An HR consultant in Milton Keynes explains the three levels of HR support and how to choose what’s right for your team and your business growth
As your business grows, managing your team starts to look and feel very different. What began as a few informal chats with a small team soon becomes a series of decisions, responsibilities and processes that take time and expertise to handle properly.
If you're starting to wonder whether HR support would help and, more importantly, what kind of support would make the most difference, you’re not alone. In my work providing HR consultancy services, I often help business owners find the level of support that’s right for where they are now.
Here’s a simple way to think about it.
Level 1: Getting the basics right
This level focuses on compliance and day-to-day admin. It may not feel exciting, but it's the foundation that protects your business and helps it run smoothly.
What this level includes:
➡️ Legally sound contracts and clear HR policies
➡️ A practical, easy-to-follow staff handbook
➡️ Support managing absence, performance issues or misconduct
➡️ Organised and secure employee records
➡️ Help keeping up with changes to employment law
You might need Level 1 if you’re not confident in your current HR documents or systems, or you’re spending too much time on admin that could be streamlined.
Solid foundations allow you to lead with confidence, knowing you’re protected and organised.
Level 2: Improving day-to-day performance
Once the basics are in place, this level focuses on improving how your people work together and how your managers lead.
What this level includes:
✅ Smarter recruitment and onboarding processes
✅ Manager coaching and support with difficult conversations
✅ Setting up regular reviews and performance systems
✅ Clearer communication across the team
✅ Support with common issues like absence or flexible working
You might need Level 2 if you’re repeating the same people problems, struggling to hire the right people, or noticing your managers feel unsure how to lead.
You save time, reduce stress and help your team thrive.
Level 3: Planning for the future
This level is about aligning your people strategy with your long-term business goals. It’s forward looking, flexible and tailored to where you want to go.
What this level includes:
➡️ Workforce planning that supports future growth
➡️ Leadership development
➡️ Culture support as your team expands
➡️ Data-informed decisions about retention and engagement
➡️ Support during bigger transitions, like restructures or redundancies
You might need Level 3 if you’re scaling quickly, want to protect your company culture, or are thinking about the next phase of leadership.
At this stage, HR becomes a driver of growth, not just a support function.
Choosing what works for you
Most businesses move through these levels over time, building strong foundations, improving how they work and eventually planning for future growth.
✅ Start with Level 1 if your current setup is reactive, or you’re unsure about legal compliance.
✅Move to Level 2 when you’re ready to improve performance, support your managers and reduce common frustrations.
✅Explore Level 3 when you want your HR support to guide your growth strategy and long-term planning.
As an outsourced HR consultant in Milton Keynes, I adapt my approach to what each business needs right now, while keeping an eye on where you want to go next.
Let’s make HR feel manageable and effective
There’s no need to tackle everything at once. What matters most is starting with the support that matches your current needs and challenges.
If you’re looking for an HR consultant in Milton Keynes who offers practical, supportive guidance at every stage of your journey, I’d be happy to help.
Let's have a confidential, no-pressure conversation about where you are now and what would make a lasting difference to how you manage your team and grow your business, please do reach out 📱 0781 3084152 or email 📧 daxa@hrresultsltd.co.uk Taking your HR from 'to do' to 'done'.
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