How We Work
Flexible partnerships that adapt to your unique HR needs
At Ostara HR, I believe in creating flexible partnerships that adapt to your unique needs. Choose the engagement model that works best for your organisation based on your specific HR challenges, timeline, and budget.
| Feature | Retained Services | Project-Based Support | Ad Hoc Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Ongoing HR support and strategic partnership | Specific HR initiatives with defined outcomes | Immediate expert guidance as needed |
| Commitment | Monthly partnership (3-12 month minimum) | Fixed scope, defined project timeline | No ongoing commitment |
| Delivery | Regular support hours each month | Structured project methodology | Flexible access when you need it |
| Response Time | 24-48 hours (based on package) | Scheduled project milestones | As needed (typically 24-72 hours) |
| Pricing Model | Monthly fee based on service tier | Fixed project fee | Hourly rate or pre-purchased hours |
| Relationship | Ongoing strategic partnership | Focused collaboration | Flexible expert resource |
| Planning | Proactive, strategic approach | Defined project planning | Reactive, immediate support |
| Ideal When | You need regular, consistent HR expertise | You have a specific HR challenge to solve | You need occasional expert guidance |
Retained Services
Transform Your HR Function with Ongoing Magic
Imagine having a dedicated HR partner who brings a blend of employee relations expertise and process optimisation magic to your organisation. My retained services packages provide consistent support that evolves with your needs—from handling complex workplace situations to streamlining cumbersome processes.
Service Tiers:
- Bronze: HR Foundations (from £1,500/month)
- Silver: HR Acceleration (from £2,500/month)
- Gold: HR Transformation (from £5,000/month)
- Platinum: HR Excellence (from £7,000/month)
Project-Based Support
Focused Process Transformation for Specific HR Challenges
When you have a defined HR process that needs expert optimisation, my project-based support delivers. I bring structure, technical expertise, and that touch of HR magic to your specific challenges—whether implementing new technology, redesigning workflow bottlenecks, or enhancing employee experience through smarter processes.
My 5-Step Methodology:
- Discovery: Mapping current processes and pain points
- Design: Creating streamlined solutions
- Development: Building frameworks and tools
- Delivery: Implementing with attention to user experience
- Debrief: Ensuring knowledge transfer
Ad Hoc Support
Expert HR Process Guidance When You Need It Most
Some HR process challenges can't wait for scheduled support. My ad hoc services provide immediate access to process optimisation expertise exactly when you need it. Whether you're facing an unexpected system issue, need a quick workflow review, or want a second opinion on an HR technology decision, I'm here to help.
Options Include:
- Pay-As-You-Go: £95/hour, no minimum commitment
- HR Hour Bank 10: 10 hours to use within 6 months
- HR Hour Bank 20: 20 hours to use within 9 months
- HR Hour Bank 40: 40 hours to use within 12 months
Which Model Is Right For You?
Choose Retained Services if you...
- Need consistent HR expertise
- Want strategic HR partnership
- Prefer predictable monthly investment
- Value having a dedicated HR partner
- Need regular support across multiple HR areas
Choose Project-Based Support if you...
- Have a specific HR challenge to address
- Need focused transformation in a defined area
- Have budget for a specific initiative
- Need specialised expertise for a limited time
- Want clear outcomes and deliverables
Choose Ad Hoc Support if you...
- Require occasional expert guidance
- Need flexibility without commitment
- Want to pay only when you need help
- Have internal HR needing occasional support
- Need immediate help with unexpected issues
Ready to Transform Your HR Approach?
I'd love to hear about your specific HR challenges and explore how my flexible engagement models could transform your headaches into solutions that save time, reduce frustration and create better workplace experiences.
Our Client Engagement Journey
At Ostara HR, we believe in a structured yet flexible approach to client partnerships. Our process ensures we thoroughly understand your needs, deliver exceptional value, and continually refine our support to drive meaningful transformation in your HR function.
Discovery & Exploration
Understanding Your Unique Needs
- Complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss your current HR challenges and objectives
- Needs assessment questionnaire to gather specific information about your organisation
- Review of existing HR documentation to understand your current approach
- Stakeholder conversations to identify different perspectives and priorities
Proposal & Planning
Creating Your Bespoke Solution
- Tailored proposal outlining recommended services and investment
- Opportunity analysis highlighting areas for immediate and long-term improvement
- Engagement model selection (Retained, Project-based, or Ad Hoc)
- Success metrics definition to ensure measurable outcomes
- Timeline and milestone planning for clear expectations
Onboarding & Kick-off
Beginning Our Journey Together
- Service agreement formalisation to establish our partnership
- Detailed kickoff meeting to align on expectations and immediate priorities
- Key stakeholder introductions to build relationships
- Shared workspace setup for efficient collaboration
- Communication protocol establishment for regular updates and feedback
Service Delivery
Where HR Magic Happens
For Retained Services:
- Regular advisory support via email, phone, and virtual meetings
- Proactive issue identification to address potential challenges early
- Monthly service reviews to ensure alignment with priorities
- Quarterly strategy sessions to adapt to evolving needs
- Resource provision including templates, guidance, and best practices
For Project-Based Support:
- Detailed project planning with clear milestones
- Regular progress updates throughout implementation
- Collaborative problem-solving for any challenges that arise
- Knowledge transfer to ensure sustainability
- End-of-project review to capture learnings
For Ad Hoc Support:
- Responsive consultation when you need expert guidance
- Practical solution development for immediate challenges
- Follow-up support to ensure successful implementation
Review & Refinement
Ensuring Continuous Value
- Regular service reviews against defined success metrics
- Feedback collection from key stakeholders
- Adaptation of approach based on evolving priorities
- Identification of new opportunities for improvement
- Future planning for ongoing HR transformation
Evolution & Growth
Building on Our Shared Success
- Annual partnership review to celebrate achievements and plan for the future
- Strategic planning for the next phase of HR transformation
- Service model refinement to adapt to your changing needs
- Additional value identification to further enhance your HR function
- Relationship deepening as a trusted strategic partner