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People Processes | HR Policies | Future-ready growth infrastructure
Reduce risk, improve performance and scale confidently with tailored HR processes and policies
Without clear systems for managing your people – from recruitment, onboarding and performance reviews to compliance policies and communication – it becomes harder to lead, tougher to protect your business from ever-increasing regulatory risks, and more challenging to meet your growth ambitions.
Robust people processes provide the structure your business needs to operate effectively and scale with confidence. Without them, you risk losing talent, seeing productivity dip, and leaving leaders lacking confidence in their roles.
At People Puzzles, we help businesses define and deliver the right strategies for growth, and embed practical, people-first systems, policies and workflows which support compliance, drive efficiency, and empower teams to perform at their best.
Our expert People Directors bring discipline and consistency to your people operations – ensuring your HR systems and structures are working for your business, not against it and creating a sustainable framework to support future growth.
Need help turning your business strategy into real growth?
Whether you’re scaling, evolving or facing new challenges, our People Directors provide the clarity, structure and people expertise to make your strategy succeed.
Book your free 30-minute consultation today
Call us on: 0345 646 5201 or email [email protected]
What are “people processes”?
People processes are the systems, policies and workflows that guide how your business manages and supports its people – from recruitment, onboarding and managing probationary periods to performance reviews, communication, employee relations, compliance policies and day-to-day management.
When designed well, the right HR processes create consistency, reduce risk, and give managers the clarity and confidence to lead effectively. When neglected, they can open the door to conflict, lack of engagement, poor performance, and – more often than not – legal challenges.
With growing complexity of regulation and ongoing changes to employment law, having clear and up-to-date HR policies and processes is essential.
At People Puzzles, we help businesses put robust, people-first systems in place – supporting performance and reducing risk – but most of all creating a robust workplace structure where teams can thrive, and business goals and ambitions can be achieved with confidence.
Learn more about people processes in our Knowledge Hub
Why installing the right people processes matters
Strategic people processes create consistency, protect your business, and make it easier for your teams to perform at their best. Here’s why they matter:
- Fewer legal risks and compliance headaches – Robust, up-to-date systems help you stay on the right side of employment law, avoiding costly grievances, tribunals or regulatory breaches
- Smoother onboarding and stronger starts – Clear recruitment and onboarding frameworks help new people feel part of the team faster – and contribute sooner
- Consistent performance and accountability – When expectations and review processes are clear, people better understand what’s expected – and how to improve
- Scalable systems that grow with you – From probation periods to performance reviews, flexible systems evolve as your business scales
- Less firefighting, more focus – With solid people operations in place, leaders can spend less time on reactive admin and more time on strategic goals
“Companies that focus on their people’s performance are 4.2 times more likely to outperform their peers, realising an average 30% higher revenue growth.”
(McKinsey & Company)
How we help you build better people processes
We don’t believe in off-the-shelf policies or sticking-plaster fixes. Our experienced People Directors work closely with you to design tailored, practical people processes that reduce risk, and provide you with the foundations you need to succeed.
Here’s how we work:
- Review your current processes and identify opportunities
We begin with a full review of your existing people systems, policies and workflows – from onboarding and performance reviews to HR software and systems, regulatory compliance and everyday admin. We assess what’s working, what’s missing, and where inefficiencies or risks could be holding you back, making sure you have the most appropriate approaches for all people-related functions, like talent management, leadership development and performance evaluation.
2. Design scalable, people-first systems
We help you build streamlined, compliant people processes that work for your business now – and evolve as you grow. From policy development to performance reviews and employee relations, we create systems that make it easier to lead and manage well.
3. Embed, support and refine
We don’t just deliver a plan and leave you to it – we work with your team ongoing to implement and embed every improvement. Whether you need training for managers, help communicating change, or long-term support as your business evolves, we are there every step of the way.
“People Director Zoë was invaluable to me, and I am not sure how I would have survived without her constant support and coaching through a period of huge growth within the company.”
HR Manager – Avicenna Pharmacy
What are the benefits of People Processes ?
Smoother onboarding and integration
Help new starters feel supported from day one with consistent, structured onboarding that sets the tone for success.
Stronger leadership confidence
Give your managers the tools and guidance to handle performance, feedback and development fairly and effectively.
Greater clarity and consistency across teams
Defined HR policies and processes give everyone peace of mind, improve accountability, reduce friction, and boost productivity.
Improved retention and engagement
People are more likely to stay when they feel informed, supported, and able to do their jobs well – backed by processes they can trust.
Why choose People Puzzles for your people processes & HR policies?
Practical, customised systems – not generic paperwork
Our People Directors do more than review policies. We work within the context of your business priorities, taking a hands-on approach to embed tailor-made people processes designed to improve performance, reduce risk, and make everyday operations smoother, all focused on setting the right foundations to help you achieve your bigger picture goals.
Senior expertise – without the full time cost
You get your own dedicated strategic People Director who works at the heart of your team. Someone who understands your business goals and builds practical HR systems that grow with you, staying around for the long term to support you as your business evolves. All without the overheads of a permanent hire.
Reducing risk and unlocking performance
We’ve helped hundreds of businesses improve productivity, reduce conflict, and stay ahead of compliance risks by putting robust, scalable HR processes in place. At Echion Technologies, for example, improved people systems have led to enhanced leadership confidence, and clear alignment around the goals and strategy of the business.
