Practical HR support · UK-wide, with a Midlands focus
Sapphire Workforce Solutions
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Senior HR support, without a full-time HR director.

Practical help for growing organisations, from day-to-day people issues to change, compliance and workforce strategy.

Book a free consultationCall 07791 653189
First consultation
Free, 30 minutes
Reply
Within a working day
Where
UK-wide, Midlands-based
Two people talking across a wooden table in a quiet, naturally lit meeting room.

Sound familiar?

Most organisations come to us with a specific problem, not a service in mind. These are the situations we help growing SMEs and mid-sized organisations work through.

See how we can help

Our services

Outsourced HR support and HR consultancyOngoing, senior HR advice and support for growing organisations that do not have, or do not yet need, a full-time HR director.Employee relations supportCalm, practical support with disciplinaries, grievances, absence, performance and other sensitive employee matters.Contracts, policies and employee handbooksEmployment contracts, HR policies and employee handbooks that are clear, up to date and reflect how your organisation actually works.Recruitment and onboarding supportHelp to hire the right people and bring them into the business well, from job descriptions and interviews to onboarding.Organisational change and people strategySupport with restructures, redundancies, TUPE transfers and acquisitions, and a people strategy that supports where the business is going.Management and leadership trainingPractical training that gives managers the skills and confidence to handle people responsibilities well.
A modern office space with people working at their desks.

People decisions are business decisions.

Advice is only useful if it fits how your organisation actually works. We start with your commercial priorities and work back to the people decision.

  • Business context first

    We learn what your organisation needs before recommending anything, so the advice stays relevant to your priorities.

  • Practical next steps

    You leave each conversation knowing what to do next and what support you need to do it.

  • Care with people matters

    Sensitive conversations are handled with discretion. Keep confidential employee details out of your first enquiry.

Ongoing support or a defined piece of work.

Compare ways to work together

  • Retained HR support

    An ongoing arrangement for organisations that need regular HR support.

  • Focused project work

    Support for a defined piece of work, shaped around your organisation’s needs.

  • Recruitment support

    A conversation about the support you need when bringing people into your organisation.

  • Training

    Discuss training needs for your managers and workforce.

Tracey Darby, smiling, in an office.
Tracey DarbyFounder and Director, Sapphire Workforce SolutionsChartered Fellow of the CIPD

One senior, accountable point of contact.

Sapphire is founder-led. Tracey Darby is responsible for the advice you receive and stays involved from the first conversation to the finished work.

That means director-level HR judgement when you need it, without the cost of a full-time HR director.

Sector experience

  • Manufacturing
  • Engineering
  • Aerospace
  • Healthcare
  • Construction
  • Public sector
  • Retail
  • Defence
About Sapphire and Tracey

What clients say

I have had the pleasure of working with Tracey during her time as Group Head of People and Culture at Wescom Group, where I experienced first-hand her professionalism, knowledge and commitment to supporting both people and business performance. She brings a refreshing, practical and commercially aware approach to HR, combining a genuine understanding of people with the needs and challenges of running a business. Her ability to offer sound, balanced advice, navigate complex situations and build positive working relationships makes her a valuable asset to any organisation wishing to utilise her services. What particularly stands out is her approachable manner, integrity and ability to provide clear, pragmatic solutions rather than simply focusing on policies and procedures. I would have no hesitation in recommending Tracey and her consultancy to any business looking for knowledgeable, professional and dependable HR support.

Adrian RadfordManaging Director, Key Survival Equipment Limited

I've known and worked with Tracey for over 10 years, She's phenomenal at what she does, genuine, incredibly knowledgeable, practical and always seems to have the answers. She makes life easier, cuts through the noise and is just genuinely brilliant person to work with. I highly recommend her to any business looking for trusted, straightforward HR support.

Cassie MallonManaging Director, The Agency

I have had the pleasure of working with Tracey and can wholeheartedly recommend her. She is an exceptional HR leader who brings a wealth of experience, sound commercial judgement and a genuine passion for people. Tracey would be a tremendous asset to any organisation and I have no doubt she will make a real difference to your business.

Shelley Ward FCCAFractional Finance Director, Shelley Ward Consultancy Ltd

Free HR guides and checklists

Browse the resource library

Talk to us about what is happening.

Your first 30-minute consultation is free. Tell us what your organisation needs and we will reply within a working day.

Book a free consultation
Hours
Monday–Friday, 9am–5:30pm

What happens when you get in touch

  1. Tell us what is happening

    Use the form, email or phone. A short outline of your organisation and the issue is enough.

  2. Talk it through for free

    We reply within a working day to arrange a free 30-minute consultation about where support could help.

  3. Agree a clear scope

    If you want to go ahead, we agree the scope, priorities and approach before any work begins.