retained HR services
Retained HR Services Firm in the UK
Ongoing HR support and advice, so your business always has someone to call when a people issue comes up.
Part of Outsourced HR Services
The employer challenge
Where retained hr services helps
Without a dedicated HR function, people issues tend to land on whoever is available (a founder, office manager or finance lead), often without the confidence to know what's required or defensible.
Business outcomes
A consistent, single point of contact for day-to-day HR questions
Less time spent by founders and managers on routine HR administration
More consistent, documented HR processes as the business grows
Less exposure to avoidable people-related risk
What the service includes
- Ongoing HR advisory access
- Policy and contract review
- Support with individual employee issues as they arise
- Regular check-ins on HR risk areas
Not included in this service
- A specific guaranteed response time: expectations are agreed as part of the engagement, not promised upfront
- Unlimited or 24/7 availability
- Replacing a dedicated in-house HR team for organisations that need one
- Payroll processing or formal HR compliance certification
Who we support
Small and mid-sized employers who need reliable, ongoing HR support without hiring a full in-house team.
Our delivery approach
Clear steps, from first conversation to delivery
- 01
Review current HR practices, contracts and policies
- 02
Agree the ongoing scope and response expectations
- 03
Provide ongoing advisory support and documentation
- 04
Periodically review HR risk areas as the business changes
Engagement options
Choose the way you want to work together
Ongoing retained support
Discuss this optionFixed-term project support
Discuss this optionAd hoc advisory sessions
Discuss this optionContinue exploring
Related expertise
Retained HR Services provides ongoing, operational HR advisory access: distinct from a one-off HR Compliance Audit (a fixed-scope review), Employee Handbooks & HR Policies (a specific drafting deliverable), and a Fractional HR Director or Chief People Officer (senior strategic leadership, not day-to-day advisory support).
Relevant sectors
UK-wide coverage
Retained HR Services is available to employers across the UK, delivered remotely and, where useful, on-site.
View all UK locations Apex HR supportsFrequently asked questions
What clients usually ask
Retained support usually covers day-to-day advisory access, policy and contract review, and support with individual employee situations as they come up. The exact scope is agreed at the outset.
Response expectations are agreed as part of the engagement, so you know what to expect before a situation arises.
Retained HR Services gives you ongoing access to HR expertise without employing HR staff directly. It suits businesses that don't yet need, or can't yet justify, a full in-house HR function.
Still deciding
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Ready to talk about retained hr services?
Apex HR combines HR advisory with recruitment and organisational expertise, so retained support can flex as your priorities change rather than being limited to one narrow specialism.