Sue Busfield, Director of Stonebridge HR Consultants, was asked to act as Interim HR Director for Punch Taverns plc for a period of 8 months whilst they recruited a permanent Director of HR.

The assignment involved providing strategic input on HR matters and leading their HR team. Key activities during the period including reviewing benefits packages and implementing changes, finalizing a restructuring, project leading the HR aspects of both an acquisition and also a disposal where TUPE was involved, running an employee survey and driving the action planning following the survey, as well as provision of coaching to senior managers.

Giles Thorley, Chief Executive had this comment to make:

"Sue was, as ever, extremely professional in every aspect of her work. This professionalism was seen across all levels of staff. For example, the restructuring exercises always brought positive comments regarding the way in which leavers were treated. The HR function overall continued to move forward in a seamless fashion even though this was an Interim position. Due to Sue's skills and knowledge we are continuing to use Stonebridge HR Consultants even though our new Director of HR is in place."

Stonebridge HR Consultants were asked to provide an HR Managerial Service to a Photographical Imaging Business with on-site presence every week and telephone support to deal with what ever issues that arose.

Due to the changes in the industry as a result of the increase in digital imaging it was imperative that the HR services provided commercial support to the business, rather than just being seen as a cost centre.

The issues that were covered included:

• a downsizing exercise
• employment law updates
• running culture change focus groups
• supporting managers in dealing with difficult people
• supporting disciplinary processes
• revising the staff handbook

Paul Moss, Finance Director of Sangers Group Ltd. had this comment:

"It was a pleasure to work with Stonebridge HR Consultants. The consultant fitted into out culture very quickly and we actively sought her views and valued her input. She was highly professional and had a commercial approach to resolving HR issues. All the project work was extremely efficient. We keep in touch with Sue Busfield as we would happily use Stonebridge HR Consultants again should the need arise."