Testimonials
A Transformative Partner in Organisational Change
Julie Hayden-Baker
Clinic Operations Director
Working with Tracey from Practical People has been transformative for our business. She guided us through a complex organizational restructure with clarity and sensitivity, ensuring both employer and employee perspectives were respected. From redefining commission structures to sharpening our appraisal process and creating clear role profiles, every step was handled with a rare balance of operational skill and human compassion. Practical, insightful, and highly effective, Tracey not only gets the job done but does so in a way that strengthens relationships and builds lasting foundations for growth. I couldn’t recommend them more highly!
A Trusted HR Partner Driving Growth and Leadership Excellence
Deborah Smith FCCA, Finance Director, Multi-Tech Engineering
“We were first introduced to Tracey by Blacks Solicitors, Leeds, in 2022 when we sought advice on an employee relations matter. Since then, Tracey has become a trusted partner, supporting us across a wide range of HR and leadership development initiatives.
Her work has included delivering targeted management development training for our Project Engineer and Workshop Supervisors on subjects such as anti-bullying and anti-harassment, coaching and mentoring, developing staff performance and attitude, emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and, more recently, finance for non-finance managers for our directors.
Tracey has also conducted a comprehensive review of our contracts of employment and HR policies, and provided clear guidance through a number of complex employee relations issues. In addition, she has played a key role in recruitment projects, encouraging us to adopt innovative approaches to our benefits offering and employee engagement.
Most recently, she has worked closely with our directors to develop a robust business strategy that not only aligns with our financial objectives but also cascades into departmental and individual performance measures, ensuring clear accountability across the organisation. This process has highlighted her strong commercial awareness and ability to connect different functions to achieve shared goals.
Whatever the challenge, Tracey approaches her work with energy, professionalism, and a consistently positive outlook, inspiring confidence that almost anything is achievable. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to any organisation seeking to strengthen its HR foundations and enhance its leadership capability.
I can’t thank you enough for your contribution towards our company, it is greatly appreciated.”
A Professional HR Framework and Much More
Philip Charles, Founder & Director, PiPeLine Productions
Tracey has been providing HR support to PiPeLine Productions since the summer of 2022.
As a company that grew quickly without really taking time out to fully consider the broad spectrum of HR matters, Tracey was initially engaged to establish a professional HR framework, including the development of structured processes and systems. As part of this, Tracey conducted interviews with staff to gain a clear understanding of their roles and subsequently produced comprehensive job descriptions, ensuring each team member had absolute clarity regarding their responsibilities. From these job descriptions, she designed tailored induction and training plans for every role, creating accountability for managers to deliver training and confirm staff competence. This has made the training of new members of staff a lot more planned, deliberate, and meaningful as well as stepping up the levels of accountability.
In addition, Tracey developed new contracts of employment that not only ensure legal compliance but also include provisions designed to protect the business. She tightened up our HR policies ensuring we operated fairly and within employment law. More recently she has supported us with a new anti-harassment & anti-bullying policy with risk assessments which has ensured we are compliant with the new sexual harassment legislation. She has also implemented an online HR system, populated employee records, and provided guidance to staff and managers on how to use the platform to access their information. This has significantly improved our ability to manage areas such as sickness absence and training.
Tracey has also offered invaluable expertise in handling complex employee relations matters, including grievances, investigations, disciplinary processes, and appeals, all of which have been conducted with the utmost professionalism, fairness, and discretion.
Throughout her time with us, Tracey has supported numerous recruitment campaigns and has ensured that employment checks and compliance procedures for new staff have been completed.
And finally, on top of all of the changes she implemented and supported within the business, as a company director, Tracey has been an invaluable sounding board and confidant, providing me with a fellow professional with whom I can discuss not only HR matters, but wider business concerns, strategies, and ideas.
I would not hesitate to recommend Tracey to any organisation seeking expert support in establishing and maintaining professional HR systems and processes.
