HR Consultancy Support Across County Durham & the North East

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NFU
NECIT
Datatonic
Durham Cricket
AR Power
True Padel
Aelius
Durham FC
Hubway
Luminous
Steam & Salt
Serios
Jane John
Shildon Alive
Secon
DC Foundation
Staffpower
Culture Creative

Your Complete HR Partner

Managing your people does not need to be complicated. Shrewd HR provides expert HR support, employment law guidance, and practical advice to help your business stay compliant, confident, and well-run.

Whether you need help with day-to-day HR, a specific issue, or long-term support, our team are here to guide you with clear solutions and flexible packages to suit businesses of all sizes.

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Meet your new HR team

Retained HR Support to suit your business

Five tailored HR packages, each designed to support your business at different stages of need and growth.

Employment Law & Employment Rights Act Support

  • Employment contracts, policies and procedures
  • Onboarding & offboarding
  • Performance management support
  • Recruitment support
Shrewd HR office. Martin, Shrewd director, sitting at a white desk using a laptop.

Features vary depending on packages.

Shrewd Core: Retained HR packages for businesses in Durham and the North East.

New & emerging businesses

Shrewd Spark: Retained HR packages for businesses in Durham and the North East.

Teams finding their feet

Shrewd Pulse: Retained HR packages for businesses in Durham and the North East.

Businesses in growth

Shrewd Edge: Retained HR packages for businesses in Durham and the North East.

Established leadership teams

Shrewd Elevate : Retained HR packages for businesses in Durham and the North East.

Complex organisations

Need ad-hoc support?

Shrewd HR Solutions: Ad-hoc HR consultancy when you need it most.

Shrewd Solutions provides ad hoc HR services for any issue or task you need resolved, with clear hourly pricing and the job completed from start to finish.

HR News

Stay up to date with the latest HR news and updates.

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Employment Law & Compliance

SSP changes in April 26

From April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay changes affect eligibility, timing and cost. Employers should review policies, payroll processes and manager guidance now.
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Absence, Health & Wellbeing

The benefits of engaging occupational health

Occupational health can help employers manage absence more confidently, support employees properly and make fair, informed decisions about adjustments and return to work.
A young lady steaming milk at a coffee machine while a young man is pouring espresso.

Employment Law & Compliance

Employment Rights Act 2025

The Employment Rights Act 2025 is raising the bar for employers across compliance, process and prevention. Early preparation will make it much easier to manage the changes ahead.
People leadership and management in County Durham and the North East

Latest HR News

How Strategic People Leadership Helps UK Businesses Grow in 2026

Strong people leadership is becoming a key driver of business performance in the UK. Investing in strategic HR support helps organisations strengthen culture, improve engagement and build the workforce capability needed for long‑term growth.
HR Training for culture and development

Latest HR News

How UK Managers Can Handle Difficult Conversations Without Damaging Culture

UK managers often struggle with difficult conversations, especially when performance or behaviour concerns arise. With the right HR training and guidance, leaders can communicate clearly, protect workplace culture and resolve issues confidently.
A man sitting alone at a large desk in a bright office holding his chin and typing on a laptop.

Employee Relations & Workplace Issues

Managing redundancies

Redundancies need to be handled with care, from early planning through to consultation and what happens afterwards. The right support can reduce risk and help protect trust.
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Shrewd HR's recruitment arm, Shrewd Hire, partners with Gillespie Recruitment

Shrewd HR has announced a new partnership between Shrewd Hire, its specialist HR recruitment service, and Gillespie Recruitment, the Sunderland-based, nationwide recruitment specialists. 

Shrewd HR partners with gillespie recruitment

Book your free 1-1 HR Assessment

Introducing

Shrewd Hire Logo

HR recruitment led by HR experts. Built for better hiring decisions.

Founding Client Rate of 10% until 31 December

Find out more