Meet Your Plug-In People & HR Team

Fractional & Project HR · Executive Coaching · Workforce Transformation for businesses navigating the Human + AI era.

Tap Into Director-level People & HR expertise
Modernise your performance management and people strategy
Coaching that helps leaders thrive through change
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Encourager HR supporting HR Change

Encourager Makes Implementing & Optimising People & HR Practices Easy

People & HR can be a complex and time-consuming challenge, especially for
start-ups & SMEs. You need someone you can rely on to help you navigate the complexities and unlock your team’s full potential.

Encourager HR support for companies in West Sussex
Personalised Approach

Solutions Tailored to Your Unique Needs

One-size-fits-all People & HR strategies simply don't work for most businesses. That's why I take a deeply personalised approach, taking the time to understand your challenges, goals, and culture, ensuring I can deliver measurable, long-lasting results.

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Encourager HR supporting companies in Horsham since 2023
Ongoing Support

A Trusted Partner, Not Just Another Agency

I operate like a true extension of your team, working hand-in-hand with you, providing ongoing guidance and support to ensure your People & HR practices continue to evolve and thrive alongside your business.

A trusted HR Consultant partner
Encourager HR Experts in HR Technology and Implementation (HRIS, Oracle, SAP Success Factors, HiBob)
Zero Jargon

HR Support That Speaks Your Language

For many business owners, HR can feel like a foreign language. That's why I’ve committed to providing approachable, easy-to-understand guidance. No jargon, no generic advice - just practical solutions.

HR Services with jargon free accessible language
Encourager HR - cost effective HR solutions for companies in West Sussex & Surrey
Tailored To You

Flexible & Affordable For Businesses of Any Size

Encourager HR offers flexible service models and pricing structures to ensure you get the HR support you need without breaking the bank. From on-demand consulting to fully-outsourced management, I'll work with you to find the right fit.

A graphic outlining the flexible and affordable approach of Encourager HR Services
A graphic outlining tailored HR services for small to medium businessesA trusted HR Consultant partnerHR Services with jargon free accessible languageA graphic outlining the flexible and affordable approach of Encourager HR Services
Bespoke HR Services For Businesses Of All Sizes

All Your People & HR Needs Handled

Encourager offers a range of key services. From compliance to training and recruitment support, I make HR easy to understand and implement.

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HR Strategy

Modern people strategy for organisations changing fast — designed for the realities of the Human + AI era, not the playbooks from before it. Senior HR judgment, applied to your business, not borrowed from someone else's

Strategic HR Plan
Organisational Design
Workforce Planning
Change Management
Illustration of a person surrounded by graphical icons representing data analysis, performance, growth, employee experience, and return on HR investment.

HR Transformation

Senior HR judgment for organisations going through real change — restructures, post-acquisition integration, scale-up redesigns. The work designed to leave the function stronger than I found it.

Post-Acquisition Integration
HR Tech & Performance Redesign
Organisational Restructuring
AI-Era Workforce Redesign
Streamline HR processes and unlock data-driven HR insights

Executive & Team Coaching

Senior coaching for executives and teams navigating change — particularly the kind AI is now driving across most organisations. Strengths-based, person-centred, ICF and Henley-trained. Designed to help leaders find clarity and steady ground when the path forward isn't obvious.

Executive Coaching
Team Coaching
Leadership Development
Strengths-Based Assessments
Attract, retain, and develop top-performing employees

Talent Management

Attract, retain, and develop top-performing employees with a robust talent management system. From onboarding to succession planning, together we'll build a world-class team.

Talent Acquisition Strategy
Development Programs
Onboarding Programs
Retention Strategies
A HR learning and development program to motivate employees

Learning & Development

Build the human skills your team will lean on more, not less, as AI handles more of the technical work. Strengths-based development for individuals, leaders, and teams — designed to land, not just be delivered.

Learning & Development Strategy
Leadership Development
Training Program Design
Compliance Training
Employee management fostering a positive, engaging work environment

Employee Relations

Foster a positive, engaging work environment. I’ll help you handle everything from performance reviews and dispute resolution to benefits administration and redundancies.

Performance Management and Development
Disciplinaries & Dispute Resolution
Employee Relations and Wellbeing
Redundancies & Exit Management
HR practices that ensure compliance

HR Compliance

Navigate the complex web of employment laws and regulations. Tap into a wealth of experience & ensure your HR practices meet the legal requirements.

