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We’re your Fractional HR Department

One of the UK’s leading HR consultancies giving small businesses room to grow.

We’re on a mission to make HR easier on small businesses so they can save time and focus on growth. We’re the ones small businesses turn to when HR admin takes up too much time, people challenges crop up, or it’s time to get bigger and better.

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You’re not really supposed to be doing the HR bit

You built a brilliant business by being hands-on, but now things have progressed and your expertise is needed elsewhere. The HR tasks are stacking up, and you need them taken off your plate by someone who understands what your business needs. That’s what we’re here for.

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Our story begins with Sarah

After more than a decade working in large organisations, our founder Sarah Ropek saw how often good HR got buried under bureaucracy. She also saw how much faster, clearer and more effective it could be when you strip that away and focus on the fundamentals.

So, she left corporate and built something different: an HR outsourcing company that works for small businesses specifically. To give them what they need – nothing more and nothing less.

The aim was to lay the right foundations, so businesses need less HR over time. Now we’re a team of ten experienced professionals ready to make your life easier.

Our bespoke approach

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all or fixed HR models. Every business is different, and support from HR consultancies should reflect that.

We start with what’s urgent and build from there. Once the most urgent issues are resolved and the foundations have been laid, we work with you to build HR processes that grow with your business.

Our fractional model gives you the support and access to the team you need when you need it. Whether that’s a few hours a month, help with a specific project, or someone to lean on when people challenges arise.

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Meet The Team

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‍I spent the first decade of my career in large corporates, learning how people strategy can be done well – and how it can be done badly. I started The Fractional HR Department in 2015, and I run The HR Podcast and write the monthly HR Insider for useful, no-fluff HR advice straight to your inbox.

Outside work, I’m usually chasing fresh air with my husband and two small kids (preferably at the seaside) or tackling the never-ending project that is our house renovation.

Sarah Ropek

Founder

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Katy Riordan

Head of Client Delivery

20 years of experience across public and private sector organisations, a particular expertise in private healthcare, and a range of experience with businesses from membership organisations to creative agencies.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me mid-renovation on a property project, picnicking with family, or pottering around in the garden.

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Kate Mellor

Commercial Manager

Over 20 years’ experience in administration and business support, obsessively organised and logical, and brilliant at managing processes and implementing systems to improve the running of any business. I also look after our accounting software and internal HR requirements.

Outside of work I am kept busy by my two sporting mad children and when I have time I enjoy time at the gym, cooking for my friends and looking after my small herd of Guinea Pigs!

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Emily Marsh

HR Administration Manager

I’ve worked my way up the HR rungs since 2017, gaining experience within the manufacturing and education sectors. I lead the support team and support the People Partners.

Outside of work, I’m part of a family of four with two delightful young children. My time is mostly devoted to my children, their activities and attempting to maintain an aspect of tidiness at home. If I were ever to get time for myself, I would love to get back into fitness. 

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Louisa Gartrell

People Partner

10 years of working across a variety of sectors, including private healthcare, charities, membership organisations, and global communications agencies. I specialise in building strong, trusted relationships with managers and senior leaders, helping them feel confident in managing people and navigating change.

Originally a music graduate, I still sing regularly with my choir and love an eclectic mix of live music. My weekends are mostly spent with family and friends – ideally over a good curry and a great cocktail.

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Sarah McNeil

People Partner

My 10 years of HR experience is primarily in the health and charity sectors, with a background in employee relations and delivering projects around health and wellbeing, performance management, and organisational change.

Outside of work, I’m kept busy by my two young children. I make time to stay active through home fitness and adult ballet classes, and I love to travel, cook, and host friends and family

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Jeanette Walters

Employee Relations Lead

I started my career as an Executive Assistant before moving into HR, supporting businesses of all sizes, from startups to larger businesses. This experience has given me a practical, adaptable approach to solving people challenges.

I have worked with businesses across a range of sectors, including charities, private healthcare and hospitality, helping leaders find clear, pragmatic HR solutions that work for their business.

Outside of work, you'll usually find me running, walking my dog, rowing or spending time with my family.

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Ruby Jeal

HR Coordinator

I started my career in HR when I joined The Fractional HR Department as part of the kick-start scheme.  During my time here I have had the opportunity to complete my CIPD Level 3 and support businesses across all sectors with their HR and recruitment administration.  

Outside of work, you’re likely to find me spending time with my friends and family or out walking my dogs.

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With HR administration experience across a range of sectors, I take pride in delivering efficient, reliable support and building strong relationships with clients through a friendly and professional approach.

Outside of work, I like to stay active with fitness classes and long walks, and I’m always working my way through a good stack of books.

Emma Sullivan

HR Coordinator

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Lara Morris

Marketing Assistant

I support the business with digital marketing, content creation and campaign coordination to help strengthen our brand and online presence. I help the business connect with its audience in meaningful ways.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

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Good HR support doesn't stop at good people. We partner with trusted HR systems and specialist healthcare consultancies to make sure our clients have access to the right technology and expertise, wherever they need it.

See Our Partners

Put a voice to a name

Book a call and tell us what you’re struggling with. We’ll find the best person for the job and help you figure out how to move forward.

Book a Call