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Senior Interim HR directors. Proven people experts to help you navigate change and uncertainty, for as long as you need us.
When a key HR leader leaves without warning, a major change lands on your desk, or your business suddenly needs senior people expertise it does not already have, you can’t afford to wait six months for a recruitment process to complete.
People Puzzles provides senior Interim People Directors / Chief People Officers who can be with you quickly, working at Board level from day one, supported by the UK’s largest team of fractional People Directors. Whatever your need, and however long you need support for, we have someone who has been there before, with the expertise to make a difference instantly.
WHEN YOU NEED AN INTERIM HR DIRECTOR
You needed senior HR support yesterday. This is where we come in.
Every interim need is different, but the urgency is usually the same. These are the situations we are most often called in for:
- A senior HR leader has resigned or left at short notice and the business cannot afford a gap
- You need maternity or paternity cover for a key people role who can build on their great work, not just hold the fort
- Your business has just received investment and needs experienced interim Chief People Officer capability and people leadership to support rapid growth immediately
- You are going through a merger, acquisition, restructure, or TUPE transfer and need someone who has done it before
- A major change programme, like redundancy consultation, culture reset, new leadership structure, demands expert HR leadership, not just administrative support
- You are scaling quickly and have not yet settled on your long-term people structure, but you need expertise now while you work it out
- You are recruiting for a permanent HR Director and need a senior pair of hands to bridge the gap without losing momentum
- You are an interim CXO and need additional support for the duration of your tenure
- You are building your internal talent pipeline but your team needs some hands-on support, mentoring and development to get them where they need to be
If your situation does not appear here, talk to us anyway – we’re pretty confident we can help. Interim need rarely comes in a standard shape, and in our experience, we’ve always got a member of the team with the right background to support your needs.
Interim HR that flexes to your situation – not the other way around.
We do not offer a one-size-fits-all interim package. We scope the right level of support for your business, then deploy a People Director who fits the brief.
Full-time interim cover
A senior People Director working with you full-time for a defined period. The classic interim model , but with the depth of experience and calibre of person that is hard to find through a traditional agency search.
Intensive part-time support
Not every interim need requires five days a week. We can deploy a People Director for three or four days a week – or even multiple People Directors for more time if needed;Â enough to lead the work, without the cost, risk or commitment of a full-time placement.
Interim plus fractional wrap-around
Sometimes the right answer is an interim People Director for the immediate need, supported by ongoing fractional input from the same person or a colleague. We can structure a blended engagement that covers both.
HR team mentoring and upskilling
If you have an existing HR team but lack senior leadership, we can provide an experienced interim to lead, mentor and develop them, building internal capability at the same time as covering the gap.
Project and change leadership
For specific programme, such as a restructure, an M&A integration, or a significant people change initiative , we can scope a project-based interim engagement with clear deliverables and a defined end point.
WHY PEOPLE PUZZLES?
We are not an agency. We already have who you’re looking for.
Traditional interim agencies go to market to find you a candidate. That takes time you probably don’t have, and introduces risk you definitely don’t need. With People Puzzles, the people are already here.
Our 85+ People Directors are experienced, available, and ready to make an impact. When you call us, we are not starting a search; we are matching you to someone from a team we already know and trust, which we have built from the top 1% of applicants from across the UK. That means you can have a proven, senior, commercial People Director in place far faster than a conventional interim process allows.
And when your interim People Director walks through the door, they bring more than their own experience. They have the collective knowledge and support of 85 of the UK’s best People Directors behind them, meaning specialist expertise is always available, whatever your business throws at them.
What sets our interim HR service apart:
- No agency search. We already have the people, so you get them faster
- Board-level experience from day one. Our People Directors are senior practitioners, not HR managers filling a gap
- The whole PP network behind them. Specialist expertise on tap, whatever the situation requires
- Switch up or switch out options. If your need changes, you require a different specialism or you need additional support, we have the team to step in.
- Seamless continuity. If your interim People Director cannot continue, we can provide cover without starting from scratch
- Flexible commercial model. No fixed term contracts as standard; you use us for the period of time you need
- UK-wide coverage. We have People Directors working in local teams across the country
HOW IT WORKS
Fast to start. Easy to run. No complications when you finish.
Tell us what you need: the situation, the urgency, the scale of the role. We will match you with the right People Director, usually within days, and work with you to agree the scope, schedule and commercial terms.
Our People Directors work on-site, remotely, or with a blend of both, whatever works for you and the brief. When the need is resolved, the engagement ends. And if circumstances change and you want to continue on a fractional basis, that transition is straightforward. We were built on flexibility and its what our clients continue to value 16 years later.
The right People Director, in place faster than you think
What is interim HR support?
Interim HR support means bringing in a senior People Director on a temporary basis- Â full-time or part-time – to provide leadership, expertise and continuity when your business needs it most. It is typically used to cover a sudden departure, a period of leave, or a major change programme, either while you recruit permanently or as a standalone engagement.
How quickly can you deploy an Interim HR Director?
How quickly do you need one? As our People Directors are already part of our team, we are not running a recruitment search from scratch. In most cases we can match you to the right person and have them starting within days, not weeks. Contact us and tell us what you need, and we will tell you what is possible.
Can you provide full-time interim cover?
Absolutely. As we are a fractional HR consultancy, we can cover full or part-time, long term or for a shorter engagement as needed. We can also support other interim roles with fractional HR services, so get in touch if you aren’t sure what level of support you need.
How is interim HR different from fractional HR?
Fractional HR is an ongoing, part-time relationship, typically one or two days a week, that gives a business senior people expertise as a long-term strategic partner. Interim HR is typically more intensive, often full-time or near full-time, and usually for a fixed period to address a specific need. Many of our clients start on an interim basis and transition to fractional once the immediate situation is resolved.
Can interim HR support transition to fractional?
Absolutely, and it is a common path for our clients. Once an interim engagement reaches its natural end – when the person returns from leave, the restructure completes, the permanent hire is made, for example – many businesses find they want to keep a strategic people expert in their corner, either for capacity, upskilling, mentoring, particular specialism or for project bandwidth. Transitioning to a fractional arrangement is straightforward and the relationship continuity means there is no reset.
What types of situations are best suited to interim HR?
Interim HR directors works well for sudden departures or resignations, parental leave cover, post-investment growth phases, mergers and acquisitions, major restructures or TUPE transfers, large change programmes, and bridging periods while a permanent HR Director is recruited. If you are not sure whether interim is the right model, speak to us — we will give you an honest view.
What does interim HR support cost?
Cost depends on the scope and intensity of the engagement. Contact us to discuss your situation and we will give you a clear, straightforward picture of what is involved.
Is an Interim Chief People Officer different to an Interim HR Director?
Ordinarily there would be a difference in the level of experience between an interim Chief People Officer and an interim HR Director. However, at People Puzzles we only recruit the top 1% of applicants and everyone in our UK-wide team has Board-level experience. Different businesses use different terminology, but the experience we require to join our team remains the same: Board-level, commercial, strategic HR leaders equipped to step in fast and help your business achieve its goals faster.
The right People Director, in place faster than you think
Tell us about the situation and we will match you with someone who has navigated it before. No lengthy search process. No delay. Just experienced, senior people leadership when you need it most.
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.