The Challenge
For growing SMEs, people decisions become more complex as teams expand and ambitions rise. But hiring a full-time HR Director isn’t always practical or affordable.
As your business grows, HR challenges become more strategic. You might be:
- Making key organisational changes but unsure how to structure roles and responsibilities
- Wanting HR to play a bigger part in business planning and decision-making
- Concerned that people-related risks aren’t being managed at board level
- Lacking the senior HR expertise to shape culture, leadership, or future workforce plans
You don’t need a full-time HR Director to tackle these issues, just the right experience at the right time.
How LighterHR Helps
Our Fractional HR Director service gives you senior HR leadership when you need it.
We provide you with an experienced senior HR professional who becomes part of your leadership team.
Our support includes:
- Reviewing and refining your HR strategy and organisational design
- Advising the leadership team on structure, succession, and workforce planning
- Supporting change and transformation projects
- Embedding effective governance and compliance practices
- Coaching managers and developing leadership capability
- Translating people strategy into clear, actionable plans
Fractional HR Director Support from LighterHR
Every business needs HR leadership, but not every business needs it full-time. Our Fractional HR Directors work alongside your team on a part-time or project basis, giving you access to board-level insight and the reassurance of experienced, CIPD-qualified professionals. Whether you need short-term strategic support or ongoing involvement, we’ll build a model that fits how you work.
Levels of Support
Choose the level of support that fits your needs:
Project-Based Engagement – For specific initiatives such as restructures, growth planning, or culture development. We’ll define clear outcomes, timelines, and deliverables, providing senior input through to completion.
Retained Fractional HR Director – Ongoing part-time HR leadership, typically one to two days per week or month. Your HR Director integrates with your leadership team, providing continuity, oversight, and strategic direction across all people matters.
Why SMEs Trust Us
Senior-level expertise that balances strategy with practicality
Flexible arrangements to match your budget and capacity
Clear, commercial advice linked to your business goals
CIPD-qualified consultants experienced across multiple sectors
Client Story
“LighterHR has been a great support to my business, from strategic direction to day-to-day HR matters.
They listen, take the time to understand my business and give me sound advice. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending LighterHR.”
Sophie Eastwood
Managing Director, Holistic Group
Key Questions
What’s the difference between a Fractional HR Director and Outsourced HR?
Outsourced HR covers day-to-day HR delivery and compliance. A Fractional HR Director provides strategic leadership, focusing on people planning, structure, and culture at board level.
Is this a good fit if we already have HR support in place?
Yes. We often complement existing HR teams, providing senior direction, mentoring, and alignment to wider business strategy.
Can the service be remote?
We can provide the fractional HR director in the way that works for your business, be that onsite, remote or a combination of the two.
How long do engagements last?
From a few months to ongoing partnerships, depending on your needs. We’ll agree the right duration and review regularly.
Take the Next Step
A Fractional HR Director can give your business the leadership focus it needs to thrive. With LighterHR, you’ll get senior-level expertise that’s practical, flexible, and entirely focused on your goals.
