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Fractional HR | flexible, high-impact HR leadership
Get big business HR expertise without the full-time cost
While not every company needs, wants or can afford a full-time HR director, all expanding companies require professional HR direction. That’s where Fractional HR helps.
People Puzzles offers you access to top-level HR expertise without the high salary cost by integrating experienced HR Directors into your leadership team on a flexible, part-time basis. Our fractional HR support helps you overcome obstacles and create a successful, motivated team, whether you’re scaling up, restructuring, or simply need to get your people strategy on track.
What is Fractional HR?
Having an HR specialist on your team without the full-time commitment is known as fractional HR. You receive a strategic partner who collaborates with you as much or as little as you require in place of a regular HR director. It’s a versatile, effective method of obtaining the HR leadership your company requires to expand, without the risk or cost of a full time hire.
We go into more depth on Fractional HR in our knowledge hub
How is Fractional HR different?
| Traditional HR | Fractional HR |
| Full-time, in-house HR team | Part-time, senior HR expert when needed |
| Focus on day-to-day admin | Long-term people strategy aligned with business goals |
| Fixed costs and overheads | Flexible and cost-effective |
| Reactive problem-solving | Proactive, growth-driven approach |
How Fractional HR Works at People Puzzles
We make Fractional HR simple, effective, and tailored to your business. Here’s how it works:
- Understanding your business
To provide HR methods which actually work, we take the time to learn about the objectives, culture, and difficulties of your business – we call this the Discovery, and our clients tell us it gives invaluable insights into what’s really going on in the business.
- Matching you with an HR director
We match you with a People Puzzles HR specialist with the necessary background and abilities to support the expansion of your company. You get to meet for a chemistry match and you also have the support of your Regional Director for additional expertise.
- Creating & delivering HR strategy
From hiring and developing leaders to workplace culture and compliance, your fractional HR director collaborates with you to address your most pressing issues, helping to clarify your vision, mission and values and embed them within the business.
- Ongoing support & scaling as needed
Need more support as your business grows? Your HR expert is there when you need them, adapting as your business evolves. Unlike traditional HR consultancy, we stay and deliver the work and can flex with you as you grow, tapping into other specialisms across the wider team and partnership ecosystem as needed.
What can Fractional HR help with?
Strategic HR planning
Establishing a long-term people strategy that supports your company’s objectives and accelerates results, while improving your people’s engagement and motivation.
Talent acquisition & retention
Helping you attract and hire the right people and keep them happy, increase their engagement, and perform at their best – for longer.
Performance & leadership development
Your managers and leaders need training and development so they can inspire their people to reach their full potential and create the leaders of tomorrow.
Workplace culture & employee experience
Creating a positive, thriving workplace where people want to stay and perform at their highest level in an inclusive and equitable environment.
HR compliance & best practices
Ensuring that your company complies with optimal HR practices and employment law (without the legal jargon!).
Why choose People Puzzles for fractional HR?
HR experts who understand your business
Our 80+ experienced HR Directors have worked across multiple industries, helping over 1,000 businesses solve their people challenges. We only recruit the top 2% of applicants and invest in ongoing development so our people are always at the top of their game.
Flexible & cost-effective HR support
You get senior-level HR expertise on a part-time basis – so you can invest in the right level of support without unnecessary overheads. We are also experts at portfolio working so you get the benefits of sector benchmarking and best practice that’s always up to date.
Hands-on help, not just advice
We don’t just tell you what to do – we roll up our sleeves and do it with you. We don’t just diagnose, we stay and deliver at your side, and flex our approach to meet your needs.
Results that make a difference
Our clients see tangible improvements in recruitment, retention, leadership, and business performance.
Fractional HR Success Stories
ThreeTwoFour plus one fractional people director equals transformation
Challenge: When a business expands rapidly I can create many issues, in this instance organisational change was needed
Solution: People Director Divya help restructure the business and added in some robust HR processes and built foundations for growth.
Results: Acquisition!
Kendra Energy pulling in the talent
Challenge: If your culture and proposition is already excellent, why aren’t you attracting the right talent?
Solution: Business alignment to revised missions and values with an additional employer brand
Results: Succession planning
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is fractional HR?
Fractional HR is the final piece of the jigsaw that can accelerate your business to fast growth. SMEs can access a high-calibre People Director with experience of working at board-level for some of the UKs top brands, for a fraction of a full-time hire. On average, People Puzzles clients grow 30% in 12 months of working with our People Directors.
People Puzzles is the leading provider of fractional People Directors in the UK. Our team offer a wide range of strategic HR solutions tailored to the needs of your business, including strategic people planning, leadership and management development, and talent attraction and retention to support organisational growth. Our approach ensures that businesses can access high-quality HR expertise without the cost or commitment of hiring a full-time People Director.
What are the benefits of Fractional HR?
Fractional HR gives you access to senior HR expertise without the full-time cost, helping your business grow with the right people strategies.