People Management and Development
Matt Gibson, Managing Director, Hambleton Steel
After an interview with our directors and investors in June 2022 Tracey was asked to help our company with our people management and development. We were starting a new phase of company development and growth. Initially we asked her to focus on the engagement of our factory staff. She quickly got to work interviewing all team members to understand what they liked about working for the company and what they’d like to change amongst other things. Tracey presented the results to the directors and proposed a leadership development programme for our supervisors. This was delivered with great success and our supervisors graduated in January 2024.
During her time with us Tracey also reviewed and updated our contracts of employment, staff handbook and HR policies. She worked well with our Payroll Officer to train staff and managers with the revised policies and processes, especially absence management. She also introduced an online HR system and worked with our Payroll Officer to create a project plan to get everyone’s data online, which is now working well.
During her time with us Tracey remained resilient and positive and I am glad we appointed her to help us. I would have no hesitation in recommending Tracey if you need to overhaul your HR and develop your managers.
One Stop HR Shop!
John Wild - Managing Director - CPOMS
In November 2019 Tracey was asked by our Chairman to provide strategic HR support to our young management team. At that time we employed approximately 50 staff and had no formal HR. Tracey interviewed a cross section of staff and all directors to understand their goals, amongst other things. She then developed a HR Strategy and framework that would support the achievement of our business goals. This included workshops with all Directors to create HR policies. They were then invited to attend a Leadership Development Programme and Executive Coaching which Tracey delivered. Whilst all this was happening she also helped to create job descriptions, accountability matrices and a performance management system that linked with a pay grading scheme.
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During the following year we created Team Leader roles. Tracey was instrumental in setting up internal interviews and assessments and supporting Directors who were inexperienced in this area. Successful candidates were invited to attend the Leadership Development Programme and were also offered Executive Coaching. During the two years that Tracey has been helping us she has transformed how we manage and lead our people. Most leaders are either coaching and mentoring a team member or are being coached and mentored themselves. We currently have a third group going through the Leadership Development Programme.
In addition to this she has also set up a recruitment process and created templates for job adverts, interview questions, contracts of employment and employment checks. She has also helped us with a few employee relations issues along the way. We now have 70 staff and continue to grow.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Tracey to any organisation who is wishing to achieve its business goals by developing employee engagement. She is knowledgeable, easy to work with and most importantly understands how HR can support the commercial aspects of a business.
Complex Grievance Investigation
I wanted to take this opportunity to recognise the great work you did on behalf of one of my clients recently.
Your thorough approach, attention to detail and skilful people management appeared to be appreciated by employer and employee alike. Whilst the parties may have been bitterly
antagonistic and distrusting of one another, it didn’t appear at any stage that either side doubted your fairness or even handedness.
From my perspective, your methodical and careful way of dealing with the investigation was enormously helpful and, I strongly suspect, played a significant part in persuading the parties to put aside their differences and find common ground in order to draw a line under the matter.
I won’t hesitate to continue to refer and recommend you where there is opportunity to do so.
Mentoring & Management Development
We recently asked Tracey to help with some mentoring and training for our team.
They really enjoy the sessions and speak highly of Tracey. She challenges them more that I would, and they are happy to rise to the challenge.
Tracey manages to combine the commercial and business interests of the company along with the interests of the team which is really important to us.
I would highly recommend Tracey!
Executive Coaching & Training
Since Tracey has been working with our fee earners and manager we have seen an increase in output, with one person more than doubling their productivity. We have also noticed that managerial skills have improved. The team say of their executive coaching and training:
“I really look forward to meeting with Tracey as I feel I can really talk to her“
“ Tracey is friendly and really knowledgeable and has massively helped my time management”
“We’ve seen a marked improvement in the performance of the team as whole”
Thank-you for your ongoing support Tracey!
Employee Dismissal
I recently asked Tracey, HR Director at Practical People, to help me with an urgent HR issue.
As soon as I contacted Tracey, she knew exactly what to do and started work to help us do this immediately. I was absolutely awestruck with Tracey’s professionalism, knowledge, skills, and demeanour. She was also extremely reliant.
Tracey took a huge amount of stress and anxiety away from me, allowing me to resume normal business activities as quickly as possible.
