0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy in Oxford
Whether you’re scaling fast, struggling with founder dependency or talent drain, or finding reactive hires aren’t delivering the leadership strength you need, our Oxford People Directors are here to help. Working hands-on at board level, they bring strategic HR expertise into the heart of your organisation – aligning people, culture and structure with your ambitions and achieving game-changing results in just a few days a month – without the commitment of a full-time hire.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Oxford
Oxford’s economy is defined by world-class innovation, strong academic links and a fast-growing professional services base. From pioneering science and technology spin-outs to long-established family businesses, the city blends centuries of heritage with future-focused ambition.
But with rapid growth, fierce competition for talent and increasing founder dependency presenting as typical challenges, many Oxford businesses struggle to balance ambition with sustainable structure and leadership.
That’s where our Oxford-based Fractional People Directors bring value. Working hands-on at board level, we align people strategy with commercial goals – helping organisations move from surviving to thriving.
You’ll find us supporting businesses across Oxford and its surrounding commercial districts, including:
- Oxford City Centre
- Oxford Business Park & Oxford Science Park
- Oxford North (Northern Gateway development)
- Headington
- Cowley
- Summertown
- Jericho
- Abingdon
- Didcot
- Bicester
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in Oxford
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our Oxford-based Fractional HR Directors are here to help. We work hands-on as part of your senior team – bringing high-calibre strategic HR support that delivers commercial results and lasting change.
Meet our Oxford HR consultancy team
Our Oxford HR consultancy team combines board-level expertise, commercial acumen and cross-sector experience – helping ambitious organisations unlock growth, resilience and long-term success through the power of their people.
These are specialists who’ve led HR strategy, turnaround programmes and leadership reviews for premium brands and global names across sectors including engineering, manufacturing, construction, finance, hospitality, energy, FMCG and the third sector.
Collectively, they’ve restructured organisations across Europe, Asia, Australia and the US, supported £1bn-plus acquisitions, and delivered large-scale strategies such as complex corporate restructures and senior leadership reorganisations.
With Oxford home to world-class research institutions, advanced manufacturing and a thriving professional services hub, our People Directors understand the pace and pressures of the region’s business landscape. They bring strategic clarity, practical solutions and fresh leadership capacity – helping you shape a stronger organisation that’s ready for the future.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Oxford – Building Structure and Leadership for Growth
Versantus – From Reactive to Proactive People Strategy
Challenge: Oxford-based digital agency Versantus was growing fast, but success brought strain. Headcount doubled without a clear structure, the CEO was tied up in every decision, and internal processes around pay, progression and communication weren’t keeping pace. Leadership gaps and a lack of strategic hiring risked stalling growth and culture.
Solution: People Puzzles People Director James Lloyd worked with Versantus to design a proactive people plan. Key hires in sales and finance boosted capability, a new Managing Director took day-to-day control, and line managers were added and trained to lead effectively. Salary, development and well-being processes were restructured for consistency, and leadership workshops aligned the team behind the company vision.
Results: Versantus is now stronger, more scalable, and more sustainable. The CEO has stepped back to focus on long-term goals, the leadership team is accountable and aligned, and the business has achieved growth in both revenue and profitability – with recognition as a Real Living Wage employer and progress toward “Great Place to Work” certification.
“Like many small businesses we have grown organically, and our processes and teams developed in unstructured and sometimes unhelpful ways. People Puzzles have been instrumental in getting us on to a better path to support our growth ambitions.”
Nik Roberts, Founder/chairperson – Versantus (Oxford)
Strategic HR consultancy services for Oxford businesses
Oxford’s innovative and buoyant economy creates exciting opportunities – but it also brings people challenges.
Many leaders find themselves caught in day-to-day demands, struggling to step back and work on the bigger picture. Others face talent drain to London, fragile structures that can’t scale, or leadership gaps that block growth.
Our Oxford-based Strategic HR Consultants embed at board level to solve these issues with tailor-made solutions. We align people strategy with commercial ambition – strengthening leadership, structure and culture so you can retain talent, reduce founder dependency and build long-term value.
Here are the most in-demand HR support services Oxford businesses turn to us for:
People Processes
Even innovative businesses can stall without strong people processes. Our Oxford Strategic HR Consultants streamline recruitment, onboarding, performance reviews and compliance – reducing risk, saving leadership time, and creating the consistency needed to support growth and maintain reputation in competitive markets.
Strategic HR
Our Strategic HR Consultants in Oxford help ambitious businesses move from reacting to challenges to planning for the future. Whether you’re scaling a spin-out, growing an SME, or preparing for investment, we align culture, leadership and structure with your goals. The result is a resilient organisation where people and business strategy drive growth together.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Strong team members don’t always make confident leaders. Our Oxford-based Strategic HR Consultants work hands-on with senior teams to build leadership capability – from communication and vision-sharing to commercial awareness. This creates a stronger succession pipeline, giving founders the confidence to step back and focus on the bigger picture.