Compliance Audit and Risk Assessment
Legal Compliance and Regulatory Training
Policy Development and Implementation
Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement
Bespoke HR Services For Businesses Of All Sizes

Encourager HR offers a range of key services. From compliance to training and recruitment support, I make HR easy to understand and implement.

A graphic outlining a HR strategy session between a HR Consultant and a client

Strategy

Align your HR with your overarching business objectives. I'll work closely with you to develop a comprehensive people strategy.

Attract, retain, and develop top-performing employees

Talent

Attract, retain, and develop top-performing employees with a robust talent management system. From onboarding to succession planning, together we'll build a world-class team.

A HR learning and development program to motivate employees

Learning & Development

Invest in your team’s growth and advancement with customised learning and development programs. We'll design training that cultivates the skills your team needs to excel.

HR practices that ensure compliance

Compliance

Navigate the complex web of employment laws and regulations. Tap into a wealth of experience & ensure your HR practices meet the legal requirements.

Employee management fostering a positive, engaging work environment

Employee Management

Foster a positive, engaging work environment. I’ll help you handle everything from performance reviews and dispute resolution to benefits administration and off-boarding.

Streamline HR processes and unlock data-driven HR insights

HR Technology

Streamline your HR processes and unlock data-driven insights. Encourager can implement and optimise the right tools to boost efficiency, enhance decision-making, and empower your workforce.

About

Tap Into Senior HR & Coaching Expertise

Hi, I'm Steve Thompson — founder of Encourager.

I help organisations build modern HR functions, run people operations, and navigate workforce transformation — all designed for the Human + AI era. Sometimes that's a fractional or project HR engagement. Sometimes it's executive coaching. Sometimes it's advising investors or CEOs on the human side of AI rollouts.

They're different shapes of the same work.I spent 5½ years inside a London AI consultancy as Global People Director. The technology was always going to land. The human side was the real work.I work with PE-backed businesses, CEOs, founders, CHROs, and SMEs across the UK. Henley Business School (ICF) trained, CIPD member, accredited in CliftonStrengths, Predictive Index, and TalentPredix.

CIPD Associate

CIPD Associate

Predictive Index Practitioner

Predictive Index Practitioner

Certified Gallup Strengths Coach

Certified Gallup Strengths Coach

International Coaching Federation Member

International Coaching Federation Member

portrait photo of HR consultant Steve

What People Say About Encourager

Hear directly from companies across various industries about their experience partnering with Encourager.

"Steve works with our organisation in the capacity of a Fractional HR Consultant who was originally employed to help with the integration and restructure of two businesses joined together post acquisition. When Steve joined us we were facing organisational challenges following the acquisition and we needed someone with the technical expertise and emotional intelligence to quickly assess the situation and help with the development and execution of a new single organisational strategy. It was notable that Steve was able to build trust quickly with all employees at every level of the organisation and help them understand the changes and what they meant for them. He brought calm, clarity and pragmatism to a complex and somewhat disruptive process. His impact on the business has been significant and he remains a trusted advisor to me and to the organisation."

CATHERINE CONNOLLY

Executive Chair, Prime Light Group

Google Review

"Steve supported the school with a leadership transition project. He quickly gained an understanding of our current situation and the change we wanted to implement. Through meetings with various staff members, as well as the leadership team, he was able to coach us through the process as well as well helping us to reflect and proceed with confidence. 5 stars!"

Alexis Conway

Headmaster, Kingslea School, Horsham

Google Review

"Steve was instrumental in setting up key HR processes and advising on HR strategy at Datatonic. I'd have no hesitation in recommending Encourager HR for any SME looking for support in their HR/Talent function."

Louis Decuypere

CEO, Datatonic Ltd

Google Review

"We’ve been very pleased with the support provided by Encourager HR. They offered clear, practical advice that helped us strengthen our interview and selection processes. Their availability and willingness to assist was greatly appreciated. It was reassuring to know we could pick up the phone and speak to someone knowledgeable whenever an HR query arose.A dependable and professional service that we would not hesitate to recommend."

MARIANNE FRAMPTON

Operations Director, TriFidus

Google Review

"As a small practice without an in-house HR department, we've relied on external agencies to support our team. Being based in Horsham, we were keen to find someone local with expert knowledge, credible experience, and a personable approach. Steve ticks all those boxes—and more!He is flexible with his time, generous with his advice, and proactive in his approach. Steve is clearly committed not only to providing excellent HR support but also to seeing people thrive and flourish in their workplaces. So far, his services have included reviewing employment contracts, advising on legislative changes, serving as an invaluable sounding board during management transitions, and supporting staff appraisals. Steve’s contribution to my business has gone beyond standard HR consulting—he actively helps shape and bring our company vision to life."

