Specialising in education, business and charities HR
Testimonials
Reviews
Read our Testimonials
“I just wanted to say how fantastic our HR Consultant has been with all the support & advice she has offered to us over the last few months. Our HR Consultant has been absolutely brilliant both on the phone, face to face and virtually. She has been calm and professional in conducting the meetings with staff and this has been a huge relief to us in school. Credit where credit is due. We are so glad we switched to Birch.”
Head Teacher, Primary School, West Midlands
“Thank you for all your support and your calm, effective advice. We do think St Benedict's is in a healthier place getting to the end of the year and that's thanks, in no small measure, to much better HR.”
Acting Headteacher, St. Benedicts School
"Love @BirchHR1 ... support is amazing, professional, fast and delivered with integrity!! Couldn’t recommend them highly enough! Birch-HR is an indispensable part of my school. It is vital, we can access speedy advice and guidance delivered with professionalism and followed through with diligence. Birch-HR deliver all of this! I am able to work with HR consultants I trust implicitly, who know my school and take the time to know my people.”
Steve Howell, Headteacher, City of Birmingham School (COBS)
“Great work guys massively impressed - best possible outcome - THANK YOU for all you have done.”
Owen Finnigan, Headteacher, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
“Birch thought of everything, they exuded confidence, because they had experience and knowledge of complex change and centralisation of support services in academies. The Birch-HR team created an environment which felt secure and supportive, giving us confidence that we could work through every obstacle to reach a resolution.”
Carmel Brown, National Director for HR and Operations, Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT)
“We couldn’t function in all these schools without the support of the dedicated HR Consultants in your organisation.”
Tony Quinn, Director of School Improvement, Our Lady of the Magnificat Multi-Academy
“Your HR team are amazing.”
Veronica Gosling, Headteacher, St John Vianney Catholic Primary School
“Birch-HR understanding of the key CES and local policies and employment legislation plus the importance of delivering the best education possible and maintaining the ethos of the school has been a key part to the very successful outcomes I have achieved.”
Catherine Dalzell, Headteacher, Maryvale Catholic Primary School
“We were very pleased with support provided by Birch in preparing paperwork, support for the meetings with employees and unions alongside reporting to the Board. There was expertise to hand and excellent advice to ensure we were compliant throughout the process and great support was provided to individual staff throughout a very difficult time. We were also given significant support on the harmonising of pay scales, application of CES and local MAC policies.”
Helen Quinn, Catholic Senior Education Leader (CSEL), The Romero Catholic Academy
“BIRCH-HR supported the charity through a really difficult situation which needed to be resolved quickly and efficiently for all involved. The support and advice from all members of the Birch Team was outstanding, which we required as a small local charity without any inhouse HR Support. As Chair of the Trustees, I would recommend any Charity to use them as their knowledge and expertise is outstanding.”
Jenny Steckles Chair of Trustees for Advocacy Matters
“Very beneficial and interesting sessions for our learners, Birch-HR really know what they are talking about and inspired confidence in new and existing managers to deal with HR matters. We covered recruitment, induction, performance management and importance of contracts of employment from some of the best HR professionals around. Our learners were inspired to ask questions and utilise their professional development in their own workplace.”
Lee Croucher, Skillwise
“I think it’s safe to say that this HR case was a bit more complex than usual and as such I don’t think we could have dealt with it without the extensive expert knowledge and guidance supplied by you and your colleagues at Birch-HR. I sincerely hope that we don’t need your services again but if we ever do then you will be our first port of call.”
Chair of Trustees, Social Enterprise Project, Birmingham
“Great HR solutions for our construction Companies. Just the HR support we need, helpful, knowledgeable and gets to the nub of the issues. The HR Consultants work closely with us to ensure the best solution. They go over and above to support us. I have no hesitation in recommending Birch-HR to any company.”