Organisational Structure
Many Oxford businesses scale quicker than their structure allows. Our Fractional People Directors reshape organisations for clarity and accountability – ensuring leaders know their roles, teams pull together, and founders are freed from day-to-day firefighting to focus on long-term strategy and growth.
Talent Management & Retention
Oxford businesses face fierce competition for talent, often losing skilled people to London salaries or global brands. Our People Directors help you stand out with a stronger employee value proposition – built on culture, career development and purpose. We’ll help you attract, retain and grow the skills you need to succeed, including helping you tap into the rich graduate talent pool that Oxford is known for.
Culture Development
Without clear values and vision, it’s tough to keep great people or build future leaders. Our Fractional People Directors in Oxford work with you to define and embed behaviours that create a unified, positive culture. The result: trust, consistency and a workplace where people want to stay and succeed.
Business Strategy
From scaling spin-outs to preparing for exit, Oxford businesses need strong people foundations to deliver on big ambitions. Our People Directors work at board level to align leadership, structure and teams with your commercial goals – building the resilience and capability needed for long-term success.
Why choose our strategic outsourced HR consultants in Oxford?
Across its thriving business parks, manufacturing and technology hubs, science and research corridors and healthcare and university clusters, Oxford is world-renowned for its ideas and innovation.
Brimming with everything from university spinouts and research institutes to fast-growth digital agencies, advanced manufacturing firms and professional services, it’s one to watch in terms of growth leadership. But that doesn’t mean its businesses don’t face people issues, making it difficult to tap into the exciting opportunities on offer.
Leadership gaps, founder dependency and difficulty retaining talent in a competitive market are common themes for Oxford employers. Structures strain under growth, managers lack time to lead, and culture suffers as teams lose clarity and direction.
This is where People Puzzles makes all the difference. More than traditional HR consultants, our Oxford-based Fractional People Directors are entrepreneurial founders, senior leaders and board members who’ve faced the same pressures first-hand.
Embedding within your business, they work hands-on to align people strategy with commercial goals – building resilience, leadership strength and sustainable growth.
And with a network of over 90 People Directors nationwide, you benefit from local expertise shaped by Oxford’s unique commercial landscape – backed by the scale, shared knowledge and sector depth of a national team.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A Fractional People Director is a senior HR leader who works part-time within your organisation to deliver strategic impact without the cost of a full-time hire. For Oxford businesses – from high-growth tech firms to professional services and family-owned companies – this flexible model provides the board-level expertise needed to strengthen leadership, build structure and retain talent, while still keeping costs under control.
Operational HR focuses on essentials like contracts, compliance and policies. Strategic HR looks further ahead – aligning people, culture and leadership with your business goals. Most Oxford employers need a mix of both. Our locally based Strategic HR Consultants combine long-term vision with practical delivery, so your people plan supports both day-to-day stability and future growth.
Yes – this is a familiar challenge across Oxford, especially in fast-growing tech, life sciences and professional services firms. Our People Directors work hands-on with your leadership team to design structures that support growth, clarify accountability and free up founders from day-to-day firefighting – ensuring the business can scale sustainably.
Attracting and retaining great people isn’t only about pay. Career progression, culture and purpose matter just as much. Our Fractional People Directors help Oxford businesses define a compelling employee value proposition (EVP), build career pathways and create a culture people want to be part of – so you can attract and retain the talent you need without being in a salary arms race.
Many team members and managers are promoted for technical expertise, but haven’t had the support to become confident leaders. Our Oxford-based People Directors coach and mentor managers, improving communication, decision-making and people skills, and strengthening leadership pipelines to create a team that inspires others to perform.
Our People Directors are embedded within your business – usually for just a few days a month – but with the expertise to make transformational changes in a short timeframe. They take the time to understand your culture, build trust with your teams and work side-by-side with leaders to deliver practical solutions. They don’t just advise from the outside – they become a trusted part of your leadership team.
Proven Impact. Tangible Results. HR with ROI.
Our work delivers measurable outcomes – from improved retention and stronger leadership to sustained growth.
Call us on: 0345 646 5201 or email [email protected]
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in Oxford Today
Let’s move your Oxford business forward – together
Whether you’re growing fast, reshaping your structure or developing your leadership team, our Oxford-based Fractional HR Directors are here to help. Working hands-on as part of your senior team, we bring clarity, focus and people expertise that drives real progress – and long-term results.
See what our clients say!