I would not hesitate to recommend Tracey to any business who needs help with their HR. Tracey is a very valued member of our team and an absolute asset to any organisation. Thank you Tracey.
Recruitment
I recently asked Tracey to support Equals One with the recruitment of a new member of staff. Tracey was sent over 200 applications to screen. She quickly and efficiently reduced this number and undertook preliminary telephone interviews. Tracey presented me with a shortlist of 6 candidates. After successfully conducting face to face interviews I have a new member of staff starting on 4th January and Tracey has also been instrumental in pulling together the contract of services.
Tracey is very thorough and professional and I would not hesitate in recommending Practical People.
Contracts of Employment and HR Policies
We contacted Practical People to assist us with updating our HR policies, staff contracts, and staff handbook. Tracey was friendly, thorough, and professional and made the process very simple for our busy Managing Director. We would highly recommend Practical People’s services to any business looking to update their policies and procedures.
Age Discrimination
I contacted Practical People when my employer first started to talk to me about redundancy and I felt that I was being singled out due to my age.
I found Tracey to be very friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, she put my genuine concerns to rest and proceeded to work actively and timely on my case, ensuring the whole process went smoothly. Explaining each step in the procedure and advising on the decisions I needed to make.
The outcome was a negotiated agreement to my advantage which actually exceeded my expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend Practical People, their experienced, professional and efficient service is second to none, a small company delivering big results.
Contracts of Employment and HR Policies
During the initial discussions, Tracey was very attentive to detail and took on what we required along with her expert knowledge to create bespoke HR policies, staff employment contracts and our company staff handbook. She spent a lot of time with us on the phone speaking to us about ways we can encourage our staff to bring the best out of them and provide excellent client communication. Her policies can be used for a lifetime for our company.
Contracts of Employment and HR Policies
Practical People created contracts of employment, HR policies and a staff handbook, as well as job descriptions and staff appraisal forms for my team of 10 employees. Tracey also advised me when I had conduct issues with two of my staff. As well as providing advice for disciplinary hearings and related letters, she also agreed to attend the meetings for me, which I very much appreciated. Tracey also supported the company through an Employment Tribunal which was very stressful but had a positive outcome for my company.
I think anyone running a small business who has staff, especially in the current climate, would really benefit from Tracey’s services, as it can be timely and costly to make good a bad situation or decision.
Tracey is professional, knowledgeable, and generous with her time and I would have no hesitation in recommending her HR services.
Management Development Programme
I have very much enjoyed the Zooming your Leadership Development® programme. The online facility is fab! and I love that you can send us into separate meeting groups. The interaction between the group and yourself is very powerful as we can share our thoughts and learning and therefore ‘pinch’ best practice and apply to our own roles. The examples you use when detailing new processes really resonate for me when the examples relate to work scenarios. This is particularly useful for learning intricate details of other department roles. I am looking forward to our next workshops
Management Development Programme
I was very privileged to be one of the first candidates enrolled into Tracey’s GMDP (General Manager Development Programme) creation for Jardine Motors Group. With Tracey’s insight, tenacity, forward thinking and determination the course was a fantastic success and the many more after; and the learnings that I received have given me the bedrock to forward my career and successes in the motor industry. Thank you Tracey.
Management Development Programme
I would highly recommend Tracey for any business looking to make a cultural change to one that encourages self development and close relationships with colleagues within. The development is meticulously planned, passionately delivered and has served many Jardine Motors managers well over the course of their careers.
Management Development Programme
I was exceptionally lucky to experience first-hand Tracey’s coaching of the Lancaster Group’s Management Development Programme (MDP). Tracey covered a variety of sessions, all aimed at developing a Manager’s skills and understanding of complex, mainly people based issues that you face when running a department or business. She did this with an excellent blend of passion, enthusiasm, seriousness and relevant first-hand experience to ensure that we, the delegates, were kept fully engaged and challenged. I thoroughly enjoyed these opportunities to learn from Tracey, and still to this day use the skills she taught me. What validates her sessions is the fact she has led in the HR field for many years, and went onto run two successful retailers whilst further improving their profitability and retention / engagement of the employees she worked with.
