When HSP Consulting Engineers got in touch with our People & HR team, they were in an enviable position.
This multidisciplinary engineering consultancy had built an impressive reputation spanning civil, geo-environmental, structural, and transport infrastructure projects.
But like many growing businesses, they’d reached that familiar crossroads where success brings its own challenges.
What they needed was an HR infrastructure that could keep up with their ambitious growth plans while truly reflecting who they were as a company.
The challenge
Following a period of exciting expansion, HSP had engaged our team to complete a comprehensive HR audit that revealed what many growing businesses discover, contracts, policies, and systems had developed through a mix of informal practices and legacy documentation that had served them well in their earlier days.
To support their future growth ambitions, HSP needed a more centralised and consistent approach to managing their people that would bring clarity, compliance, and most importantly, cohesion across the business.
Our approach
This wasn’t a one-size fits all solution. HSP had built something special with the culture of their team, and our job was to create an HR framework that honoured their culture while preparing them for what’s next.
Our approach took 4 distinct steps:
Step 1: Putting people at the heart of change
From the very beginning, we knew that any changes needed to have HSP’s employees on board. We made sure their people had a real voice throughout the entire process. Staff were invited to review and comment on all proposed changes, and we compiled their feedback into a clear, accessible FAQ document.
We didn’t just ask for their input — we explained the rationale behind each change. This transparency helped build trust and significantly reduced any resistance to the new approaches. This collaborative foundation informed everything that followed.
Step 2: Future-proof employment contracts
With employee input guiding our approach, we tackled their employment contracts. This wasn’t about pulling templates off the shelf — we dug deep into their existing documentation and spent time understanding the informal practices that had become part of HSP’s DNA.
The result? Brand new contracts for both junior and senior employees that struck the perfect balance between legal compliance and the company’s authentic way of working. These weren’t just legally sound; they were genuinely fit for HSP’s future.
Step 3: Bespoke employment policies
Next, we developed a complete suite of employment policies that felt authentically HSP because policies that gather dust on a shelf help nobody. We made sure they covered all the essential areas for effective people management, but more importantly, we wrote them in HSP’s tone of voice and aligned them with their long-term vision.
Step 4: Seamless system implementation
Finally, we supported the full rollout of their new HR information system. This meant everything from data migration and access configuration to hands-on user training. We weren’t going to leave them with a shiny new system that nobody knew how to use properly.
The outcome
The transformation has been impressive. HSP not only has the structured HR foundations they needed to support their continued growth, but they also have an approach that genuinely works for their people and their business.
Immediate impact
From a compliance standpoint, we ticked every box identified in that initial audit. But the real wins went much deeper than compliance. The stakeholder engagement throughout the process was fantastic, employee feedback was genuinely incorporated, and there’s now a clarity and alignment across teams that simply wasn’t there before.
Measurable results
The new HR system has already proven its worth. HSP can now spot potential issues around absence and performance much earlier, thanks to accurate, accessible data that actually gets used. The administrative burden on the team has dropped significantly too.
Long-term value
Perhaps most importantly, HSP has taken a significant leap forward in organisational maturity. They now have people practices that aren’t just compliant — they’re culturally aligned and genuinely ready for whatever growth comes next.
Client feedback
“DJH’s expertise helped us address an important gap in our knowledge base. The team at DJH provided valuable support in managing financial and reputational risks while helping us work towards the reputation we aspire to achieve. Working with them has also contributed to retaining quality staff and reducing recruitment costs.” – Nick Beecham, Director of Structures and Temporary Works
Ready to transform your HR foundations?
Like HSP, many growing businesses reach a point where success demands more structured people practices. If you’re ready to build HR infrastructure that supports your growth while staying true to your company culture, our People & HR team would love to help.
Get in touch to discuss how we can create a tailored solution for your business.
