Swan HR
Meet the Founder: Susan Wakelin
MCIPD Qualified


Susan Wakelin
Founder of Swan HR Consultancy
I have over thirty years' experience in HR, twenty of them setting up HR functions in new and established companies across many industries. I help new and small- to medium-sized businesses that are too small for an in-house HR business partner and don't want the cost of a large HR provider.
In particular, I am keen to work with local businesses in Kent, London and the South East, where I can offer a broad range of HR services and practical support at an affordable cost, which is tailored to their business and provides solutions to situations they may be in or concerns they may have in relation to recruiting, retaining, managing and motivating a talented team.
I am a qualified Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and have worked for many years as Head of Human Resources, Executive HR Business Partner and HR Consultant for various companies and industries. My approach is based on building strong relationships at all levels of a business and working collaboratively to ensure that the right HR policies and practices are developed and implemented to achieve company goals. I have excellent employment law and best practice knowledge; I am analytical and business-focused and have extensive strategic, project, employee relations, coaching and leadership experience.
I specialise in setting up HR functions in small- to medium sized, established and start-up businesses, coaching and supporting managers through difficult situations, transformation and change, and sourcing and implementing HR systems to enhance engagement, motivate teams and monitor and measure performance.

HR Experience
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Setting up HR functions in small to medium sized businesses.
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Working collaboratively to ensure the right HR policies and practices are developed and implemented to achieve Company goals.
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Coaching and supporting managers through difficult situations, transformation and change.
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Sourcing, designing and implementing HR systems to enhance engagement, motivate teams, monitor performance and measure achievement against personal and Company-wide goals.
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Managing case-loads, such as capability, investigations, disciplinaries, grievances, consultations and redundancy processes.
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Carrying out recruitment campaigns and onboarding training.

HR Capabilities
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Appreciating the different needs of unique businesses, industries and Company culture.
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Building strong relationships at all levels of management.
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Understanding and delivering on management expectations.
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Designing and implementing Human Resource functions
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Tailor-making HR services for the size and type of business.
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Developing HR procedures and systems to align with Company goals.
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Developing Company culture and improving performance.
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Improving leadership capability.
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Advising on a wide range of employment law issues.
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Implementing best practice.
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Being commercially aware and balancing the needs of the business.

"From day one, Susan makes you feel very comfortable, she's extremely professional and knowledgeable when it comes to people issues and absolutely nothing is too much trouble."
Madjid Chaouche
