Welcome from Peter Waller-Flynn, CEO
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the Privilege HR newsletter!
It’s been a fantastic couple of weeks for the team. We’ve been out and about with clients, celebrating the Liverpool Hope University Graduation, and supporting our local businesses with advice on all things HR.
We’re also really excited to be welcoming some new team members very soon, bringing fresh energy and ideas to Privilege HR.
As always, our focus is on helping businesses thrive, keeping teams happy, and making HR straightforward and stress-free.
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter – we hope you find it useful, and as always, we’re here to support you with any HR questions or challenges you might have.
In this newsletter you will find:
Our latest business and team news, events we have attended, HR services spotlights, community work and more…
The Worker Protection Act – What Employers Need to Know
The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act) Act 2023 has introduced a legal duty for employers: you must now take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
This means that it is no longer enough to simply react when something happens, businesses need to be able to demonstrate proactive action. Employers are expected to:
- Assess risks within the workplace.
- Put preventative measures in place.
- Show evidence of training, policies, and a culture that does not tolerate harassment.
Failure to comply could leave organisations exposed to legal and reputational risks.
At Privilege HR, we can help ensure your policies, training, and The Worker Protection Act – What Employers Need to Know workplace practices meet the new requirements. Taking action now not only ensures compliance but also creates a safer, more respectful environment for everyone.
If you’d like support reviewing your approach, get in touch with our team.
Need Help with Your Risk Assessment?
Carrying out risk assessments is a key part of keeping your workplace safe and compliant, but we know it can feel overwhelming.
Do you need practical advice on where to start, or training for your managers so they feel confident carrying them out? We can create bespoke risk assessments tailored to your business.
At Privilege HR, we make the process simple, practical, and effective, giving you peace of mind that you’ve met your responsibilities.
Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can support your organisation.
Liverpool Hope University’s Graduation
We had an incredible afternoon recently at the iconic Liverpool Anglican Cathedral for Liverpool Hope University’s Graduation Ceremony!
We were absolutely thrilled to be there to celebrate the achievements of three brilliant students we have had with us at Privilege HR, Isabelle, Sam, and Jacob, as they officially graduated!
We couldn’t be prouder of the hard work, dedication, and valuable contributions each of them has brought to the team during their
internships.
Jacob and Isabelle are back home with some exciting new opportunities and careers ahead. Sam will be joining us in a permanent role this September!
Extra shoutout to our very own Peter Waller-Flynn, who was there in his role Liverpool Hope University’s Graduation as part of the Liverpool Hope Board of Directors, a truly proud day all round!
Here’s to celebrating success, supporting talent, and building bright futures!
Welcome Sam Schneiderman to Privilege HR!
We are delighted to share that Sam Schneiderman is officially joining the Privilege HR team as HR and Marketing Assistant!
During his time with us on work experience while studying at Liverpool Hope University Sam made a fantastic impression, and we’re so pleased to be bringing him on board as an official member of the team.
Sam brings with him a fresh perspective and great enthusiasm for the work we do, and I know he’ll be a real asset to both our colleagues and our clients.
Please join Peter and the Privilege HR team in giving Sam the warmest of welcomes, we can’t wait to see the contributions he’ll make as part of our growing team.
Planning for Christmas Nights Out – Don’t Forget Your Responsibilities
As September begins, many businesses are already turning their attention to December and the Christmas party season. These celebrations are a fantastic way to thank your team for their hard work, strengthen relationships, and boost morale. But alongside the fun, employers also have a responsibility to consider the risks and behaviours that can arise at work-related events.
Think back to previous company nights out, team celebrations, or even off-site meetings where alcohol was present. Did you notice any trends in how people behaved? Were there situations where colleagues felt uncomfortable, or where boundaries may have been crossed?
It’s not just parties that pose a risk – it’s worth reflecting more broadly on how your team works:
- Do your colleagues often work alone?
- Does your team regularly leave the workplace for work activities?
- Are your staff at risk of harassment from the public or contractors?
These are all situations that employers must assess and manage. And with the introduction of the Worker Protection Act 2023, the duty on businesses is clear: you must take reasonable, proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment in all work-related settings, not just within the office walls.
Now is the perfect time to review your policies, refresh staff training, and make sure preventative measures are in place before the festive season.
At Privilege HR, we can help you assess the risks and put the right support in place, so your team can celebrate safely.
Managing Absence in the Workplace
Employee absence is something every organisation has to deal with, but how it’s managed can make a big difference to both your people and your productivity. Unplanned absences can put pressure on colleagues, disrupt service delivery, and increase costs – but with the right approach, absence management can actually strengthen your workplace culture.
It starts with having a clear policy so everyone understands the process, but it doesn’t stop there. Open communication is key – check in regularly with employees, show understanding, and look for patterns or underlying causes that may need support. Sometimes absences highlight issues such as workload, wellbeing, or personal challenges, and handling these with empathy can improve morale and retention.
Remember, absence management isn’t just about monitoring time off – it’s about creating an environment where staff feel supported to bring their best selves to work.
If you’d like help reviewing your absence policy, training managers, or putting practical processes in place, the Privilege HR team is here to guide you.
Sharron Dore Joins IBC Bristol
We’re proud to share that Sharron Dore, from our Bristol and Cardiff offices, has become a member of the IBC Bristol (Interactive Business Club).
This is a fantastic opportunity for Sharron to connect with other professionals in the region, and you can now find her featured on the IBC members’ page with her own bio.
Well done, Sharron, we’re excited to see all the opportunities this brings!
Complimentary HR Advice for New Clients
At Privilege HR, we love supporting businesses of all sizes with their people challenges. That’s why we offer 30 minutes of complimentary advice for all new clients.
Whether you’ve got a quick HR query, need guidance on compliance, or want to chat about how we can support your business longer-term, we’re here to help.
Get in touch today to book your free session – no strings attached, just practical, friendly advice.
Get in touch:
Interested in joining us? We currently have franchising opportunities available across the UK. If you’re passionate about people, business, and making a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.