Member Article

HR Dept. takes up residency in regenerated Jarrow-based Clervaux Exchange

HR Dept., businesses that don’t have their own HR staff, has moved into new premises in a former Jarrow police station and magistrates’ court.

Jayne Hart runs the South Tyneside, Newcastle and Gateshead franchise of the national brand, from a former police cell in the new Clervaux Exchange in Jarrow. The 50-office state of the art business and conference centre was converted from the old police station and courts building and opened its doors in June.

Jayne, a Chartered member of the Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) with 15 years’ experience in HR, previously worked for Government agencies including Defra and led an enforcement team looking after the countryside.

She said: “You could say I’ve moved from gamekeeper to poacher, because my focus is now on keeping clients out of trouble, rather than prosecuting those that break the rules.

“Today, a specialist HR department is a luxury many companies can’t afford but at the same time, you can’t afford to get things wrong when you’re dealing with staff. That’s where we come in.

“We act as your HR experts as and when we’re needed, whether that’s for one-off advice drawing up an employment contract, learning about Working Time Regulations, or on-going support in the case of employment tribunals.”

HR Dept. reduces the risks to businesses through advice tailored to individual firms. Its services include an insured advice line, offering unlimited email and telephone support; bespoke business employee contracts and handbooks; practical and strategic support on issues such as redundancies, TUPE transfers and restructuring; plus help with day-to-day HR issues.

Jayne has worked with companies across the North East including Nationwide Heating & Cooling, The Door Centre North East, Woodruffs Estate Agency, manufacturing company Paragon RT, and The Christmas Decorators. Jayne is also working extensively within the IT sector and with a number of charities.

The Door Centre’s MD, Barry Wake, contacted Jayne when the company opened a new showroom and increased its workforce. HR Dept. provides a monthly HR site visit to support the manager and supervisors and on-going help through the HR Advice Line.

Barry said: “We’ve expanded considerably and that meant more staff and a greater need to seek professional HR support. It’s great having Jayne on our team, knowing our business and the pressures that we face.

“Her support allows me to manage the operational side of the business and gives me the confidence to know that my staff are being looked after and the business is staying on the right side of employment law.”

Jayne is offering free drop-in sessions and a tour of the stunning new Clervaux Exchange building including the old cells for businesses interested in finding out more about the services that she provides.

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