Jay Singh Sahota, SSF, Director
“Birch-HR were recommended to us and they have updated our HR policies, dealt successfully with staff absence problems and led on ACAS early conciliation after a dismissal, meaning there was no compensatory cost to our family Company. They are hands on, have considerable experience and their expert advice really helps our business. We would highly recommend.”
Lashkar Singh, Managing Director, A.M. Hydraulics
"We moved our HR provision 4 years ago from a large impersonal company to Birch-HR who have been the perfect fit for our business. At the start of our relationship they took their time to meet and understand the team, the business and our processes. As we have grown they have helped us scale offering advice and support along every step of the way. Not only are they are always available to discuss any HR issues but they are proactive in keeping us up to date especially with managing the company through the last 18 months of the pandemic. They handle every situation calmly and with expertise to ensure the outcome is always remedied in a swift and professional manner. I would recommend using Birch-HR to any company looking for that personal touch."
Daniel Aldersley, Akuma Sports
“The Multi-Academy commissioned Birch-HR to provide a leadership development course for our experienced Headteachers. The quality of topics covered, and materials provided were excellent. The team from Birch created a culture of high expectations delivered within a challenging and thought-provoking framework. Every headteacher within the multi-academy commented on how invaluable the training was and I would have no hesitation in recommending this course to other multi-academies who are seeking to embed high-quality leadership standards within their organisation.”
Mr T Leverage M.A (Cantab), CSEL/CEO, Our Lady of Magnificat Multi-academy
“I just wanted to take a moment to share how incredibly powerful the first 2 days of the Leadership Development from Birch-HR were. The pitch and delivery were spot on. The tasks varied, the opportunity as a group of heads to build relationships and feel as one and the possibilities of smarter working as a collective was exciting. I have already taken away a wealth of strategies and techniques that are going to improve my leadership.”
Charlotte Miller, Headteacher, St Mary’s Primary School, Henley in Arden
“Having never been an appraiser before, this has made me feel equipped with the tools I need to start appraising. Thank you, I would highly recommend the HR training.”
The Mead Education Trust, Leicester
“Lovely HR workshop lead by well trained and well-informed staff.”
Teacher, The Mead Education Trust
“Thank you for all of the time and care taken in drafting the grievance appeal outcome, and for the professional knowledge you have brought to the process. As Governors we would flounder without your support."
Co-Opted Governor, College, West Midlands
“I’ve worked with Birch-HR as an Associate consultant for several years and have found them to be a professional, knowledgeable and personable consultancy throughout. The wider team are committed to providing an excellent service to clients and I have found their support on the projects I have delivered to have been excellent. I enjoy working with them and would have no hesitation in recommending them as a consultancy to work with across a wide range of human resources and organisational development.”
Martin Callus, HR Consultant
“Having worked at Birch for over a year, I can safely say it was my career-developing role; it is where I realised my interest in employment law, and ultimately, where I was given the encouragement to pursue my dreams and turn them into goals I am now working towards. I was recruited as an intern through the Santander UK Internships programme. The team were welcoming from the start and are exceptionally competent in their field and consummate professionals. Sam is not only a beacon of knowledge, but one of the most genuine and kind people I know. She has nurtured me from the end of my undergraduate course, equipped me with valuable experience and opened the door to many opportunities. By working with the wide range of associates, I have developed a network of contacts who are still proving invaluable even after leaving Birch. If you are looking for a consultant who can deliver even the most challenging or unique projects with skill and accuracy, I would only look to Birch-HR.”
Peter Emmanuel
"As a small business without a HR function, HR situations can be very upsetting, stressful and a minefield of dos and don’ts. Birch-HR took the stress away with clear, concise, and professional advice. Furthermore, their friendly manner really helped whilst dealing with distressing conversations and meetings and they were always available at any time of day for a quick call to guide and advice. I highly recommend Birch-HR."
Howard Williams, Director, Parker Software
"The experience that Birch-HR has brings confidence and peace of mind. Their guidance, covering the day to day anomalies right through to managing change processes is superb. The team of experts are always on hand to help and walk through any HR queries or concerns."