Which sectors can fractional HR help?
Collectively our team of nearly 100 nationwide People Directors has experience of every business sector. We have people who have worked at the biggest names in tech, construction, retail, energy, hospitality, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, biotech, media and many more.
We understand that every sector has slightly different needs and challenges. Our team can use their expertise to position your business to stand out within your industry.
How do People Puzzles work with new clients?
We match you with an experienced HR Director who becomes part of your leadership team, providing hands-on support tailored to your business needs. How much they work with you is up to you – talk to us to find out more.
What types of businesses benefit from fractional HR?
Fractional HR is the magic ingredient that can significantly boost growth without the overhead of a full-time People Director. Our clients often face rapid growth and changing needs, and the People Puzzles fractional model offers flexible, on-demand support tailored to these dynamic environments. We work with start-ups, scale-ups, established businesses, family-owned, PE-backed, university spinouts, private sector, public sector, third sector and more. Our clients are not tied into long-term contracts so benefit from a flexible relationship with a People Director. Services such as strategic HR planning, talent acquisition, and employee engagement can help start-ups build a strong foundation and culture from the outset.
Can Fractional HR help in urgent situations?
Of course. Our HR professionals step right in and begin resolving issues, whether you have an urgent HR crisis or need to address persistent ones. More importantly, we help you tackle the underlying processes and systems which led to the urgency in the first place, so it’s less likely to come up again.
IS fractional HR the same as HR consultancy
Fractional HR is more than just consultancy; it combines the strategic insights of HR consulting with the practical, hands-on support of an in-house Director. Unlike traditional consultancy, which often focuses on one person providing advice and recommendations and then moving on to the next job, fractional People Directors integrate directly into your business. Nearly half our clients have worked with a People Director for over 2 years.
Our team stays with you and delivers your goals. Having a People Puzzles People Director also means that you gain the compound benefit of the UK’s top People Directors, so expert advice is always on hand. We can provide seamless cover if your People Director is unable to continue for any reason. As well as advice from 90 nationwide People Directors, you also have the support of your local Regional Director who will work with you to understand your requirements and suggest the most appropriate People Director to help you grow.
Is Fractional HR right for small businesses?
Yes! Small and growing businesses benefit the most from Fractional HR because it gives them the HR leadership they need without the overheads of a full-time hire. It also lets them tap into a whole ecosystem of resources and expertise without the time lag and costs of starting from scratch.
Who benefits from fractional HR?
Fractional HR benefits ambitious mid-tier businesses that need help with aligning their people plans to achieve their goals without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire. Businesses gain access to high-calibre HR expertise tailored to their specific needs. Our fractional People Directors often work with a client one day a week to improve their HR processes, enhance employee satisfaction, and support organisational growth, all while maintaining flexibility and cost efficiency.
How does fractional HR differ to from interim HR?
Working with a fractional People Director means that you have a trusted people expert working with you for the long haul. Our team do not just deliver on one particular project, but they remain with you and collaborate with your leaders for as long as you need support to achieve your commercial goals.
If you have been considering appointing an interim HR Director, there could be an even better way. A fractional HR Director could be the ultimate solution if you’re looking for breadth and depth of experience, the ability to hit the ground running, and the commercial, strategic insight to add real value from day one.
For most clients, a fractional People Director one or two days a week ongoing is ideal, especially as they can dial up and down on demand. But sometimes, clients need people expertise on a slightly different basis, such as for a significant change management project, a high-calibre maternity cover, help upskilling an existing HR team, or leadership coaching.
Ready to future-proof your company?
Fractional HR allows you to develop your people and create a competitive advantage. Let us discuss how we could help your company to flourish.
Call us on: 0345 646 5201 or email [email protected]
Glossary
Fractional HR: Part-time HR leadership that provides strategic support without the need for a full-time hire.
HR Strategy: A long-term plan aligning people management with business goals.
Leadership Development: Training and coaching to help managers and leaders become more effective.
Employee Engagement: How motivated and committed people feel towards their work and organisation.
Retention Strategy: Tactics used to keep top talent in a business.
Want more information?
Have a look at our dedicated Fractional HR knowledge hub:
What is the difference between fractional HR and outsourced HR?
What is a fractional resource?
What is fractional CHRO?
How much does fractional CHRO cost?
Talk to us today
Fractional HR is easy, efficient, and customised for your company using People Puzzles. Our knowledgeable HR directors collaborate with you to ensure that your people strategy is as effective as you are.
At People Puzzles we not only handle HR; we also turn it into a strategic factor for business success. Our customised, data-driven, expert-led strategy guarantees that your people are not only managed but empowered to move your business forward.
See what our clients say!
Your 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. Your support was instrumental in us delivering a successful consultation. We are extremely grateful for your measured and sound advice, helping us to navigate such a sensitive situation, and we look forward to working with you 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.