Building HR capability in small UK firms
An evaluation of the People Skills HR business support pilots programme
An evaluation of the People Skills HR business support pilots programme
This report presents the outcomes of People Skills, a UK pilot programme which provided small firms with HR support and advice.
While these findings are based on a UK initiative, the broader application should be of interest wherever you are based.
The programme was supported by J.P. Morgan through the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, and delivered through the CIPD and local partners. In each of three locations – Hackney (London), Stoke-on-Trent and Glasgow – a small bank of independent HR consultants was recruited to provide free employment and people management advice to small businesses on demand, and the CIPD’s HR Inform online support system was made available to project participants.
The pilot ran from July 2015 to October 2016 and has been evaluated by a team at Manchester Metropolitan University through surveys and interviews with project stakeholders. The project demonstrates that there is demand for HR support amongst SMEs, and th at a model of bespoke, face-to-face provision by independent consultants is an effective way of meeting that. Tangible improvements to SME employment practices can be delivered through this model, which in turn provides a foundation for more transformational change and greater business confidence.
The CIPD recommends a national rollout of the People Skills initiative as part of a renewed focus in industrial strategy on enhancing workplace productivity by boosting managerial quality, increasing investment in skills and strengthening the quality of business support through local level institutions.
Download the report and case studies below
Tackling barriers to work today whilst creating inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.
Discover our practice guidance and recommendations to tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace.
Listen to episodes from our CIPD Ireland Podcast Series on a range of topical workplace, HR and L&D issues
Listen nowThe CIPD's fortnightly podcast brings together top HRDs, CPOs and business leaders to look behind the news headlines and current topics impacting HR practices
Listen nowLearn why organisations use business partnering, how it’s implemented and how it can shape successful relationships across the organisation.
Understand what we mean by skills in the workplace, UK skill levels and the government’s skills policy.
Read our latest Labour Market Outlook report for analysis on employers’ recruitment, redundancy and pay intentions
Trend analysis and benchmarking data on recruitment, retention and talent management to inform HR and employers on practice considerations and decision-making
A Northern Ireland summary of the CIPD Good Work Index 2024 survey report