Recruitment
I had the pleasure of working with Tracey to recruit a new manager for our practice. From start to finish, Tracey demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise. She conducted thorough video interviews and then face to face one-to-one meetings with potential candidates and myself, providing invaluable insights and leveraging her extensive experience in HR.
Her keen understanding of our needs and her ability to identify the right fit for our team were truly impressive. Thanks to her efforts, we successfully hired a fantastic manager.
I highly recommend Tracey for any HR needs. Her dedication and skill make her an asset to any organisation.
Recruitment
Tracey was recommended to me as we were needing assistance with the recruitment of a new practice manager. I was struggling with how to make it a thorough and robust process. I was also finding it hard to make the time, as a busy GP partner to give the process the time it needed.
From the first contact, Tracey’s vast experience and skills were evident. She just “got it” and always had the right solution and suggestions. Nothing was too much trouble and her input was invaluable. Tracey is professional but easy to work with, always making sure our requirements were at the forefront of the process. She took the hard work out of our hands, doing the initial shortlisting, shortlisting interviews, project, and finally the interview selection day. We could not have done it without her. We were delighted with the quality of the applicants we received, and with the outcome, and we have Tracey to thank for that. If anyone is needing assistance with any recruitment process, I would not hesitate in recommending Tracey.
Leadership Programme
Tracey is a fantastic trainer, with a wealth of knowledge and experience which brought a great deal of value to the in-depth leadership programme I recently had the pleasure of attending. She’s really approachable and makes you feel at ease and confident no matter what the content of the sessions, even around any hard hitting questions and how to deal with them. She is also very flexible in taking a hybrid approach to training, with some courses onsite and some remotely, we even had a mixture of people both in the office and at home during some of the sessions which Tracey handled beautifully. She finds really positive ways to make things interactive and maintain focus, while learning and having a great time while doing so. I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and have already started implementing a lot of the knowledge and information learned during the sessions. Many thanks again Tracey!
Disability Awareness
Without any hesitation and indeed it gives me a great deal of pleasure to recommend Tracey Hirst and her company Practical People to any individuals or organisations who are looking for professional HR services, representations including employment and equality legislation, advice, and guidance.
I have worked with Tracey several times and I have also heard very positive feedback regarding her work with other clients within my network. Tracey has a great deal of experience in her field of work including writing and advising on HR policies and procedures, training for managers and staff. Tracey shows an excellent degree of flexibility with bespoke work for employers and organisations of all sizes and industry sectors.
What I would also wish to say about Tracey’s work is that her values and those of her organisation are very much driven by ethics and good leadership principles and the motivation to make a positive difference in helping people and bringing about greater equality and inclusion.
I was very happy with the first-rate quality of her work with me on autism awareness, workplace bullying and mental health projects. Tracey compiled some excellent webinar resources for my company. It is certainly refreshing and morale boosting to work with someone such as Tracey, who has such a passion for helping others and creating a positive impact in those fields.
Pregnancy & Maternity Leave Discrimination
I approached Tracey from Practical People when I was going through a very stressful time at work. Tracey reassured me straight away that my employer was acting unfairly and gave me the guidance and support necessary to challenge their behaviour and prepare a strong grievance. She fully handled matters with my employer meaning that I was removed from any stress and negotiated a very reasonable outcome on my behalf. I would not have been able to achieve the same result without her input. Her approach was objective, sensitive and professional at all times. I hope never to find myself in such a situation again with work but I wouldn't hesitate to contact her if needed and I highly recommend her affordable services.
Management Development Programme
The Zooming your Leadership Development® programme was really engaging and informative, I really enjoyed the group activities in the breakout room as it allows me to see the view-point of other people and how they would approach topics. After the workshop I have self-evaluated a lot and have been practicing self-control when approaching tasks that are difficult.
As well as this I have been working with K to look at ways in which I can empower and support her more, whilst allowing her the freedom to develop her own approach to tasks we set. I know you have sent over some questions to complete and just so you know I will be looking at that this evening ?
