At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise and negotiate for individuals facing employment disputes, guiding them through the process.
- Company: Atkinson Rose LLP, a specialist employment claims firm with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, self-employed consultancy, and a share of billed fees.
- Other info: Work independently with a steady flow of clients and strong support from our team.
- Why this job: Use your HR skills to make a real difference in people's lives during tough times.
- Qualifications: Solid HR experience, confident negotiator, and excellent client-handling skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
HR Consultant – Employment Disputes & Settlement Agreements
Self-Employed Consultancy | Fee Share | Fully Flexible / Remote
Atkinson Rose LLP is a specialist employment claims firm acting for individuals facing problems at work — from settlement agreements and disciplinaries to discrimination, redundancy, and unfair dismissal. We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our HR consultants advise clients directly, negotiate on their behalf, and work with our claims team when a matter needs to escalate to ACAS.
We value that you likely have only ever worked for employers. You’ve likely spent your HR career acting for the employer - running disciplinaries, managing exits and negotiating settlement terms on behalf of the business so you may assume this role isn’t for you. However, it’s the opposite: you are exactly who we’re looking for. The skills are identical - you’ll simply be using them for the individual instead of the organisation. Employer side experience is your biggest asset as you already know how employers think, what HR departments can and can’t concede, how settlement figures are arrived at, and which pressure points can assist with negotiations. We have found that HR professionals are best placed to get an employee a fair deal.
Full support and training on our processes and on current legal frameworks is provided.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced HR professional to join our small team of HR consultants. You will run your own caseload of individual clients, advising and negotiating from first consultation through to resolution. You’ll have the backing of our wider team, our case management systems, and a steady flow of clients - but you will own the client relationship.
What you will be doing
- Conducting 15 minute initial consultations with prospective clients who have contacted our firm directly requesting help - understanding their situation, and deciding whether you wish to bring them on board as your client
- Advising individual clients on settlement agreements and negotiating directly with employers and their HR teams to improve exit terms (payment in lieu of notice, ex gratia payments, references, legal fee contributions)
- Guiding clients through disciplinaries, grievances, performance processes, and redundancy situations
- Advising on workplace issues such as disability discrimination, reasonable adjustments, and occupational health outcomes
- Supporting clients through ACAS early conciliation and flagging tribunal deadlines to our claims team where matters escalate
- Keeping accurate case records on our case management system and staying on top of client deadlines
What we are looking for
- Solid HR experience - you may be a current or former HR manager, HR business partner, or HR consultant (CIPD qualification welcome but not essential)
- Real-world experience of disciplinaries, grievances, redundancies, exits, and settlement discussions - employer-side experience is ideal; acting for individuals is something we’ll help you transition into
- A confident negotiator who is comfortable pushing back on employers on a client’s behalf
- Empathy and excellent client-handling skills - our clients are often stressed and going through the worst period of their working lives
- The ability to build trust fast in a short consultation - prospective clients decide quickly whether you’re the person to fight their corner
- Strong written communication and good organisation across multiple live cases
- Self-motivated and comfortable working independently on a consultancy basis
How it works
- Self-employed consultancy arrangement - you receive a percentage of everything billed on your cases
- We supply the clients, the systems, and the support of our claims team; you supply the expertise
- Work fully remotely with genuine flexibility over your hours to fit around other commitments or an existing consultancy practice
- The busier your caseload, the more you earn - our established consultants sustain a regular flow of cases
Please note
We are regulated by the FCA, so we cannot offer training contracts or a route to qualification as a solicitor. This role suits an HR professional who wants to use their expertise helping individuals — not someone seeking a legal training pathway.
How to apply
Apply here or send your CV and a short note about your HR background to info@atkinson-rose.co.uk. We are happy to have an informal, confidential chat first.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Human Resources Consultant in City of London
✨Get Involved in HR Communities
Dive into HR forums and local meetups! These spaces are goldmines for freelance opportunities, as many businesses often look for freelance HR consultants through trusted connections. Join groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions to showcase your expertise.
✨Build Your Personal Brand Online
As a freelancer, your online presence is everything. Start a blog or share insights on social media about HR trends, changes in employment law, or best practices in talent management. This not only builds credibility but also attracts potential clients who resonate with your style.
✨Leverage Recruitment Events
Attend HR conferences or recruitment fairs in your area. These events are perfect for mingling with potential clients and showcasing what you can offer. Bring business cards and don’t hesitate to pitch your services – you never know who might need your help!
✨Connect with Startups and Small Businesses
Many small businesses are looking to outsource their HR needs. Reach out to local startups and offer your freelance services. Tailor your pitch to show how your skillset can help them streamline their hiring processes or enhance team management.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Human Resources Consultant in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Expertise in HR:In the world of human resources, it’s vital to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Make sure to weave in your specialisations, like talent acquisition or employee relations, in your CV or portfolio. If you've got any certifications, like CIPD or SHRM, flaunt them—they're a big plus!
Tailor Your Portfolio to HR Projects:As a freelancer, your portfolio should showcase your best work in HR. Include case studies of past projects, such as recruitment drives or training programmes you’ve managed. This gives potential clients a clear look at what they can expect from you, so don’t hold back!
Pitch Your Availability and Rates Clearly:When applying for freelance HR roles, clarity is key. In your application, state your availability and expected rates straight away. This helps manage expectations and shows that you’re organised and professional in your approach.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:HR isn't just about admin and processes; it's also about people! In your cover letter, be sure to bring out your soft skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. Share anecdotes that reflect these traits, as they can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Atkinson Rose
✨Showcase Your HR Toolkit
As a freelancer in human resources, it's crucial that we highlight the specific tools and software we're adept at using, like HRIS systems or performance management software. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully implemented these tools in past projects to streamline HR processes.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Freelance roles often involve short-term contracts and varying clients, so we should emphasise our ability to quickly adapt to different workplace cultures and team dynamics. Share examples of how you've effectively tailored HR strategies to meet diverse client needs in previous gigs.
✨Highlight Your Unique Value Proposition
In a freelance setting, we must communicate what sets us apart from other HR professionals. Think about the specific niche you fill — whether it's recruitment, employee engagement, or compliance — and prepare to pitch your unique skills and successes that solve problems for potential clients.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Be ready for scenario-based questions that test our interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills. Freelance HR often involves negotiations or mediating disputes, so we should have relatable examples ready to illustrate how we've handled similar situations with clients or employees before.
