We work with our clients to develop effective HR Initiatives that improve the culture and bottom line.
Common responses we hear are “you have given me peace of mind – now I can sleep” and “with your availability and your calm and pragmatic approach, I feel confident handling whatever arises.”
HR Consulting Services
Thelma French & Associates is a successful, Human Relations Consultancy based on trust, built on referrals and no retainer, available as and when required.
Common responses we hear are “you have given me peace of mind – now I can sleep” and “with your availability and your calm and pragmatic approach, I feel confident handling whatever arises.” Our clients can speak to us without editing.
We find we quickly become an integral part of our clients’ business, providing both strategic and practical advice when they have any questions relating to their people and the employment relationship.
Thelma has an indepth knowledge of current HR and business practices and more than 35 years’ experience working in the corporate and not for profit sectors, including working with small to medium businesses for the past 16 years. She finds she is able to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.
Most importantly, she is passionate about the work she does and the people she works with.
Types of consulting work we undertake
Strategic Advice
With a wealth of practical experience, Thelma provides an excellent resource regarding the people side of any business when strategic planning is being undertaken.
Her clients know they can trust her implicitly and she provides a safe sounding board when considering difficult situations and the human resource aspects of any business decision.
Performance Management
From induction to performance reviews, to preparing Performance Improvement Plans, we ask the appropriate questions to understand your specific circumstances and then outline the options that are available for your business.
Some clients want indepth processes, others want a very simple process to ensure the desired outline. We cater for both and those inbetween.
Poor performance is a common issue clients raise and a crucial aspect of management which must be addressed if an employee’s performance is not meeting expectations. Managers are sometimes apprehensive about addressing performance issues, fearful they will do or say something wrong and face a personal grievance.
With our positive and practical approach we will coach and support them through any areas with which they are not confident, ensuring the desired outcome is achieved and that their actions are procedurally correct and implemented in a respectful and fair manner.
Employment disputes
Whether it is between employees, manager and employee, without prejudice conversations, internal mediation or formal mediation at MBIE, Thelma has many years experience.
Sometimes, despite best endeavours to turn a situation around, an employment relationship will break down. We discuss with our clients all the options, of which there are many, including:
- Following the disciplinary process when warnings are issued
- Facilitating an informal mediation between the parties
- Holding a “without prejudice” meeting, while ensuring the correct process has been followed
- Negotiating and drafting a Record of Settlement
- Facilitating a formal mediation with MBIE
Each situation is unique and careful consideration is given to all the circumstances and input from both parties.
Reviewing employment agreements and staff handbooks
The wording of employment agreements is very important. They should clearly set out the employment relationship between the parties. If there is a dispute, the employment agreement and staff handbook are the first places an employee’s advocate or lawyer will go to identify any breaches of the terms by either party.
There are many options available when creating a new position and recruiting staff. We consider your specific requirements and provide specialist advice about the appropriate Agreement and wording for your requirements.
Examples of employment agreements are:
- Permanent full time
- Permanent part time
- Fixed Term
- Fixed Term for parental leave
- Casual
It is often difficult for a business owner to understand all the complexities of employment documentation and we are there to ensure the correct agreement is offered when a new employee is being recruited.
The employment agreement should cover all the legal aspects of the relationship and the staff handbook should contain all the policies and “how we do things”. For an employment agreement to be changed a Variation must be signed by both parties, but the staff handbook can be updated at any time in consultation between the parties.
Contract for Service (Contractor Agreement)
This is an aspect of employment which is quite complex and often not well understood by either party. Failure to follow the correct employment law requirements and IRD procedures can lead to significant difficulties for both parties.
We listen to what the client is trying to achieve and provide advice as to whether the arrangement should be that of an employee or contractor.
Restructuring
Times of change can be difficult. Having someone with our level of experience helps the restructuring and redundancy process run smoothly. Our expertise includes:
- Strategic advice to ensure HR strategy aligns with your business objectives
- Practical solutions to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, and
- Advice, support and coaching behind the scenes for management and impacted staff.
HR Due Diligence: Selling or Buying a Business
Whether you are buying or selling a business, HR due diligence is very important. We can review all documentation and provide a pragmatic report on any matters that should be addressed during negotiations, including the obligations which both the seller and buyer have to staff.
If you require assistance in any of the above areas, please don’t hesitate to call Thelma on 021 813 382 to discuss how she may assist you.
Thru a referral Thelma has been my “go to” specialist over a range of HR projects including employment agreements, developing a staff handbook and restructuring my business. I have always found Thelma to be pragmatic in developing effective solutions that has suited both the needs of the business and those of our employees.
Director, SME, Auckland
