When a grievance is raised or a situation escalates

These situations are often more complex than they first appear and difficult to manage internally without the independence and experience needed to handle them fairly and stand up to scrutiny.

Laura provides independent support to HR teams, business leaders, and business owners to assess what's happening and either run a formal investigation or help resolve the issue before it escalates further.

Even experienced HR teams and business leaders can benefit from an independent perspective when situations become difficult to manage internally.

A short, confidential conversation can help you think through the situation and decide next steps.

Start a Confidential Conversation
Independent HR consultant Laura Purdey providing workplace support

Common situations that prompt a call

Laura Purdey

Independent. All work is delivered personally by Laura.

A grievance has been raised or a situation is escalating, and there is no internal capacity or independence to handle it

An investigation has concluded, but the working relationship remains damaged. Mediation may help restore it

A relationship breakdown between colleagues or leaders is affecting work

A TUPE transfer or restructure requires experienced HR oversight and delivery

Leaders are avoiding difficult conversations, leading to the escalation of performance or conduct issues

A leader is under pressure and needs space to think clearly about a complex or sensitive situation

When situations become complex, here's what it's like to work together

Laura is my go-to person on complex and sensitive people matters. She provides trusted, practical support across difficult conversations, performance issues, and workforce changes.

She brings clarity to situations that feel risky or hard to manage, helping me think things through and make sound decisions with confidence. I know I can pick up the phone to her whenever something feels difficult internally.

Laura understands the pressures of running a business and provides a clear, experienced perspective. I trust her completely and would recommend her to any organisation needing practical, reliable support.

Nicola Millington

Director and Owner, Sterling North

I had the privilege of working with Laura as my coach and it was one of the most impactful experiences of my career. I would recommend Laura to any senior leader or professional looking for a coach who will stretch their thinking, help them see new possibilities, strengthen their leadership, and achieve their goals. Working with Laura was a turning point in my career… she gave me the confidence to back myself and grow into new levels of responsibility. Her style helped me see patterns I hadn't noticed before and develop ways of leading that were sustainable and proactive.

Steve Newton

Global Finance Director and European Account Director

You can also view recommendations from HR leaders and professionals I've worked with on LinkedIn.

When support is needed

Grievances & Investigations

Independent support to manage formal processes and complex situations

Learn more

Workplace Mediation

Where appropriate, issues can be resolved before or after formal processes

Learn more

Restructures & Reorganisation

Expert oversight and delivery of organisational change, consultation, and redundancy processes

Learn more

TUPE Transfers

Experienced oversight of workforce transfers and consultation

Learn more

Supporting managers and leaders

Managing Difficult Conversations

Helping managers, leaders, and HR professionals address difficult conversations early, improving performance and reducing escalation and risk

Learn more

Coaching

Confidential coaching for leaders under pressure, particularly when managing complex or sensitive people situations, helping them think clearly and make sound decisions

Learn more

Facing a workplace issue that cannot be ignored?

A confidential conversation can help you decide the right next step.

Start a Confidential Conversation