Inspired HR Roundup - North East HR&D Awards, Northern Leaders Event & More!

We’re absolutely thrilled to share that Inspired HR, in partnership with our brilliant client Westray Recruitment Group, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the North East HR&D Awards in the category of Excellence in SME People Practices.

While we're often recognised for our work supporting SMEs and Corporate HR Teams with complex Employee Relations and Neurodiversity matters, this recognition is for a strategic talent and succession planning project we delivered collaboratively with Maureen Wright, Ashleigh Wright and their fantastic team.

This was a project we’re especially proud of. It combined strategic design with hands-on delivery and has led to measurable business impact and significant personal growth across the team.

We look forward to attending the awards ceremony on 5th June and would like to wish all other finalists the very best of luck.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support and champion our work.

What Nikki's Been Up To This Week

Last night, Nikki attended the Northern Leaders event hosted by BusinessCloud at KPMG’s Newcastle offices. It was an inspiring evening with standout speakers including Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies, Greggs CEO Roisin Currie and Moja founder Sophie Milliken.

All three were recently named in BusinessCloud’s 2024 Northern Leaders list, which recognises 200 individuals making a real difference across the North. The discussion covered leadership, resilience and how to drive meaningful change in business.

There was also a brilliant moment when Sara realised Nikki was wearing one of her jackets from Dragons’ Den, purchased at a charity event earlier this year. Sara shared the story with the audience and made sure to get a selfie with Nikki before heading off!

A fantastic evening celebrating Northern talent, authentic leadership and the power of community in business.

What Are Lawful Deductions?

Deductions from wages can be risky if you don’t get them right. The Employment Rights Act 1996 says you can only deduct pay in a few clear situations.

You’re covered if; the law says so (like tax or student loan repayments), it’s written in the employee’s contract and they’ve seen it or the employee has agreed to it in writing (think salary sacrifice schemes).

There are a few exceptions where you don’t need permission; you’ve overpaid wages or expenses, the employee is taking part in lawful industrial action, a court or HMRC has told you to make the deduction or it’s going to a third party (like a pension scheme).

In retail, you can deduct for till shortages or damage, but only with a written agreement and up to 10% of gross pay per payday, and it must be within 12 months of the incident.

If none of these apply, the deduction is likely unlawful. And the employee can take you to a tribunal, straight away with no minimum service required.

Not sure where you stand? Let us check your policies, contracts or current practices so you don’t get caught out. Just give us a call or drop the team a message.

We deliver training that empowers both staff and leaders to embrace, understand, and support the talents of neurodiverse individuals. By equipping your team with the knowledge and tools needed to recognise and celebrate cognitive differences, your organisation benefits from increased innovation, productivity, and a stronger sense of community. Want to find out more? Request our brochure today!