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# Popoki

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://popoki.co.uk/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [How to have great 1:1 conversations at work: A guide for UK employers](https://popoki.co.uk/conversations-guide/): Do your managers feel confident when it comes to having one to one conversations with their teams? If not, they are definitely not alone. Research shows that around 69 percent of managers feel uncomfortable communicating with their employees, and just 6 percent feel confident having open and honest performance conversations.
- [Essential HR Policies for Small Businesses in the UK](https://popoki.co.uk/hr-policies-for-small-businesses/): Running a small business in the UK means wearing many hats, and HR often ends up being one of them. From hiring your first team member, to keeping on top of payroll, and making sure people are happy at work, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start with formal HR policies. Yet getting this part right, from day 1, is vital.
- [New Legal Duty: Are you taking reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work?](https://popoki.co.uk/preventing-sexual-harassment-at-work/): Since 26 October 2024, all UK employers have been under a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work.
- [Managing unauthorised absence: A practical guide for employers](https://popoki.co.uk/managing-unauthorised-absence/): Employee absence can be disruptive for any business, especially when it is unexpected and unexplained. While authorised leave such as holiday or pre-agreed time off is straightforward, unauthorised absence presents challenges for both employers and fellow employees.
- [Introducing Herts HR Hub](https://popoki.co.uk/herts-hr-hub/): In partnership with Watford & West Herts Chamber of Commerce I am launching the Herts HR Hub, a brand new monthly space for everyone who finds themselves looking after HR alongside everything else.
- [Can I be sacked for unauthorised absence?](https://popoki.co.uk/can-i-be-sacked-for-unauthorised-absence/): This is a question we hear a lot working in HR. More frequently it is the manager asking:
- [Why I started a HR Consultancy](https://popoki.co.uk/why-i-started-a-hr-consultancy/): It’s not always easy, as self-employment brings its own kind of pressure. There’s no IT team to call when the systems go down or colleagues to cover your inbox when you're away. But working directly with clients, building trust, and solving real people problems is exactly why I started this HR consultancy in the first place.
- [HR services for small businesses](https://popoki.co.uk/hr-services-for-small-businesses/): Small businesses don’t need pages of policy or off-the-shelf templates. You need HR support that’s fast, commercial, and right-sized.
- [Who supports HR? Why HR supervision might be the missing piece in the people puzzle](https://popoki.co.uk/hr-supervision-people-puzzle/): Think of HR supervision more like a professional pitstop, a safe, confidential space for reflection, support, and development. It provides:
- [HR on the brink: mental wellbeing in the people profession](https://popoki.co.uk/mental-wellbeing-in-the-people-profession/): The 2025 HR Mental Wellbeing Report by Ultimate Resilience and Towergate Employee Benefits confirms what many in the profession already know: HR is struggling.
- [What is Fractional HR?](https://popoki.co.uk/what-is-fractional-hr/): In today's dynamic business landscape, organisations are continually seeking innovative ways to manage their human resources effectively. Fractional HR is one approach gaining traction. This model offers companies access to experienced HR professionals on a part-time or as-needed basis, providing strategic support without the commitment of a full-time hire.
- [Workplace Investigations, done properly and without the panic](https://popoki.co.uk/workplace-investigations-done-properly/): There’s no getting around it, workplace investigations are essential.
- [Joining Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust as a Trustee](https://popoki.co.uk/watford-fc-trustee/): I’m incredibly proud to share that I’ve joined the Board of Trustees at Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust. This is an organisation that holds both a strong local impact and a personal connection.
- [Why small businesses can’t afford to overlook HR](https://popoki.co.uk/why-small-businesses-need-hr/): When you’re running a small business, every hire, policy and conversation matters. You might not have a big HR department, but that doesn’t mean HR isn’t happening. It’s happening in how you onboard new starters, how you handle absence, and how you navigate tricky situations when things go wrong.
- [What happens when leaders embrace coaching](https://popoki.co.uk/when-leaders-embrace-coaching/): When we talk about coaching, it’s easy to picture a quiet one to one chat in a meeting room. Someone reflecting on their goals, exploring challenges, maybe having an “aha” moment or two. And yes, coaching is a powerful tool for individual development. But its true value goes much further than that.
- [Happy International HR Day!](https://popoki.co.uk/international-hr-day/): A day to celebrate all the People people out there shaping strategy, supporting people, and quietly saving the day in ways most people never see.
- [What is Executive Coaching?](https://popoki.co.uk/what-is-executive-coaching/): Executive coaching is a structured, confidential, and thought-provoking process that supports senior leaders to unlock their potential, develop self-awareness, and achieve their professional goals. But it’s not just about performance. It’s about impact, clarity, and creating space for reflection in the midst of a busy leadership role.
- [What do HR Consultants do?](https://popoki.co.uk/what-do-hr-consultants-do/): But what do HR consultants actually do? In short, we help businesses get the best from their people, and stay on the right side of employment law while doing it. Here’s how:
- [Why proactive HR support can keep you out of employment tribunals](https://popoki.co.uk/proactive-hr-support/): While some disputes are unavoidable, many could have been resolved early on or even prevented entirely with the right HR support in place.
- [Do I really need HR support? (Yes. Yes, you do.)](https://popoki.co.uk/do-i-really-need-hr-support/): You’ve got employees, but no HR support? Need advice, but don’t want a lecture? That’s where we come in.
- [Is your HR team stuck in firefighting mode?](https://popoki.co.uk/hr-team-firefighting-mode/): Ever feel like your HR team is spinning plates?
