on needs - scale up during recruitment season, scale down during quieter periods
Get Started:
Contact us to discuss pricing tailored to your needs.
To discuss your HR needs and find the right fit:
Email:Ā [email protected]Ā or call 01992 787242
Or book a 30-minute consultation call to explore how Louise can support your leadership team.