Clyde has been instrumental in taking BEAR Scotland from 'good to great'
Iain Murray, Managing Director, BEAR Scotland
Working closely with Clyde Marwick we developed a five-pillar framework addressing our goal for a high performing HR function including employer branding, recruitment innovation, and reward enhancement. We have navigated complex employee relations challenges while building strategic capability across our HR team. We now have the people infrastructure to match our operational excellence.
Liz's support was instrumental in us delivering a successful consultation
Director of Finance, National Hair & Beauty Federation
Following the completion of our restructure, I wanted to get in touch to say thank you. Liz's support was instrumental in us delivering a successful consultation. We are extremely grateful for her measured and sound advice, helping us to navigate such a sensitive situation, and we look forward to working with her again in future .
Lynn guided me out of my comfort zone to help me achieve my goals
Samantha Freeman, Management Accountant, Wirtgen Group
I could not recommend Lynn more, she guided me out of my comfort zone to help me achieve my goals and to think about things from an alternative perspective. I have also had a few people comment on the positive changes they can see in me which is a result of our sessions.
Sarah is a trusted advisor and sounding board to both me and my team.
Claire Watkin, Managing Director, Trendsetter
Working with People Puzzles has enabled me to step out of the day to day running of the business and concentrate on our future strategic direction. Sarah has helped us focus on how we develop our future leaders, cross team collaboration, and enhance overall business performance, as well as supporting the achievement of B Corp status.
The achievements of the People Strategy made a measurable difference.
Craig Bennett, Chief Executive Officer, Sigma
I can't thank Paula enough for all her support over the last 3 years. Her time with us turned out to be much longer than any of us expected but I guess this reflects the extraordinary events and circumstances we’ve encountered since 2019. The achievements over this period made a measurable difference to engagement and has helped Sigma transition our people policies from that of an SME into market leading large corporate. Thank you.
Lynn was always positive and listened when it mattered
Coaching Client – Wirtgen Limited
I cannot give Lynn enough thanks for the help that she gave me to better understand myself and help me find the answers to some tough questions. Lynn was always positive and listened when it mattered, Thanks again Lynn.
I have been able to build a proactive relationship with Pauline
Amy Fisher, MD, Doby Verrolec
I have been able to build a proactive relationship with Pauline. I came into this role last year with an agenda for growth and we have been working together across employee engagement, contacts and policies.
Pauline developed our people strategy with a robust methodology
Jeremy Royle, MD, YourNRG
Pauline’s hands on approach helped us to build on the work we have already taken and develop our people strategy with a robust methodology to meet the current needs and future growth of the business.
Working closely with one local and very knowledgeable person
Amy Fisher, MD, Doby Verrolec
The real benefit of People Puzzles is that your business and industry sector needs are matched with one of the People Puzzles Directors. This means you work closely with one local and very knowledgeable person who can quickly understand the people needs of the business.
Working with Sarah has been a rewarding, productive and an educational experience
Chief Operating Officer, Salford Primary Care Together
We wanted to understand more about what was driving our organisational culture, key risks and issues, what our priorities should be, and to understand what we could achieve with our limited resources. Sarah brought commitment, pragmatism, and positivity to our challenges which helped us achieve many of our goals including organisational restructures, re-design of several key HR processes and upskilling of our teams.
Pauline has very quickly gotten to grips with Your NRG.
Managing Director, Your NRG
Pauline has very quickly gotten to grips with Your NRG, and has brought to our attention some processes that need our focus as a result of our recent rapid growth. We are pushing on with the more pressing operational day-to-day strategies and initiatives whilst also educating the SMT on their overall understanding of ‘cradle to grave’ employment. Pauline continues to work diligently and tirelessly for Your NRG and I am delighted to have her ongoing support alongside us as we continue on our journey to realise our levels of ambition.
Changed the way we approach our senior meetings and develop our strategy.
Chair, Regular Cleaning
Shaun worked closely with me and the senior team and taught us a lot. Shaun dedicated time for each team member and encouraged, educated and guided them to be the best they can be. We achieved so much in the time we worked with Shaun and he has helped to change our focus from working in the business to working on the business giving us time to dedicate to the progression of the teams that make up the rest of our family.
Jill has worked on many projects as our part time HR Director.
Founder, Aura
One was around sick days which she has now reduced by 75%. This has significantly minimised the disruption it was causing.
Stewart's work has been a major factor in helping us achieve our ambitious targets.
Gerry Simmonds, Safpro
Stewart helped to align our senior team around business goals and implemented clear people plan has been a major factor in helping us achieve our ambitious targets. We have grown 20% over the past two years and with the team we now have in place this growth is set to continue.
Lynn's work as our trusted HR consultant and my mentor has been absolutely invaluable.
