Welcome to the final episode of Season One of The Diary of an HR Consultant! I’m Victoria, and if you’re a woman running a dental practice in those early years of ownership, this one’s for you. As we head into the quieter summer stretch, I’m sharing five practical focus areas that can help you reset, regroup, and return stronger in the autumn — from tightening up your team structure to tackling those niggling HR jobs that always fall to the bottom of the list. This is your chance to breathe, take stock, and get ahead — without the overwhelm. Let’s dive in.

This week I’m joined by resilience coach and executive mentor Julian Roberts, to explore a topic close to my heart — how women in small dental practices can build resilience in the face of leadership pressure, emotional labour, and external responsibilities. From imposter syndrome to navigating conflict, juggling caring responsibilities to making courageous decisions — we unpack it all. If you're a woman running a dental practice (or supporting someone who is), this episode is packed with insight, practical strategies, and validation. 💬 We talk: ✅ Resilience under pressure ✅ How to handle emotional labour at work ✅ Why courageous conversations matter ✅ Balancing leadership with life outside the practice You can connect with Julian on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/julesroberts45/ and on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julesroberts His book, 'Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams' is rated 5 stars and available to buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

When Policies Feel Pointless — Making HR Actually Work in Small Teams If your staff handbook is gathering dust — or worse, causing confusion — this episode is for you. In Part 3 of our 'People Puzzle in Your Practice' mini-series, I unpack why traditional HR policies often don’t work in small, independent dental practices… and what to do instead. ✅ Why generic policies don’t protect your team or your business ✅ The hidden cost of unclear expectations ✅ Simple ways to make your HR policies actually usable — and human ✅ How to write policies that support both your practice and your people Whether you’ve inherited a clunky old handbook or are starting from scratch, this episode will help you feel more confident, clear, and in control. 🔗 Learn more at www.ambridgehr.co.uk 📩 Want support? Book your HR Check-up today https://tidycal.com/hrenquiries/hrcheckup — This series is created especially for women in their first few years of managing or owning a private dental practice. #HRforDentists #WomenInDentistry #DentalPracticeOwner #SmallBusiness #PrivateDentistryUK #Policies #Leadership #FemaleFoundersUK #AmbridgeHR #DentalHR

In this episode, I’ll explore how to spot the subtle signs your team might be unhappy, before they decide to leave. I’ll share practical tips and advice to help you reduce stress, improve team morale, and keep your practice running smoothly. If you want personalised HR support, you can book an HR Check-up with me at www.tidycal.com/hrenquiries/hrcheckup Let’s dive in!

Starting and running a small dental practice is a rewarding but challenging journey—especially for women juggling leadership, clinical care, and a team. In this episode, Victoria Thomson of Ambridge HR shares the five most common HR mistakes dental practice owners make in their first five years and practical steps to avoid them. From tackling early performance issues to managing associate contracts, Victoria’s insights will help you protect your practice, empower your team, and focus on what matters most—your patients. Tune in to get calm, clear HR advice that makes a real difference.

In this episode, Victoria Thomson turns the spotlight on the dental profession, exploring the unique HR challenges facing dental practices today — from associate contract confusion to team tensions, compliance gaps, and culture concerns. Drawing on real-life scenarios and her experience supporting healthcare clients, Victoria breaks down the top issues affecting dental surgeries and shares how Ambridge HR can provide practical, calm, and compliant support — whether you're managing a small team or scaling your practice. If you're a principal dentist, practice manager, or involved in the business side of dentistry, this episode is for you. 🔍 Topics include: • Associate vs. employee status • Absence and performance management • Building a positive practice culture • HR compliance in a regulated environment • Tailored HR support for dental teams Listen now to find out how to future-proof your people practices — and why having the right HR support can make all the difference. No drills, no jargon — just honest HR advice for dental professionals.  

In today’s episode, I'm diving into a hot topic for UK businesses: how to prepare for the digital skills gap in an increasingly competitive global talent market. From building future-ready teams to embracing remote hiring and upskilling strategies, I’ll share practical tips and insights to help you stay ahead in the digital race. Whether you’re an HR leader, business owner, or team manager, this episode will give you actionable advice to tackle the talent challenges of tomorrow — today. https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/ https://www.grow.google https://www.learning.linkedin.com https://www.canva.com/design-school/

In this special episode of The Diary of an HR Consultant, Victoria shines a spotlight on working carers – the often-unsung heroes balancing employment with the demands of supporting loved ones. We explore the new Carer’s Leave legislation, other types of statutory leave carers may be entitled to, and the practical steps employers can take to build a carer-friendly workplace. From flexible working to the Carer’s Passport, this episode is full of actionable HR advice for Carers Week and beyond. 🎧 Whether you're in HR, a business leader, or simply want to do better by your people, this episode gives you the tools and insights you need. 🔗 Useful Links: 💙 Carers UK – resources, policy templates, and support for employers and carers: www.carersuk.org 💼 Vivup EAP – mental health and wellbeing support for employees: www.vivup.co.uk 🙌 Don’t forget to share this episode with your team or network, and follow The Diary of an HR Consultant for weekly real-world HR insights.