- [5 ways Popoki HR can help your business this May](https://popoki.co.uk/5-ways-popoki-hr-can-help/): If you're a small business juggling people issues without dedicated HR support, you're not alone. At Popoki HR, we offer practical, personal, people-first HR help - tailored to fit your business and your budget.

## Pages
- [HR Consultant St Albans & Hertfordshire](https://popoki.co.uk/hr-consultancy-hertfordshire/): Popoki is an independent HR consultancy based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, led by Marie Hart - a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD (FCIPD), the highest level of professional HR accreditation in the UK. With over 20 years of experience leading HR functions across sport, media, tech, FMCG, healthcare, and start-up environments, Marie brings senior-level expertise to businesses that need it most.
- [HR Advice for Small Businesses](https://popoki.co.uk/hr-advice-small-businesses/): Running a small business means wearing many hats. HR is often one of them - and it's the one that can cause the most expensive problems when it goes wrong.
- [Fractional HR Services](https://popoki.co.uk/fractional-hr-services/): Fractional HR gives your business access to an experienced, senior HR professional on a flexible, part-time basis. Rather than hiring a full-time HR director - which most growing businesses simply don't need - you get the same level of expertise for a fraction of the cost and commitment.
- [Resources](https://popoki.co.uk/resources/):   Search     Latest Post
- [Complaints Procedure](https://popoki.co.uk/complaints-procedure/): This document sets out the processes to be followed when someone wishes to make a complaint to or against me.
- [Employee Engagement](https://popoki.co.uk/employee-engagement/): Engaged employees feel connected, valued, and motivated to contribute to your business’s success. We’ll work with you to build this engagement by addressing challenges, recognising opportunities, and implementing tailored strategies.
- [Privacy Policy](https://popoki.co.uk/privacy-policy/): Effective Date: 1 May 2025
- [Mediation](https://popoki.co.uk/workplace-mediation-services/): Facing a workplace conflict? Seeking a cost-effective alternative to litigation? Need a confidential space to resolve disputes?
- [HR Consultancy](https://popoki.co.uk/hr-consultancy/): At Popoki, our HR consulting services provide tailored help for every stage of your business journey. Whether you’re dealing with complex employee relations, need help with an independent investigation or managing organisational change, we deliver clear, legally sound HR support designed to protect your business, boost performance, and help your people thrive.
- [Outplacement Support](https://popoki.co.uk/outplacement-support-services/): We offer tailored outplacement support services to help employees transition smoothly during periods of organisational change. Our services are designed to provide practical guidance and emotional support, helping individuals prepare for the next step in their careers.
- [Training & Development](https://popoki.co.uk/management-skills-training/): Effective management and training facilitation are essential for a thriving workplace. We offer tailored management skills training to equip line managers and leaders with the skills and confidence they need to manage their teams effectively and foster a positive work environment.
- [Recruitment and Talent Acquisition](https://popoki.co.uk/hr-freelance-recruitment-services/): We provide tailored support for recruitment and talent acquisition to help you attract and retain the right people for your organisation. Whether you’re scaling a team, making a key hire, or refining your hiring process, our flexible and strategic approach delivers results.
- [People Strategy](https://popoki.co.uk/people-strategy-consulting/): We can support you with
- [Organisational Change](https://popoki.co.uk/organisational-change-services/): Managing changes to employee roles requires careful planning and compliance with employment legislation. We offer guidance and support through restructuring periods to help you navigate these complex processes smoothly and fairly.
- [HR Policies & Processes](https://popoki.co.uk/hr-policy-implementation-service/): At Popoki HR, we provide practical, professional support to implement policies and ensure compliance across your business. Whether you're updating your HR documentation or need structured guidance for a compliant workplace, we offer tailored HR business process outsourcing solutions that simplify complexity.
- [Employee Relations](https://popoki.co.uk/employee-relations-hr-services/): At Popoki HR, we provide comprehensive employee relations services to help businesses manage challenging workplace situations fairly and professionally. From misconduct and poor performance to grievances and disputes, our approach ensures legal compliance and protects both your team and your business
- [Dispute Resolution](https://popoki.co.uk/dispute-resolution-services/): We specialise in commercial dispute resolution, helping businesses avoid escalation and resolve disagreements constructively. With our professional and impartial approach, we support fair and balanced outcomes that protect both your reputation and your internal culture.
- [Contact](https://popoki.co.uk/contact/): Contact us to see how we can work together to tackle your workplace and people challenges. We’re confident we can make a difference.
- [Coaching](https://popoki.co.uk/executive-career-coaching/): Clients trust our blend of executive coaching services and HR insight to build resilient, high-performing cultures.
- [Pricing](https://popoki.co.uk/pricing/): For larger, defined projects, I provide customised pricing based on the scope and complexity of your requirements. This approach ensures you receive focused, efficient support that aligns with your specific goals.
- [Confidentiality](https://popoki.co.uk/confidentiality/): At Popoki, confidentiality is a top priority in all our HR consultancy and coaching services. Every contract clearly outlines how your data is processed and protected, ensuring transparency and compliance with legal requirements. If you have specific confidentiality needs, we are more than happy to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) that aligns with your requirements.
- [About](https://popoki.co.uk/about-popoki/): I’m Marie, founder of Popoki and a Chartered FCIPD with a Masters in HR Management. I’ve spent over 20 years in the people space, working across sport, media, tech, FMCG, healthcare, and start-up environments.
- [Home](https://popoki.co.uk/): At Popoki, we offer tailored HR consultancy, including flexible retained HR services and HR business process outsourcing for UK businesses. We combine employment law knowledge with practical, people-first solutions.