Épisodes

  • A Deep Dive into Dental HR: Conflict, Contracts and Compliance

    A Deep Dive into Dental HR: Conflict, Contracts and Compliance
    Jun 24 2025

    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.
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    12 min
  • Navigating the Digital Skills Gap: A Strategic Approach for UK Businesses

    Navigating the Digital Skills Gap: A Strategic Approach for UK Businesses
    Jun 17 2025
    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/
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    11 min
  • Caring About Carers – What Employers Need to Know This Carers Week

    Caring About Carers – What Employers Need to Know This Carers Week
    Jun 10 2025
    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.
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    12 min
  • The UK–India Trade Deal: How it can Benefit Your Business

    The UK–India Trade Deal: How it can Benefit Your Business
    Jun 3 2025
    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!
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    8 min
  • Not Just Sick Days: The Secret World of Employee Leave

    Not Just Sick Days: The Secret World of Employee Leave
    May 27 2025
    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.
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    9 min
  • Neurodiverse Negativity: Farage’s Harmful Comments

    Neurodiverse Negativity: Farage’s Harmful Comments
    May 20 2025
    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.
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    11 min
  • The New Rules of Absence Management: Wellbeing, Workloads and Working from Home

    The New Rules of Absence Management: Wellbeing, Workloads and Working from Home
    May 13 2025

    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.
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    11 min
  • Rethinking Retirement – Supporting Staff Without a Retirement Age

    Rethinking Retirement – Supporting Staff Without a Retirement Age
    May 6 2025
    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!
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    12 min