Testimonials

I worked with Helen for a number of years in the Further Education sector. During that time I found her to be a highly competent H/R professional and also an approachable one.

She gave excellent advice, support and service to both management and employee, even if it was not what they wanted to hear because she was forthright and fair when doing so.

I had no hesitation recommending Helen to two organisations that are planning to merge and wanted an independent H/R professional to help then with the appointments process for the new senior leadership team. Helen knows her stuff.

Everton Burke OBE

Chair of Corporation, Burton & South Derbyshire College

Helen was an amazing support for us as we recently went through the process of recruiting our first employee. From interview advice to supplying our company handbook and contract, Helen was on hand at every step.

Both ourselves and our new employee feel confident and happy in our working agreement, which has all been handled very professionally.

I would not hesitate to recommend Helen, she has been fantastic for us at a time of big change in the business which could very easily have caused us a lot of stress.

Kate Curry

Director, The Curry Design Studio

I have known Helen O’Byrne since January 2000 when she was appointed as HR Manager at City College Birmingham where I was Vice Principal for 17 years. Helen worked at City College until August 2011. I was impressed with her at interview and remained so throughout the time I worked with her.

Helen is a well qualified, highly experienced and capable HR professional. During her time at City College she worked very closely with managers in a variety of senior roles in City College and through a period of significant organisational change and challenge and which included several complex restructures. Helen’s advice, guidance and specialist HR knowledge and skills were invaluable to me and other members of the senior team. She always kept herself fully up to date with developments in the FE sector as well as in HR related matters and could be relied on to give sound advice and guidance.

Helen was involved in all aspects of HR services within the college. Her effective case work, work on policy development and implementation and restructures were particular specialist areas of strength. She was also involved in developing and implementing new HR systems. Helen was always highly responsive to the needs of our organisation as well as to individuals.

Helen is very personable. She enjoyed very positive relationships with colleagues at all levels in the organisation and was widely respected. She consistently maintained the highest standards of professionalism and discretion over the many years she worked at the college. She has strong verbal and written communications skills. She is efficient, well organised and meets deadlines. I would judge that Helen’s specialist skills and extensive experience would be a great asset in providing HR services to any business. I can unreservedly recommend her.

Sue Knottenbelt

Head of Adult Learning, Birmingham Adult Education Service

Helen has been supporting us with our HR needs for the last 8 years. Everything from providing employee handbooks, contracts and employment advice as and when needed.

It’s so reassuring to know that in using Helen’s services we are fully compliant with employment law, which means we can get on with the important task of running our business.

Helen, thank you so much for all your support and guidance, we really love working with you.

Jan Tonks

Synium IT

I would recommend Helen O’Byrne as she has proved her knowledge and expertise in the field of HR to be a vital resource, which I found to be invaluable when managing an establishment of over fifty staff in my last organisation.

Over a period of three years working with Helen I required advice and guidance dealing with complex and often difficult situations ranging from restructures to performance management of staff. Her knowledge, expertise, advice and guidance ensured I was in a position to confidently make difficult informed decisions.

Helen’s advice and guidance in supporting my direct reports (middle managers) performance manger their staff has proved time and time again to be a real asset.

John Devine MBA BA CMgr

Chartered Manager in Leadership & Management

Helen has been a true asset to our company since coming on board in September 2013. Through Helen’s expertise and insight we have developed our HR processes to an excellent standard, including interview processes, induction packs, CPD plans, contracts, and the cherry on the cake – IIP.

She has always been on the other end of the phone for those niggling moments when I need to pick her brains, and that for me is invaluable. I believe that every small business should, at some point, utilise the professional services offered by Helen and her team. I hope to continue working alongside Helen, improving our processes and procedures for the foreseeable future.

Faisal Hussin

Director, Welcome Skills Ltd

As well as helping Ark with ‘general’ HR input. Helen helped me with the recruitment of a new team member.

Her golden nuggets of advice were great and ensured the entire process went smoothly from initial advertising of the post to recruiting the right candidate. Thank you Helen!

Judith Hutchinson

Head of Marketing, Ark Media Productions

Recently inco decided to move away from a large HR company due to the lack of responsiveness to our HR needs and not having a single point contact.

Now we have joined up with Helen we have found our HR needs are quickly responded to and advised upon the same day. Helen has also provide us with new up to date bespoke employment contracts which protect both the company and its employees.

Thanks Helen again.

David Cotterill

Managing Director, Inco Contracts

Helen has been such an incredible support to me & my business, guiding me through those challenging meetings, conversations & ensuring I am fully compliant with employment law. I would highly recommend her for HR support & services.

Stephanie Bennett

Director, The Curiosity Approach

Helen supported my development significantly during the time I worked for her at City College Birmingham.

She provided many oppurtunities to increase my skills and experience and provided constrictive guidance when required. I learnt a lot from her and was grateful for the her approach to my development.

Kate Merchant MCIPD

HR Manager, British Transport Police

Helen continues to provide our business with excellent advice, support and help on all HR matters, never more so than in these difficult times. It is reassuring to know that we can rely on her expert knowledge.

