Welcome to November’s edition of Forrest Scene
- Sophie Forrest
- Nov 11
- 3 min read
Changing Roles: Getting It Right
As people grow within a business, their roles often grow with them. Sometimes, responsibilities shift for other reasons — such as new industry regulations, internal restructuring, or covering for someone on maternity leave.
Whatever the reason, it’s important that any changes to an employee’s role are handled correctly. Employers should ensure adjustments are clearly discussed, agreed upon, and properly documented to protect both the business and the employee.
If you’re unsure about the legal or procedural requirements around changing an employee’s role, our team can help.
Get in touch today for expert guidance and peace of mind.
Time to Plan Appraisals
Appraisals don’t need to feel daunting — with the right approach, they can become one of the most valuable tools for growth and communication in your business.
As we approach the end of the year, many businesses begin turning their attention to appraisals.
If you’ve never conducted appraisals before — or if you’d simply like a refresher on how to make them more effective — now’s the perfect time to learn.
Our ½-day Appraisals Workshop is designed to help you prepare for and carry out meaningful, constructive appraisal conversations that motivate and support your team.
During the session, you’ll learn how to:
Prepare effectively and gather the right information
Structure your conversation for clarity and impact
Give and receive feedback confidently
Set achievable goals and development plans
Follow up to ensure progress is made
Have a look at the course overview here
Volunteer Rights vs Employees
A recent case involving Tom Boyd and Waitrose has raised questions about volunteers’ rights. The supermarket chain reversed its decision to deny an autistic volunteer a paid role after public criticism — but it also sparked wider discussion about how the law views volunteers.
Under UK law, volunteers do not have the same rights as workers or employees. While organisations must provide a safe environment, suitable insurance cover, and uphold volunteers’ health and safety, volunteers are not entitled to paid holiday, sick pay, or protection against unfair dismissal.
They typically don’t have an employment contract — instead, they may have a volunteer agreement, which sets out expectations but doesn’t create a legal employment relationship.
It’s important that volunteer roles remain genuinely voluntary: flexible hours, no obligation to attend, and reimbursement for genuine expenses only. If a volunteer role becomes too structured or resembles paid work, the individual could, in some cases, be considered a “worker” under employment law, with additional rights.
Hybrid & Remote Work Changes
As hybrid and remote work continue to evolve, so do employers’ responsibilities. The HSE is currently reviewing its guidance on Display Screen Equipment (DSE) — and legal experts are clear that home workstations now require the same level of care as office ones.
Many organisations still view DSE assessments as a one-off exercise, but that mindset is changing. The focus is now on ongoing monitoring — tracking factors such as discomfort, absenteeism, and workstation changes — and taking timely action to maintain wellbeing and compliance.
We’re also seeing greater use of digital tools to support hybrid teams. From self-assessment platforms to remote ergonomic checks, technology is helping organisations respond quickly and consistently to employees’ needs.
It’s a timely reminder that a safe, comfortable, and well-set-up workspace matters — not only for compliance, but for productivity and wellbeing too.
At Forrest Group, together with our partners at Humanscale, we can help you review, assess, and improve workstation setups — ensuring your organisation stays compliant and your people stay healthy, comfortable, and engaged.
This month, our CEO Sophie Forrest-Lavery shines a light on the amazing charity Taylor-Made Dreams. Check out the video....
Forrest Group CEO, Sophie Forrest-Lavery has just back from two great days of business networking and golf in Marbella at the "FORE" Business European Tour 2025 England v Spain. Spain took the win, but the real success was in the conversations, connections, and partnerships built along the way. Thank you to everyone involved!
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