Beech, Helen
In addition to being a partner of Clarkslegal, I am also a director of Forbury People Ltd, a wholly owned HR consultancy of Clarkslegal. My work is very diverse but always with the aim of finding practical and commercial solutions drawing in expertise from other disciplines and always looking at the big picture. My longstanding trusted relationship with clients has grown on the back of getting under the skin of their businesses and understanding what makes them tick. I am recognised as a leading lawyer by a number of the legal guides including Chambers and Legal 500. I am particularly interested in finding solutions through preventative measures, such as training and employee engagement.
Redundancy/restructuring
I regularly advise UK and international companies on major collective redundancy/ restructuring programmes advising on the impact of change and the practical aspects of process, including the collective consultation, trade union relations, elections, selection methods, communications and appeals. I am also keen on helping companies identify the support mechanisms and processes in place to ensure positive employee engagement post restructure.
TUPE and business transfers
Often linked to restructuring changes are business transfers and insourcing or outsourcing of services under the Transfer of Undertakings regulations (TUPE). I regularly advise both small and large clients on the implications of TUPE related matters, managing the consultation processes and protective award risks, as well as limiting risks through the drafting of warranties and indemnities wherever possible.
PENSION changes and auto enrolment
I have supported a number of major clients during the process of implementing changes to or closures of final salary or other pension schemes. The process can involve identifying relevant unions and/or electing representatives for the purposes of consultation and part of the support I have provided has involved managing the election process from start to finish. Pension change sometimes involves variations to employment contracts which require a separate process of justification and possible termination and re-engagement of staff.
I also help clients with the auto-enrolment process, particularly where contractual changes are required, and work with pension advisors to provide a full service to those facing the enrolment challenge.
Discrimination and harassment
An increasingly common concern nowadays, I regularly help clients through the minefield of discrimination legislation, from the recruitment process right through to termination. Common themes are harassment during employment, age and disability discrimination, particularly employer’s responsibilities around reasonable adjustments and stress/depression related conditions. I also provide clients with tailor made training and one-to-one mentoring as part of their defence to discrimination claims.
General advisory
My work is varied and challenging! It can range from major restructures to ad hoc advice on a complex disciplinary matter, a difficult data access request or covert monitoring issue. I have over 20 years’ experience of most employment or HR related matters to call upon when helping you find a solution to your problem. If appropriate I can also call upon support from experienced or specialist experience from within Forbury People, our HR consultancy.
HR consultancy
As a Director of Forbury People Ltd I am also in a position to assist clients in finding HR solutions, both from a strategic and operational perspective. Whether looking at employee engagement and industrial relations issues, recruitment and retention processes or compensation and reward, I am able to provide clients with a holistic approach which combines HR knowledge with my extensive legal experience.