In this episode of The Diary of an HR Consultant, Victoria explores the new UK–India trade deal and what it means for UK businesses and employment. From visa changes to skilled worker pipelines, outsourcing trends to cultural inclusion—this is your essential briefing on the people side of international trade. Grab your hat, we’re going global!

In this week’s episode of The Diary of an HR Consultant, we’re diving into the lesser-known world of employee leave in the UK. Sure, you know about sick leave and annual leave—but what about carer’s leave, emergency time off for dependants, and ordinary parental leave? Join Victoria from Ambridge HR as she unpacks the full list of paid and unpaid leave types that UK employers need to be aware of—plus a few common mistakes (like misusing sick leave to care for others!) Whether you're an HR professional or a small business owner, this episode will help you get your leave policies legally sound and employee-friendly. 🎧 Tune in and make sure your leave policy leaves no gaps.

In the latest episode of The Diary of an HR Consultant, Victoria from Ambridge HR responds to recent remarks made by Nigel Farage about autism — and explains why businesses need to take neurodiversity seriously. Farage’s suggestion that autistic individuals are “not quite normal” isn’t just outdated — it’s harmful. But rather than dwell on the controversy, this episode offers a constructive path forward. Victoria explores: - The value autistic individuals bring to the workplace - How businesses can support them through inclusive recruitment and workplace adjustments - Why this isn’t about being politically correct — it’s about good leadership, legal compliance, and unlocking talent. If you're an HR professional, business leader, or simply care about fair workplaces, this is a must-listen.

In this episode of The Diary of an HR Consultant, Victoria dives into the evolving world of absence management — and why it's more than just tracking sick days. Since the pandemic, the workplace has shifted dramatically. From burnout to flexible working, business owners now face a new set of challenges in managing absence. Victoria explores how to approach it with a blend of compassion and strategy, and how to support employee wellbeing every step of the way. You’ll hear: - What’s changed post-Covid in absence trends. - Practical, actionable tips for absence management. - How to support employee wellbeing in small businesses. Tools she recommends: Breathe HR, and Vivup Perkbox 🔧 Ambridge HR is a proud partner of Breathe HR — the simple HR software that helps SMEs manage absences more effectively. 👉 Try it via Ambridge HR's referral link: https://www.breathehr.com/en-gb/sign-up?hrp=4MBR1DGE 💚 We also work with wellbeing platforms to support your team: Perkbox & Vivup Partnership https://www.vivupbenefits.co.uk/perkbox-vivup Just quote “Ambridge HR” for your discounts. Whether you’re an HR lead or a business owner trying to do it all, this episode will give you the insights you need to take a proactive, people-first approach to managing absence. 🎙️ Tune in now — and let’s rethink absence together.

With no legal retirement age in Britain, how do you even begin a conversation about retirement with your team? In this episode of The Diary of an HR Consultant, Victoria from Ambridge HR explores this delicate but important topic — from why many people don’t want to retire, to how businesses can approach the subject with empathy and structure. We’ll cover the top reasons employees resist retirement, how to support later-life career conversations, and how sabbaticals might help your people fulfil lifelong dreams without saying goodbye to their roles too soon. Whether you're an employer wondering what your responsibilities are, or just looking for a human-centred approach to succession planning, this one’s for you. 💬 Got an HR dilemma you'd like answered on the show? Get in touch — we might feature your question in a future episode!

In this episode, Victoria from Ambridge HR unpacks the UK Supreme Court's ruling that the legal definition of 'woman' refers to biological sex—and what it means for businesses navigating inclusion, compliance, and workplace culture. We dive into the heart of diversity and inclusion, explore the practical steps employers can take to support trans and non-binary employees, and discuss why a Trans Inclusion Policy is now more essential than ever. 💡 Whether you're an HR leader or a small business owner, this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and clear actions. Now: 🏳️‍🌈 Review your Equality, Diversity & Inclusion policies 🏳️‍🌈 Ensure you have a Trans Inclusion Policy in place 🏳️‍🌈 Create space for respectful dialogue, training, and inclusive leadership 📲 Listen now and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 🔗 Visit www.ambridgehr.co.uk for further guidance and advice.

Trump’s latest tariffs are making waves—and UK businesses are already feeling the pressure. In this episode of The Diary of an HR Consultant, Victoria from Ambridge HR breaks down what these changes mean for the UK economy, jobs, and HR teams. From layoffs and reskilling to supply chain shake-ups and strategic planning, tune in for practical advice on how HR can steady the ship in uncertain times. Perfect for business owners, HR professionals, and anyone managing people through economic change.

Ever wondered what an HR consultant **actually** gets up to in a day? In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes for a no-filter look at the real-life wins, curveballs, and everything in between that make up a typical day in my world at Ambridge HR. 💡 Need help updating your family leave policies to reflect new legislation? Reach out today. 💡Is your business staying compliant with the National Minimum Wage increases? Let’s check your payroll together. 💡 Are you ready to address conflict in your workplace before it escalates? Contact me to develop a custom conflict resolution strategy.  Get in touch! www.ambridgehr.co.uk ✨️ Shining a light through the fog of HR ✨️