Luke Salkeld, Headteacher, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic College
"Many thanks to all at Birch-HR from me. You have all been so amazing and supportive during my time and I really do appreciate the great support and advice you give. Wishing you all the very best going forward. Thank you again."
Kully Dosanjh, Business Partner, Our Lady & St Hubert’s Catholic Primary School
"We can't begin to express how thankful we are to Birch-HR! From the very first interaction to ongoing support, they have been nothing short of exceptional. They have taken the effort to comprehend our school's culture, values, and long-term goals, ensuring that the solutions they offer align perfectly with our vision and policies. This level of attention to detail sets them apart from other providers without doubt. We wholeheartedly recommend their services to any company or school seeking a dependable, supportive, and knowledgeable HR partner. Thank you Birch!"
Nida Nobrdali, Assistant School Business Manager, The Pavilion
Thank you for all your help with the hearing. It was very helpful to have an expert in the process in the meeting.
Headteacher/Chair of Grievance Panel, North London
The investigation notes were SUPERB! Absolutely spot on in what was tricky meeting, you’ve done a brilliant job with them. Thank you ever so much again Amelia Adams and for the incredibly quick and efficient turnaround as well for the professional way you conducted and presented yourself during the meeting as well.
Martin Callus, HR Consultant (associate)
Thank you for your support yesterday Hollie; it is very much appreciated, and I feel the meeting went well too.
Executive Headteacher, Our Lady of Magnificat Multi Academy
A long-term absence which led to a resignation. Thank you so much Hollie and thank you for all of your support and help through the whole process too.
Vice Principal, SEND & Inclusion Manager, Emmaus Multi Academy
“You are able to move mountains and you are a magician! You work so hard (and smart!), the energy level you have is impressive, and strategic thinking on the spot is remarkable. You were giving your all to make the event successful, with having both a big picture in your mind, but also focusing on details when needed. You are just amazing when it comes to navigating unknown situations, making quick, logical calculations and communicating effectively. I could write about your performance for days - you are just amazing, hard worker, smart, positive and experienced.
Event Leader
“I just wanted to take a moment to share how incredibly powerful the first 2 days of the Leadership Development from Birch HR were. The pitch and delivery were spot on. The tasks varied, the opportunity as a group of heads to build relationships and feel as one and the possibilities of smarter working as a collective was exciting. I have already taken away a wealth of strategies and techniques that are going to improve my leadership. I know the investment in time and money is very high but I feel that strategically it will be worth every penny. I'd also like to thank you and the board for investing in "us", as a new head this has made a massive difference”
Charlotte Miller, Headteacher, St Mary’s Primary School, Henley in Arden
Sam Hulson, Managing Director of Birch HR, does a fantastic job supporting us in our schools.
Jo Griffin, Chair of Board Directors, Emmaus Multi Academy
Thank you so much Sam for your professionalism and chairing of a disciplinary hearing. Superb support. So glad we were introduced.
Director, Finance Business
“So pleased we engaged with Birch-HR when we did. Very impressed with the support provided from all the HR professionals involved and this ensured timely leadership and people outcomes”
Gary McPhee, Co-Founder, CEO, Step into Teaching
The meeting was very well managed with lots of information and the Governors were very positive with the process and the speed that it was completed in.
Governors Disciplinary Panel, Birmingham
I would like to provide a review of Birch HR's support and services, which have mainly been delivered through your extremely helpful and informative senior HR advisor. Holly has been truly incredible. Birch HR are an extremely effective organisation who are always happy to help in any way possible. I would thoroughly recommend them. I have continuously found great support and guidance, which is delivered through happy helpful advisors, who leave me feeling confident to tackle the great range of HR matters. Birch HR offer a bespoke and personalised service; I feel as though they are members of our team.
Adam Lodge, Interim Principal, St Mary’s Catholic School
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We provide regular HR news, briefing and training events for our clients. We provide thought leadership articles for HR, education and business national media.
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