Pregnancy & Maternity Leave Discrimination
I’m extremely grateful for the support I received from Tracey, an exceptional HR professional, during a very challenging time. When I felt my employer was treating me unfairly during my maternity leave, with conduct that was appalling, Tracey confirmed they were in breach of employment legislation. She guided me through the complexities of an employment tribunal with professionalism, empathy, and clear advice. Thanks to her expertise, we were able to reach a settlement out of court, and I’m very happy with the outcome. I can’t recommend Tracey highly enough for her knowledge, dedication, and unwavering support.
Management Development Programme
I was fortunate to experience Tracey’s coaching skills as part of the Lancaster Group’s Management Development Programme (MDP) The course delivered a variety of topics which aimed to enhance the skills of Lancaster’s line managers. Tracey delivery of the course material which was mainly people based was engaging and challenging, Tracey’s blend of delivering the material with passion and enthusiasm made the programme really worthwhile, I still find myself using some of the techniques I acquired today. Thanks for the opportunity you gave me to learn these skills.
Interview Preparation Support
I was fortunate to be able to work with Tracey Hirst during a 2-hour session in preparation for a job interview. I had previously attempted my own preparation when applying for a similar role but been unsuccessful.
Tracey’s skills are first class. As well as building my confidence far beyond what I thought was possible in such a short time, she enabled me to find a lot of value in many prior experiences that I had previously thought to be unimportant.
Her method of working gave me the structure and the confidence to think clearly yet creatively during my 45-minute interview.
The results of her approach are evident in the feedback received. The interviewing team told me I had been so articulate that there was no option but to offer me the position. I cannot recommend Tracey highly enough.
Management Development Programme
At the start of my career in Management, I was lucky enough to be chosen to attended Jardine Motors MDP (Management Development Programme) back in 2005. The course was run by Tracey once a month over a year covering all subjects we need as Managers in modern retailing. It was a pivotal course for me in my early years of management and gave me the skills I needed and have used throughout my career so far. Afterwords I continued working with Tracy and really appreciate her support and coaching, so more than happy to recommend Tracey.
Successful Employment Tribunal
I became Secretary of our private members club in March 2021. The club had not had a Secretary for about 3 months prior to me joining and I sometimes wish I had never taken on the job! The club was having trouble with senior bar staff working hours that they wanted to and claiming over-time when it was not needed. This had to stop. I have never been in this kind of position before and needed help. I was introduced to Tracey Hirst of Practical People by our solicitor and it was the best thing that could have happened.
Tracey put us in the picture with employment law which none of the committee had any experience of. By this time we were also having serious issues with their conduct. Tracey helped us to navigate the investigation meetings, disciplinary hearings, grievances and appeals. In the end the staff were dismissed.
One staff member took us to an Employment Tribunal for unfair dismissal. They thought that they could win by taking us to court. Unfortunately for them Judge Jaleel said we had done everything correctly and the case against us was dismissed. I would just like to say to Tracey once again on behalf of our club thank-you for all the hard work you put in to helping me through the worst time of my life. Once again, many thanks Tracey.
Complex Grievance Investigation
I engaged Tracey recently to manage a complex employee complaint and carry out an independent, objective investigation with an outcome document and report.
Her approach was both sensitive to the difficult issues , and professional throughout. She was balanced and left no stone unturned.
I would most certainly engage Tracey again to act as a non-employed, impartial investigating officer. The quality of her output was high and her general approach worked well with our business and culture.
Recruitment
After trying many approaches with regards to recruitment, we decided that we needed a specialist, that could grow with us and have the knowledge to advise us on all aspects of recruitment.
We work closely with Tracey and see her as a valuable extension to our own company.
Tracey is always straight talking and approachable. Her knowledge is unrivalled and she is considered an expert within the industry.
We look forward to working with Tracey again in the near future.
Sexual Harassment
Tracey is not only amazing at offering a wealth of expertise and knowledge but also reassured and supported me every step of the way whilst I was going through an awful experience at work.
Tracey is methodical, has great attention to detail and worked to resolve my grievance in my favour, which included a very good financial settlement. Tracey updated and advised me every step of the way which is something I am truly grateful for.
