About Us
Sophie Forrest-Lavery
Founder & CEO
Sophie originally founded ForrestHR in March 2018. She swiftly grew the business and rebranded in 2022 as Forrest Group and now provides 4 key business services under this identity.
Sophie is a highly qualified HR professional, who has previously won the award of Female Entrepreneur of the Year at the SME News Southern Enterprise Awards.
With over 25 years’ experience in the HR industry, Sophie has worked in senior HR generalist and strategic roles within a variety of industries including financial services, construction, law, hospitality, sports, plus many more.
Her HR consultancy experience has included managing and supporting clients with a variety of complex and day-to-day needs, operating at board level.
She is committed to giving a first-class service in all areas of her practice, which has included dealing with high-profile employment relations cases, company restructure projects and employment contract and company policy reviews.
Jacqui Falvey
Associate Training Manager
Jacqui’s specialisms are conducting Training Needs/Skills Analysis and creating annual training plans along with personal development plans based on the outputs of her research.
Jacqui also designs and delivers bespoke training solutions for our clients.
As well as being an experience coach and mentor, Jacqui has specific qualifications in training delivery and psychometrics.
Laura Williamson
Senior Legal Consultant
Laura is a Chartered HR Consultant and Employment Lawyer, with over 15 years’ experience across the private and non-profit sectors.
A Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management and qualified mediator, she brings Board-level experience across HR consultancy, employment law and operational management. Laura specialises in cultural change, complex disputes and unionised environments, and has also trained in tribunal advocacy.
Nick Adams
Head of Health & Safety
Nick’s specialisms are delivering business added value, risk management solutions, training, safety culture change and organisation health and safety improvements.
Nick also provides coaching and advise to employees, senior management, and board directors.
Nick brings over 20 years of health and safety management knowledge and experience.
Rebecca Hutchinson
Legal Director
Becky is an experienced Legal Director with over ten years’ experience advising businesses on employment law.
A member of the Employment Lawyers Association and Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, she has a strong track record representing clients in tribunals and advising SMEs on legal risk. Becky also works as an HR Consultant, supporting clients through complex employee relations with practical, solution-focused advice.
Heather Richardson
Senior HR Advisor
Heather is a CIPD-qualified HR generalist with nearly 30 years’ senior-level experience across a wide range of sectors.
With a BA (Hons) in Business and an MSc in Human Resource Management, she has built strong relationships with businesses and leaders up to Board level. Heather provides practical, straightforward support across performance, absence, disciplinaries, grievances, appeals and investigations, with a professional, firm but fair approach.
Hazel Hall
Senior HR Advisor
Hazel is an HR Consultant with over 30 years’ experience across sectors including manufacturing, engineering, charity and IT.
She supports SMEs with practical, flexible HR solutions, from contracts and handbooks to employee relations and appraisal processes. Hazel works closely with business owners and managers to build confidence, reduce risk and stay compliant, and also delivers training on areas including EDI and sexual harassment.
Louise Roberts
Senior HR Assistant
Louise has over 20 years’ experience in HR, with additional qualifications in CMI Leadership & Management and Marketing.
She specialises in HR administration and day-to-day coordination, supporting clients with new starter documentation, compliance checks and ongoing HR processes. Louise is also a specialist in Breathe HR software, managing system demonstrations and supporting both new and existing clients.
Cohen Forrest
HR Assistant
Cohen provides HR administration support to clients and the wider Forrest Group team, helping to keep day-to-day HR processes running smoothly.
He supports the employee lifecycle through HR documentation, record keeping, onboarding and maintaining accurate information within clients’ HR systems. Cohen is highly organised, professional and discreet, and is currently completing a Level 3 HR apprenticeship to support his ongoing development.