Oktawia Ellis, HR Manager, We Seal
I have the distinct pleasure of working with Lynn at People Puzzles. Her work over the last few years as our trusted HR consultant and my mentor has been absolutely invaluable. Lynn is an expert in her field, she is very knowledgeable, encourageing, supportive, and an effective leader. She is also really funny and a pleasure to be around! I learned a lot from Lynn and I would strongly recommend her.
The impact Lynn has had on our challenges are beyond my expectations
James Laxton, Managing Director, Laxtons
She has engaged with all our staff and her approach is a breath of fresh air for the business. The support she has given me has made some difficult issues appear straight forward and she has given a new lease of life in the business. We would not have been able to get to where we are now without her wealth of experience and hands on people approach and I am excited to see what the future brings working with Lynn.
Every team leader can now make decisions in line with the vision
Roy Bowie, Managing Director, GreenBlue Urban
I used to have the view that HR was managing difficult cases and moving people on with occasional recruitment support. But what People Puzzles does is so much more than that. It’s about the development of the business and its people as a whole which has been the biggest eye opener for me.
Working with Gill has helped us develop a People Plan which goes beyond compliance
Bernard Sellars, Managing Director, Lindum Packaging
Working with Gill from People Puzzles has helped us develop a People Plan which goes beyond compliance – it has helped us as a team to achieve greater alignment and engagement with the business strategy and goals.
I found the personal development coaching I received from Lynn to be very beneficial.
Alex Calvert, Marketing and PR Account Manager, Intandem Communications Ltd
I found the personal development coaching I received from Lynn to be very beneficial. Lynn helped me to work on some very clear objectives with a good balance of supportiveness and knowing when to challenge and push me out of my comfort zone!
We are now in a strong position from a people perspective, to leverage the future
Craig Bennett, CEO, Sigma Group
Paula developed a clear People plan and road map, which has significantly moved us on. She has developed the existing HR team, and ensured that we progressed quickly on all the initiatives that we identified. I’m confident that based on the last 6 months, with Paula’s input and contribution, we are now in a strong position from a people perspective, to leverage the next 6 months and beyond.
A very professional team
Chris Morling, Founder & CEO, Money.co.uk
It’s been brilliant to have such knowledgeable consultants help us to empower our people. Stuart and Sophie were incredibly flexible, adapting their services to our business and existing culture. I’d highly recommend People Puzzles.
Shifted my view of HR!
Gavin Pooley, Managing Director, Liquidline
I used to think that HR was all about employment law compliance and managing the administration basics. I didn’t get the hugely positive impact strategic HR could make to the business – I do now!’
Transformed my understanding
Managing Director, B2B Supplies and Support Services
Having Alison on the team is like having another MD/MBA in the business. She has totally transformed my understanding of HR.
Fantastic support!
Kerry Berry, Director, S&K Berry Associates LLP
Lynn has been a fantastic support to us and an ongoing fountain of knowledge. If you have a business and/or staff you need to take care of, you need a Lynn on your team!
Such a detailed process
Sue Ford, Director, Bridge Case Management
Lynn ran a detailed process and I wasn’t allowed to get away with anything – All relevant issues were included and dealt with objectively.
We’ve accomplished a lot!
Joseph Carr, Managing Director, Carrs Pasties
This is an inspiring story and it’s all true. I can’t believe it’s about us! We’ve accomplished a lot over the last 18 months.
Helping us shape the business
Stuart Hill, CEO, WNDirect
Carole has helped me and the business massively and added real value while helping us shape the business.
Vee has delivered a huge amount for the company
Bertie Kerr, Managing Director, Albany Associates Ltd
Vee started with a baseline study of where we were. She then presented a work plan to deliver over the coming months and while some priorities have changed it is impressive to look back and see how much has been achieved. She has become a trusted member of the senior team, providing advice and guidance on difficult topics and is regularly consulted by staff for her input.
Alison joined Valleys to Coast on an interim basis and 18 months later is still with us!
Joanne Oak, Chief Executive Officer, Valleys to Coast Housing
Alison has been instrumental working with me to recruit to a permanent role. Alison’s approach has been one of partnership, contributing as part of the strategic leadership team, which has been critically important given the turbulence the organisation has been through. Alison is always available, responsive and I would highly recommend her for expert HR support
Over the last 3 years, People Puzzles has helped build a very strong people culture
Phil Dupont, Director, RVT Group
We now have a clear Vision for the Companies 5 Pillars, In-house manager, leadership ‘Power 90’ Training and a rhythm of key meetings throughout each year. This has had a direct contribution to the significant growth of the company in the last 3 years… With this support from People Puzzles continuing, the company continues to grow both financially and culturally for the benefit of all.