HR consultants provide professional advisory services, people management solutions, and expert training for corporate and small business clients. Anyone working in this position has usually earned it through years of relevant experience in the sector, so it’s not unusual for HR consultancy services to come at a premium.
In the following guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about a career in HR consultancy, including the risks involved with working in this field.
What Do HR Consultants Do?
An HR consultant makes a critical addition to any HR team. Generally, it’s their responsibility to advise on issues involving a company’s workforce, sitting in on major decisions regarding intake and upkeep.
It’s not unusual for HR consultants to be outsourced, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. With new protocols in practice, effective HR consultancy can transform a company for the better. Given the specialist nature of the role, vacancies in HR consultancy are often filled quickly, offering competitive, high salaries to successful applicants.
Some of the duties in the role might include:
- Creating a refreshed employment programme
- Identifying underlying issues by undertaking surveys and independent research
- Providing advice on the management of employees
- Assessing the company’s compliance with legal regulations
Risks And Challenges
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Legal Compliance
The role comes with some risks, which means that you must protect your business. As you’ll be giving formal advice and support, you should choose to opt for relevant insurance for listening therapy industries.
Failure to keep up with new HR laws can lead to fines, penalties, and even legal proceedings. Non-compliance can also negatively affect the reputation of the business you’ll be conducting the work for. You must monitor changes and notify all of your employees, if necessary.
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Confidentiality
By the nature of the job, HR consultants might gain access to sensitive data on employees, including health records, personal information, and contact numbers.
This must be safeguarded both online and offline to remain compliant with data protection regulations as set out by the Data Protection Act 2018. Information should be used fairly, lawfully, and transparently. Any major breaches of confidential information could be catastrophic for your reputation and career.
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Discrimination
Employees need to be protected against discrimination in the workplace at all stages of employment, including recruitment, pay, training, benefits, and dismissal.
Staff working in HR have to follow anti-discrimination laws and, by extension, must allow employees to file a lawsuit and inform them of their rights should something transpire.
With regular Diversity, Equality and Inclusion training and refresher courses, all staff working alongside a new HR consultant should be able to keep sensitive information safe – and keep themselves safe in the process too.
