What Fractional HR Consulting Includes
Fractional HR consulting goes beyond traditional HR advice. It provides embedded leadership with accountability for your people function:
Strategic
- People strategy aligned with business goals
- Organizational design and structure
- Culture development and change
- Leadership development
Operational
- HR policy and handbook development
- HRIS selection and implementation
- Compensation and benefits strategy
- Performance management systems
Compliance
- Employment law compliance
- Complex employee relations
- Disciplinary and grievance
- TUPE and restructuring
Talent
- Talent acquisition strategy
- Employer branding
- Retention and engagement
- Succession planning
Fractional HR Consulting Costs
Fractional HR consulting offers significant cost savings compared to full-time HR leadership:
Compare this to a full-time HR Director (£80,000-£120,000+) or CHRO (£120,000-£180,000+). A fractional HR consultant at 2 days per week costs roughly 50-70% less.
When to Use Fractional HR Consulting
Scaling Companies (30-150 employees)
Need HR leadership but not 40 hours/week. Building processes, compliance, and culture.
Complex Employee Relations
Facing difficult ER issues (tribunals, grievances, redundancies) requiring expert guidance.
Building HR from Scratch
Creating policies, handbooks, systems, and processes as you professionalize.
Major Change Programs
Restructuring, TUPE, culture change, or organizational transformation.
PE/VC-Backed Companies
Investors require professional HR but company doesn't need (or can't afford) full-time.
Fractional HR vs Traditional HR Consulting
| Factor | Fractional HR | Traditional Consulting |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship | Embedded leader, part of team | External advisor |
| Accountability | Owns outcomes | Advises on outcomes |
| Duration | Ongoing (6 months+) | Project-based |
| Scope | Full HR function | Specific deliverable |
Related HR Services
Fractional HR Guide
Complete guide to fractional HR
HR Services
Overview of fractional HR services
HR Jobs
Fractional HR opportunities
The Bottom Line
Fractional HR consulting in summary:
Part-time HR leadership (1-3 days/week) that combines strategic consulting with embedded accountability—building your people function at 50-70% less than full-time HR leadership cost.