Jude Read

Principal HR Consultant and Managing Director @Jude Read - Hr Consultancy

Leicestershire, GB

I support and advise SME clients on a wide range of HR matters, helping them build strong, legally compliant practices that reduce risk and improve consistency. From developing tailored HR policies and processes to ensuring businesses are protected against potential discrimination claims, I provide practical, business-focused solutions.I also manage day-to-day HR issues on behalf of clients, including formal investigations, disciplinary and grievance procedures, appeals, absence management, performance challenges, employee engagement, and workforce restructuring.In addition to SME support, I work with larger corporate clients—including well-known national brands—on complex, high-risk HR matters. This includes leading large-scale TUPE transfers across sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, professional services, and security. My focus is on ensuring legal compliance, smooth transitions, and minimal disruption to business operations.Recent successes include:1. A complex TUPE transfer of 90 employees in a Service Provision Change transfer. Potentially due to the way contracts of employment were written, there was a significant liability which the client was unaware of until my team identified it and this was underwritten by the customer.2. Implemented a new organisational structure for a growing SME, resulting in clearer roles, stronger management accountability, and improved readiness for future growth.3. Avoided potential tribunal costs by resolving a high-risk grievance internally through expert intervention and mediation.4. Reduced short-term absence by 17% and saved £21k annually by overhauling absence management processes and training line managers.

De Montfort University

Human Resource Management - CIPD