Free HR Health Check & Audit
This quick HR audit helps you identify where your people processes are strong and where small adjustments could improve them. After you complete our free HR health check, you'll receive a simple score covering the seven stages of the Employee Lifecycle.
It is straightforward and takes only 5 to 7 minutes.
We take security and confidentiality seriously, so please answer honestly. We do NOT save this report; only you and Kate will receive a copy of your HR audit action plan at the end, or you can download a PDF. We do not save your HR health check or personal data to a database.
Why HR Audits and Compliance Matter
Employment law is complex and constantly changing. Small gaps in your HR processes can lead to expensive tribunal claims, averaging £28,000 each, or fines from regulators.
But it's not just about avoiding risk. Good HR practices help you attract and retain the right people, build a positive workplace culture, and support business growth. When your people processes are clear and fair, everyone benefits.
This free HR health check identifies where you're doing well and where simple improvements could make a real difference. You'll get practical insights tailored to your business, and the start to an action plan, not generic advice.
What Our HR Health Check Covers
Our comprehensive HR health check evaluates your people processes across seven critical stages of the employee lifecycle. Each stage represents a key area where gaps can lead to compliance issues, operational inefficiencies, or employee relations problems.
Build (Foundation): We assess your employment contracts, core policies, GDPR compliance, and pay structures. This foundation stage is critical because missing or incorrect contracts can lead to costly tribunal claims, while GDPR breaches can result in fines up to 4% of your turnover.
Attract & Select (Recruitment): Your hiring processes are evaluated for inclusivity, legal compliance, and candidate experience. We check that your job adverts use inclusive language, that you're conducting Right to Work checks properly (£20,000 fines per illegal worker), and that your interview processes are fair and documented.
Start (Onboarding): Effective onboarding reduces first-year turnover by up to 40%. We review your induction processes, probation management, and how well you integrate new starters into payroll and pension systems. Poor onboarding costs businesses thousands in lost productivity and rehiring costs.
Manage (Performance): This stage covers absence management, flexible working requests, performance conversations, and disciplinary procedures. We identify whether your processes follow the ACAS Code of Practice, which is essential for defending tribunal claims. The average unfair dismissal claim costs £28,000 to settle.
Grow (Development): We evaluate your pay structures, performance reviews, career development, and engagement initiatives. Businesses with strong development programs retain top talent longer and see higher productivity. The cost of replacing an employee ranges from 30-150% of their salary.
Change (Exits): Proper exit processes protect you from claims and provide valuable insights. We check your leaver processes, final pay accuracy, redundancy procedures, and exit interview practices. Well-handled exits can turn former employees into brand ambassadors or future rehires.
Why Small Businesses Need HR Audits
Many small business owners assume they're too small to need formal HR processes, but this misconception can be costly. Employment law applies to businesses of all sizes, and small businesses often face higher risks because they lack in-house HR expertise to spot gaps early.
An HR audit isn't about creating unnecessary bureaucracy. It's about protecting your business from avoidable costs. Tribunal claims average £28,000 to settle, GDPR fines can reach millions, and National Minimum Wage underpayments lead to public naming plus £20,000 penalties per worker. These aren't hypothetical risks; they happen to small businesses every day.
Beyond compliance, good HR practices drive business growth. Clear processes reduce management time spent firefighting, improve employee retention (saving thousands in recruitment costs), and create a positive culture that attracts top talent. When your people processes are strong, your entire business runs more smoothly.
How to Use Your Results
After completing the health check, you'll receive a personalized report with Red, Amber, and Green scores for each stage. Red zones require immediate attention. These are compliance gaps that could lead to fines or legal action. Address these within 30 days or seek professional HR support.
Amber zones indicate areas for improvement. These are processes that exist but need strengthening or better documentation. Plan improvements within 90 days to prevent these from becoming problems as you grow.
Green zones show where you're doing well. Maintain these processes and review them annually to ensure they stay current with changing legislation.
Your results come with practical recommendations tailored to your business size and industry. This isn't generic advice. It's specific guidance on what to fix first, how to fix it, and what can wait. Many businesses use their health check results to create a 12-month HR action plan, prioritizing critical fixes while building stronger foundations for growth.
If your health check reveals significant gaps, consider following up with our comprehensive People Management Audit (£499-£999), which provides detailed validation, written reports, and a complete action plan. Or explore our monthly HR service plans, from HR Advice Line (£175/month) to HR Protect (£299/month), for ongoing support as you implement improvements.