Ensuring that our workplace remains fair, supportive, and legally compliant is essential to maintaining the high standards we set for our company.

That’s why our Managing Surveyor, Curtis Smith and Director, Nicola Williams, recently attended the HR Essentials workshop, hosted by the East Midlands Chamber and led by Sarah Loates MSc MCIPD from Loates HR.

Why HR Essentials Matter

As a growing business, effective people management is key to ensuring that our employees feel valued, supported, and motivated. The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to refresh our knowledge of HR best practices and gain insights into some of the key legal and practical aspects of human resource management.

The session covered critical areas of HR, including:

• Employment Law Updates – Staying up to date with changes in legislation to ensure our policies remain compliant and fair.
• Managing Absences & Performance – Understanding how to handle workplace absences effectively while supporting employee well-being.
• Handling Disciplinary & Grievance Issues – Best practices for resolving disputes fairly and maintaining a positive working environment.
• Employment Contracts & Policies – Reviewing essential documents to ensure clarity, fairness, and legal compliance.
• Creating a Positive Workplace Culture – Encouraging engagement, motivation, and employee retention through good HR practices.

What This Means for Vaughandale

The construction industry is fast-paced and demanding, so having robust HR processes in place is essential. By attending this workshop, we’ve gained valuable tools and strategies to help us continue to improve how we manage and support our team.

“Learning about the latest updates in employment law and best practices ensures that we are always ahead of the curve when it comes to HR management,” said our Director, Nicola Williams. “It’s important that we create an environment where employees feel supported and valued.”

The insights from Sarah Loates and the East Midlands Chamber will help us strengthen our approach to HR, leadership, and team development, making Vaughandale an even better place to work.

Looking Ahead

We’d like to thank Sarah Loates and the East Midlands Chamber for delivering such an informative session.

The knowledge gained from this workshop will help us continue to evolve as a business, ensuring that our employees feel supported and that our HR practices remain strong, fair, and effective.