I would definitely recommend Tracey to anyone who needs advice and guidance with workplace disputes. Please do not hesitate to give Tracey a call, she is fantastic!
Disability Awareness
For some time now I have had the tremendous pleasure of employing the professional services of Tracey Hirst and her business Practical People for my projects on autism awareness and workplace bullying through my non for profit organisation.
Tracey has both compiled and delivered webinars. Recently this involved delivering a webinar on autism in the workplace to a large housing association, Accent Group, with an audience of in excess of one hundred attendees with a good many more wanting to watch the recorded session.
Tracey’s experience and skills in the fields of HR are second to none, as is her passion to make a positive difference in peoples lives and support ethical values and good causes. Her commitment in areas such as stopping workplace bullying and creating fairer and more supportive and inclusive workplaces clearly comes across in her work with Practical People. The services and costs are also entirely reasonable, excellent value and provide for a very good investment
Bullying
I sold my business and as part of the sale agreement I continued in my role as director with the new company. Shortly afterwards it became apparent that the new directors wanted me out and started a campaign of bullying. This was something I had never experienced before. Initially I was shocked and angry at how they undermined me and excluded me from business meetings and decision making. They then attempted to impose a new contract of employment with less benefits and protection for me. As time progressed I started to feel isolated, demoralised, and very distressed.
I spoke with Practical People about my situation and Tracey assured me that my new employers were breaching employment legislation as well as the ACAS code of conduct. After several phone calls & emails Tracey created a 7-page grievance letter which completely changed the attitude and behaviour of the directors concerned and secured me a financial settlement which I was very happy with.
During this time I found Tracey to be extremely knowledgeable, professional & fair. Her approach to customer service was excellent - 110%!
Employee Relations
I recently asked Tracey to help with an HR issue, we are always keen as a company to make sure we look after our employees and want to make sure any decisions we make are under the right advice.
The issue we had I thought was a little tricky and possibly sensitive. However, we talked to Tracey and she gave us a couple of options for handling the issue, she also gave us guidance on how we could handle the situation both morally and legally.
We were also provided with all the templates we needed to deal with the employee and reach a conclusion.
Tracey gave a good commercial view and made the process very easy.
Management Development Programme
I really enjoyed the Zooming your Leadership Development® programme. I thought you did a really good job with how you set up Zoom so that we could see all of your information but could also be interactive at the same time. The training wasn’t rushed which was great, but also kept up a good pace so that my concentration remained focused.
It was interesting to discuss the differences between Management and Leadership and learn about the different types and quality of Leadership styles. This will benefit me going forwards as to how to treat different situations as and when I come across them to get the best out of the team.
I look forward to the next session
Management Development Programme
I have had the pleasure of knowing Tracey for well over 20 years since originally working together in the Jardine Automotive Group. She is the consummate professional and a very high quality facilitator in being able to unlock the true potential in people at all levels and really develop each individuals set of unique skills. She has a wealth of HR and comprehensive training skills that she has perfected over many years and I have seen these really flourish as her career has progressed across various sectors of business and industry. Her personality is positively infectious, always motivational and totally genuine.
Management Development Programme
I was lucky enough to be enrolled on the Jardine Motors Management development program, Tracey’s coaching skill aloud me to grow as a manager and have more confidence, she was always there for guidance and support, Tracey genuinely has a heart of gold and it was an absolute pleasure to work with her.
I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without her support!
Management Development Programme
When I was given the opportunity to become Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive of Jardine Motors Group t/as Lancaster plc. back in 2008, it was suggested to me by the CEO at the time to attend the group’s Management Development Programme (MDP)which was led by Tracey, in the main to build up my confidence for my new role.
Although very daunting at the time, Tracey led me through the many individual modules and always carried out the sessions with great passion and enthusiasm. I truly believe (as did our CEO) that Tracey was the one who pushed me to the next level, and instilled confidence in me, and 11 years on, I am still in the role. I will always remain thankful to Tracey for believing in me and helping me in my journey.
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