Welcome from Peter Waller-Flynn, CEO

Welcome to the April edition of the PrivilegeHR Newsletter.

This month brings important legal updates and plenty of activity across our HR and operational communities. In this issue, we’re sharing practical guidance on upcoming changes, support for managing pregnant worker risk assessments, and a spotlight on our redundancy services. We’re also gearing up for our next People’s Forum with Knowsley Chamber, which promises valuable insight for leaders navigating change.

Thank you for being part of the PrivilegeHR community. I hope you find this month’s updates useful as we move into a busy and exciting spring.

Pregnant Worker Risk Assessment: Updated Guidance for Managers

This month, we’ve released refreshed guidance to help managers confidently carry out supportive, compliant risk assessments for pregnant workers.

The aim is to make the process clearer, more consistent, and easier to manage across all types of roles, office‑based, manual and mixed.

The training covers the essentials you need to know, including:

• How to hold sensitive, confidential conversations and record information appropriately
• Your legal responsibilities once an employee notifies you in writing that they are pregnant.
• Common risks to look out for, such as lifting, prolonged standing or sitting, stress, and exposure to certain substances.
• How to agree practical adjustments, from changes to duties or hours to providing equipment or offering suitable alternative work.
• When to review, with monthly check‑ins recommended (and increased frequency if symptoms or job demands change).

The guidance also summarises the key legislation in plain English, including the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations, the Employment Rights Act, the Workplace Health & Safety Regulations and the Equality Act, so managers understand exactly what is required and how to remain compliant.

Overall, the focus is on creating a safe, supportive and fair working environment, with clear communication and good record‑keeping at the heart of the process.

If you need help implementing these updates or reviewing your policies, our team is here to support you.

Risk Assessments for Pregnant Workers

When an employee notifies you in writing that they’re pregnant, it’s your responsibility to complete an individual risk assessment, and to keep it updated as their pregnancy progresses. This isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s an important part of creating a safe, supportive working environment.

A good risk assessment should help you identify any hazards, agree sensible adjustments and make sure the employee feels comfortable discussing any concerns. It also provides a clear record of what you’ve put in place and when it will be reviewed.

To make this easier, we can provide a simple, structured Pregnant Worker Risk Assessment Template that guides you through the key questions, including:

• What are you already doing to control the risks?
• What are the hazards?
• Who might be harmed and how?
• What further action is needed?
• Who needs to carry out the action?
• When is the action needed by?

This format helps managers think practically about adjustments, whether that’s changing duties, adapting equipment, reviewing hours, or offering suitable alternative work where needed.

If you’d like us to send you the template, or if you need support reviewing your policies or processes around pregnant workers, our team is here to help.

Service Spotlight: Redundancy Support

Redundancy is never an easy process. It affects people, teams and culture — and it can place real pressure on managers who want to do the right thing while staying compliant. At PrivilegeHR, we provide end‑to‑end redundancy support to help organisations navigate these moments with clarity, fairness and confidence.

Our service is designed to guide you through every stage, including:

• Planning and preparation

We help you shape a clear business rationale, timeline and communication plan so the process starts on the right footing.

• Legal compliance and documentation

From consultation requirements to selection criteria, letters and scripts, we ensure every step is consistent, transparent and aligned with employment law.

• Manager support

Redundancy conversations can be challenging. We equip managers with the e tools, confidence and language they need to handle discussions sensitively and professionally.

• Employee wellbeing and dignity

We focus on ensuring employees feel respected, informed and supported throughout – reducing anxiety and maintaining trust, even in difficult circumstances.

• Risk reduction

A well‑structured process protects your organisation from avoidable claims and helps maintain positive employee relations during periods of change.

Whether you’re managing a small restructure or a larger organisational shift, our team brings the expertise, reassurance and practical support you need to handle redundancy the right way.

If you’d like to learn more or need guidance on an upcoming change process, we’re here to help.

Upcoming People’s Forum with Knowsley Chamber

We’re looking forward to hosting this month’s People’s Forum in partnership with Knowsley Chamber, bringing together HR and Operational leaders for a morning of insight, discussion and practical takeaways.

This session will focus on the key legal changes coming into effect over the next 12 months, including important updates around probation periods and unfair dismissal. These changes will have a real impact on how organisations manage performance, risk and employee relations, so it’s a timely opportunity to get ahead of what’s coming.

We’ll also be joined by Colin Hughes from CHughes Consultancy who will take the conversation from legal requirements to operational reality – exploring how businesses can improve efficiency, increase throughput and better manage constraints within their processes. Attendees will leave with both the legal understanding and the practical tools needed to adapt confidently.

It promises to be a valuable, friendly and informative session, with time for networking and conversation over coffee.

If you’re attending, we look forward to seeing you there and supporting you through the changes ahead.

PrivilegeHR Hampshire Joins Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

We’re delighted to share that PrivilegeHR Hampshire is now an official member of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

This partnership marks an exciting step for our Hampshire team as we continue building strong local relationships and supporting organisations across the region with practical, people‑focused HR expertise.

Chloe from our Hampshire office can’t wait to get involved in upcoming events, connect with fellow members and contribute to the brilliant business community the Chamber brings together.

Here’s to new collaborations, shared learning and a fantastic year ahead with Hampshire Chamber.

chloe@privilegehr.co.uk | 03330 341 470

Get in touch:

Please get in touch with us if you need support preparing for the Employment Rights Act changes or if you’re looking for any other outsourced HR expertise.

[email protected]

0333 344 4679