80+ strategic HR experts, 1,000+ businesses supported
With more than 80 board-level People Directors nationwide, we bring cross-sector insight and deep operational experience – delivering tailored people processes that work in practice, not just on paper.
“Now People Puzzles is here, we wonder how we managed without them! All the extra things we are doing now – for example engagement, are so important for the team.”
Sarah Stevenson, COO – Echion Technologies
People Process Development Success Stories
Echion Technologies – Supporting International Expansion with Robust People Processes
Challenge: With a fast-growing team and international expansion plans, Echion needed a people strategy that could match its pace of innovation and support its commercial goals. Existing people processes lacked the structured needed to support scale or team development.
Solution: People Director Clare Burles built a tailored people plan aligned with the business strategy, improving recruitment, communication, and engagement. She supported the launch of a new office in China, developed management capability through training and coaching, and led a full benefits review to improve retention and positioning.
Results: Echion gained a stronger people function, more confident people managers, and a clear, aligned strategy. The refreshed benefits offering elevated its employer brand and the business now has the right foundations to support future growth.
Avicenna Pharmacy – Embedding People Processes to Support Rapid Expansion
Challenge: A major acquisition tripled headcount almost overnight – from 450 to over 1,400 people – exposing gaps in HR infrastructure, consistency and internal capability.
Solution: People Director Zoë Murphy supported the in-house HR lead, introduced a scalable HR system, created standardised processes, and developed a strategic operational plan to unify culture and improve employee experience.
Results: Avicenna now has a solid people infrastructure, improved employee engagement, and a stronger employer brand. The business is better equipped to manage its expanded team and sustain future growth.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
People processes – or HR processes – are the systems and workflows that support how people are recruited, onboarded, managed and developed within your business. When these processes are structured, consistent and aligned with your goals, they save time, reduce risk and help your team perform at their best – all essential for sustainable growth.
A structured, well-designed onboarding process helps new team members feel welcome, prepared and valued from day one. It sets expectations, builds confidence and speeds up integration – making people more likely to stay, perform and thrive.
The employee lifecycle spans every stage of a person’s time with your business – from recruitment and onboarding to development, performance management and exit. Good lifecycle management means having clear people processes in place at every step to create a consistent, engaging and compliant experience.
By setting clear objectives, using a simple, repeatable format and training managers to give constructive feedback. Reviews should be regular, focused on development and linked to business goals – not just tick-box exercises.
HR Information Systems (HRIS) can automate tasks like holiday tracking, onboarding, performance reviews and reporting. The right system depends on your size, budget and business needs – and we can help you choose and implement one that fits.
At least once a year – or sooner if there are changes to employment law, your business model, or internal structure. Regular reviews help you stay compliant, reduce risk and ensure your people policies still reflect how your business operates, and support your current goals.
HR processes are the systems and steps used to manage people day-to-day. People strategy is the bigger picture – aligning your people with your business goals. Processes support delivery, but strategy sets the direction.
Clear, well-designed processes reduce confusion, save time and prevent costly mistakes. They help teams focus, ensure consistency, and make it easier to resolve issues before they escalate.
Scalable people processes provide the structure and consistency needed to grow confidently. From recruitment and onboarding to performance reviews and training, having the right systems in place means you can add people without adding chaos – or increasing risk.
Common signs include regular grievances, poor retention, reduced productivity, low morale, inconsistent performance and lack of skills, and HR tasks taking up too much leadership time. If things feel reactive or disorganised, your people processes likely need a review
Ready to align your people plan with your business strategy?
Discover how People Puzzles can clarify your goals, strengthen your leadership and build the people plan to make success happen.
Call us on: 0345 646 5201 or email [email protected]
Glossary
- People Processes: The systems, policies and workflows that manage your people throughout their time with your business – from recruitment and onboarding to development, performance and exit.
- Employee Lifecycle: The full journey of a person’s time in your business, including recruitment, onboarding, development, retention and departure.
- Onboarding: The structured process of integrating a new person into your organisation, helping them feel informed, equipped and engaged from day one.
- Performance Management: The process of setting expectations, tracking progress and supporting development so that individuals and teams can perform at their best.
- Probation Management: A structured approach to reviewing performance, behaviours and cultural fit during the early stages of employment.
- Process Optimisation: Improving the efficiency and consistency of internal people processes to support scale, compliance and performance.
- People Strategy: The overarching plan for aligning your people with your business goals, including leadership, culture, structure and processes.
- Talent Management: The strategy for attracting, developing and retaining the right people to support business performance and long-term growth.
- HR Systems: Digital tools that help manage employee data, track performance, streamline processes and ensure compliance across the employee lifecycle.
- HR Compliance: Meeting legal and regulatory requirements in employment practices to reduce risk and protect your business.
Related Services
Company culture development is just one piece of the strategic HR puzzle.
Explore other ways we can support your people strategy:
Ready to Strengthen Your Business with Streamlined People Processes?
At People Puzzles, we help you put the right systems, policies and workflows in place to protect your business, empower your managers and improve your people experience. If you’re ready to build the HR foundations for lasting success, share a few details and we’ll be in touch to discuss the next steps.
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.