Darlington HR firm launches training division amid rising demand

Outsourced HR, based at Lingfield Point, made the move after a sharp rise in demand for tailored training programmes, with interest doubling in the past year.

Sasha Warr, founder of Outsourced HR, said: “We’ve always offered training to clients, but as HR and the workplace have become more complex, demand has grown rapidly.

The Outsourced HR team (Image: Supplied)

“In the last year alone, demand has doubled and increasingly, managers want to feel they are on steady ground when it comes to issues such as employment law, diversity, and staff wellbeing.

“Mental health is a good example.

“Some managers can understandably feel cautious about addressing it, so they’re looking for practical guidance to ensure they handle conversations appropriately and make informed decisions for their business.”

The consultancy, which primarily serves SMEs across the North East, was founded in 0 by Ms Warr during her maternity leave.

She launched the business following a corporate career with global brands such as Renault Retail Group and Toshiba.

The company has seen consistent year-on-year growth, driven by its focus on supporting smaller organisations that often don’t have the capacity for in-house HR.

It is supported by a five-strong team with more than 80 years of combined HR experience.

Ms Warr said: “What sets us apart is that we understand both the law and the realities of running an SME.

“Our clients aren’t large corporates with extensive HR departments.

“They often operate with lean teams, so when issues arise – like managing absence or supporting employee wellbeing – leaders need the confidence and skills to respond effectively.

“That’s exactly what this training aims to provide.”

The new training services are designed for SME managers and cover employment law, effective leadership, mental health in the workplace, and managing sickness absence.

The launch comes as businesses brace themselves for major changes to employment law in the coming two years, starting this April, when major changes to legislation like day one rights to Statutory Sick Pay and Parental Leave come into effect.

More employment law changes are expected in the coming two years, and Outsourced HR is working closely with clients to ensure they have the documents, knowledge, and confidence to deal with these changes.