REBECCA ROSE

Director, MCA Consulting Engineers Ltd
Google Review

"Steve significantly streamlined the onboarding process for my consultancy with the company he was affiliated with. Throughout our engagement, he consistently made himself available and maintained a positive demeanor regarding our organization. His professionalism and dedication would make him an invaluable asset to any HR department."

DAVID BADOVINAC

Director, TimeWise Labs

Google Review

"Having worked with Steve for several years, I can confidently say Steve is a truly empathic leader who enables people to achieve their goals and perform at their best. I have seen Steve's unique combination of coaching and active listening skills to empower professionals at different stages of their careers, build consensus and facilitate decision making. This skillset has proven particularly valuable in complex industries such as tech, where unlocking soft skills is too often a barrier."

ALVARO SILVA-SANTISTEBAN

AI Solution Lead, Google

"Steve has a natural coaching style that enables him to get the best out of the people who work with him. He also has a very good sense for what areas people need to work on and an ability to identify and help them use their strengths as well."

Jamie Peacock

Ex-England Rugby League Captain & Leadership Coach

Big consultancies vs Encourager

Senior HR & Coaching Without the Corporate Overhead

Director-level expertise, embedded directly into your business - without the bureaucracy, the layers, or the off-the-shelf playbooks.

The Big HR Agencies
Includes:
Cookie-Cutter Offerings
Rigid Hourly Rates
Templated Customer Experience
Expensive Entry-Level Packages
A Red-Tape Laden Response Time
Encourager HR
Includes:
Fully Bespoke Packages
Flexible & Responsive Service
Personal 1-1 Attention
Scalable Solutions That Fit All Budgets
Quick, Responsive Support
Book Your Free HR Strategy Call

FAQs

Common questions about working with Encourager:

What kind of HR work do you do?

I focus on senior-level HR work — fractional HR leadership for businesses without a full-time HR Director, project-based work like restructures and post-acquisition integration, and HR transformation for organisations modernising their people function. I also provide executive and team coaching, often alongside the HR work.

How is your background different from other HR consultants?

I spent 5½ years inside a London AI consultancy as Global People Director — leading the people function through rapid growth and the human side of AI-driven workforce change. Most HR consultants haven't worked inside an AI-native business. That perspective shapes how I approach modern HR, performance management, and workforce transformation.

Do you work with my existing HR team?

Yes — most of my engagements involve working with an in-house HR team, not replacing one. I tend to come in at director level to lead specific projects, advise on strategy, or provide senior judgment on complex situations. The HR team continues running operations; I focus on the work that needs my level of experience.

Do you also do executive coaching?

Yes. I'm Henley Business School / ICF-trained, and accredited in CliftonStrengths, Predictive Index, and TalentPredix. Coaching is often combined with HR work — particularly when I'm working with leaders going through change. Some clients engage me for coaching only.

What does a fractional HR engagement look like?

Typically 1–3 days a week over 3–12 months, depending on the business stage and what's needed. I become an embedded part of the leadership team during that period — attending exec meetings, leading on people strategy, and acting as the senior HR voice in key decisions. Engagements can flex up or down as the work demands.

How do you charge?

I work to a transparent day rate or project fee, depending on the engagement. After an initial conversation about what you need, I'll provide a clear quote — no retainers locked in for longer than the work requires. For specific guide rates, please get in touch.

Do you require long-term contracts?

No. I offer flexible engagement models from one-off projects to multi-month fractional support. Most clients start with a defined piece of work — a restructure, a scale-up build, an HR transformation project — and continue from there if it's working.

How do you tailor HR services to fit different company sizes?

My consulting approach is fully customisable to your organisation's size, industry, and specific challenges. For smaller businesses, I often focus on establishing foundational HR practices and compliance. For mid-sized and larger organisations, I may develop more complex strategies around talent management, organisational design, and HR technology implementation.

Do you offer remote HR Consulting Services?

Yes, I provide both in-person and remote consulting. I work flexibly across virtual meetings, assessments, and engagements — most of my clients are a mix of remote and on-site, depending on what each piece of work needs.

How quickly can you start?

Most engagements can start within 2–3 weeks. For urgent work — a sudden restructure, a fast-moving M&A integration, a senior departure that needs covering — I can often start sooner. The first conversation will tell us if there's a fit.

Still have questions?

Feel free to give me a call and I'll answer any further questions you may have.