James Merrick

Director, Burley Browne Chartered Surveyors

I have worked with Helen over a number of roles in her HR positions. I have found her to be proactive, very knowledgeable and with the essential ingredient of good judgement when it comes to dealing with difficult employment relation issues.

She also deals with matters quickly and effectively and always achieves a good outcome.

James Tait

Employment Partner, Browne Jacobson LLP

I contacted Byrne Jones HR to help support with a delicate, confidential and complicated staffing issue. Helen provided us with HR advice, guidance and support, which gave us the best possible outcome.

The service was very cost effective, flexible and professional. I have no hesitation in recommending the services of Byrne Jones HR.

Clive Yates

Chief Executive, YMCA Sutton Coldfield

Helen is a skilled and resourceful manager with the ability to operate at operational and strategic levels to effectively support the HR requirements of the organisation. Helen has expert knowledge of process and the associated legislative environment, and is able to train, coach and direct as appropriate in different situations.
Anthony Gribben-Lisle

Vice Principal - Business Excellence, Chesterfield College

Helen is a very professional person who has a wealth of expert knowledge in all aspects of HR and managing an HR department. She has a friendly approachable nature, willing to support and advise colleagues at all times. Helen has supported myself and other managers successfully with performance and absence management, which resulted in very positive outcomes for all parties. I have no hesitation in recommending Helen.
Michael Mason

Assistant Director Automotive, South & City College Birmingham

I worked with Helen at City College Birmingham. I valued Helen as a collegue and I always found her to be very supportive and extremely professional.

Helen was approachable would ensure that she made time to discuss fully any issues or concerns with staff. She was a well respected member of the College Management Team.

I personally valued Helen’s knowledge and ability to clarify an issue and identify possible solutions whilst remaining independent.

Diane Cleaver

Finance Manager

I have been working with Helen for almost a year now. She has supported our company at director level as well as helped successfully push through some of our HR initiatives.

From an individual point of view she has also helped me progress and develop in my own HR career. I have worked closely with Helen on a lot of ER related projects and from that I have learnt a lot of valuable skills from her.

I will always be grateful for the support and time she has given me and look forward to working together again in the future.

Sophie Neale

HR & Staff Development Assoc CIPD, WHS Plastics

I have known Helen in a professional capacity for around two years now following our initial engagement with Byrne Jones HR.

As our company experienced significant growth, Helen has provided us with diligent and expert advice relating to Human Resource during this period, assisting us with internal reviews of our HR systems and policies, whilst also assisting us in a timely manner with issues as and when they arise.

Helen provides professional advice whilst ensuring our companies interests remain at the top of her agenda. I would recommend Helen for any HR consultancy works to anybody seeking an expert in the field of HR.

Sam Norton

Operations Director, Inco Contracts

Helen is a wonderful person. She is also a rare sight in businesses these days – by being both professional, and extremely personable. Supremely proficient in her HR, and a joy to work with.
Simon Tonks

Managing Director, Synium IT

I have worked with Helen over the past few months and she is supporting my business and one of my clients companies with HR Support and the development of new policies and procedures. Helen has really listened to our needs and has reacted with a be-spoke approach to both businesses.

She is very knowledgeable within HR and offers a transparent approach to business, from proposal through to the implementation and pricing, which is excellent value for money. We have all been totally satisfied with what Helen has done and will continue to use her services in the future.

John Lymm

Managing Director, Workforce Development Consultancy Ltd

Approached Helen for advice relating to HR documents, turnaround on feedback and advice was immediate and we will be using her services again. Very personable and helpful.

Owen Smith

Director, Association of Learning

Helen is a dedicated and experienced individual who has always demonstrated a professional approach.

I have no hesitation in recommending Helen. I have always found her to be fair, thorough and very knowledgeable; someone who is compassionate and open minded and who deals with sensitive issues without hesitation.

Helen has extensive experience of managing change through very difficult and trying times.

Karen Tucker

Director of Excellence and Improvement, Chesterfield College

An exemplary, professional Colleague who managed the HR functions extremely well.
Corrie Harris

Vice Principal, Tresham College (Part of The Bedford College Group)

Helen has assisted us on a number of occasions on a variety of HR issues from developing contracts and staff handbooks to leading complex staff issues.

Helen has been really helpful and approachable at all times. She makes everything clear and easy to understand, which is just what a small business needs. We would not hesitate to recommend her.

Lyndsey Hellyn

Director, The Nest Nursery Ltd

Helen managed two very complex disciplinary cases and achieved an excellent outcome. She also compiled our staff contracts of employment and Company Staff Handbook, which contained a full and comprehensive set of HR policies and procedures. All the documents provided by Helen were created to meet our business needs.

We were very pleased with the excellent, flexible and responsive HR support Helen provided. The service provided was of a very high quality and was also value for money. Should we require HR expertise in the future I would always use Byrne Jones HR and I have no hesitation in recommended Helen to anyone who needs HR support.

Lynn Underhill

Director, R & L Transport Services (UK) Ltd