Breaking Down "Fractional CHRO"
Let's understand each component of the term:
"Fractional"
A fraction of their time. Rather than full-time employment, a fractional CHRO dedicates a portion of their week to your business—perhaps 1-2 days—while serving other clients with the remainder.
"CHRO"
Chief Human Resources Officer. The senior executive responsible for people strategy, organizational design, talent management, culture, employee experience, and HR operations.
CHRO vs CPO vs HRD
You'll encounter various titles for the senior HR leadership role. Here's how they compare:
| Title | Full Name | Typical Context |
|---|---|---|
| CHRO | Chief Human Resources Officer | Traditional corporate, enterprise |
| CPO | Chief People Officer | Tech, startups, modern companies |
| HRD | HR Director | UK tradition, senior HR lead |
| VP People | Vice President of People | US tech companies |
According to the CIPD, these titles are largely interchangeable at the strategic level, with "Chief People Officer" gaining popularity to emphasize the human-centric approach to workforce management.
What Does a Fractional CHRO Do?
People Strategy
Align people strategy with business objectives. Workforce planning, talent strategy, and organizational development.
Organizational Design
Structure the organization for effectiveness. Reporting lines, role clarity, and team configuration.
Talent Management
Hiring strategy, onboarding, development, performance management, and succession planning.
Culture & Engagement
Build and maintain organizational culture. Employee engagement, values, and workplace experience.
Compliance & Risk
Employment law compliance, employee relations, risk management, and HR policy.
Fractional CHRO vs Other Options
| Option | Commitment | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fractional CHRO | 1-3 days/week ongoing | £3,000-£8,000/month | Growing companies 20-200 people |
| Full-Time CHRO | 5 days/week | £120,000-£200,000/year | Large organizations 500+ |
| HR Manager | Full-time | £45,000-£70,000/year | Operational HR needs |
| HR Consultant | Project-based | £800-£1,500/day | Specific projects/audits |
When to Consider a Fractional CHRO
Good Fit:
- Scaling from 20-200+ employees
- Need strategic HR, not just operations
- Preparing for funding or exit
- Culture or engagement challenges
- Complex organizational change
Less Suitable:
- Very small teams (under 15)
- Only need payroll/admin
- Heavily unionized environments
- Large enterprises (need full-time)
Summary: A fractional CHRO (or CPO) is a part-time Chief Human Resources Officer who provides strategic people leadership 1-3 days per week. "Fractional" means you get a fraction of their time at a fraction of full-time cost—ideal for growing companies that need senior HR expertise.