Welcome to January’s edition of Forrest Scene

Sophie Forrest
Jan 14
3 min read

Updated: Jan 15

Strong HR Foundations

Having effective HR in place is essential — not something to be put off. Ensuring your HR processes are established and working efficiently from the outset provides a strong foundation for your business to grow with confidence.

Our outsourced HR service can be delivered in two flexible ways:

Ad Hoc HR Support – this service suits the occasional or one off HR need. There is no minimum service or tie-in period, meaning you can use the service on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis.
Monthly HR Retainer – this service is for clients that require more regular support. The monthly package also includes a FREE subscription to the cloud-based HR software, Breathe, plus many other benefits.

Under either of the services above, we can provide support with the following:

· FREE audit of your current employment documents and recruitment processes.
Introduction of key employment documents, like employment contracts, policy documents — all tailored to your business and individualised for your staff and workers.
Management of your Breathe account.
Day-to-day HR queries relating to the employee life cycle of your members of staff, including potential contentious matters like disciplinary, sickness and grievance.
Redundancy or restructures.

Communication Skills Training

As we look ahead to 2026, many organisations are focusing on strengthening their teams’ communication skills.

At Forrest Group, our Communication Skills course is designed to help participants better understand the importance of communication in the workplace, within the service industry and in everyday interactions. By deepening awareness and encouraging practical application, the course supports clearer conversations, stronger relationships and more effective teams.

Have a look at the course overview here

If you would like to book this course or learn more, please contact Forrest Group.

Book Now

Myth vs Fact

There are many misconceptions surrounding employment law, so today we’re addressing one of the most common.

Myth

You only need employment law advice once a tribunal claim is already underway.

Fact

Seeking early legal advice can often prevent issues from escalating in the first place. From employment contracts and redundancies to grievances and settlement agreements, the right guidance at the right time helps protect both employers and employees.

At Forrest Group, our employment law specialists provide practical, proactive advice — supporting you to manage risk effectively before it becomes a problem.

Because when it comes to employment law, prevention is always better than cure.

Health & Safety Support

Keeping your people safe and your business compliant shouldn’t be left to chance. At Forrest Group, we provide expert health and safety consultancy and audit services to help you meet your legal obligations, reduce workplace risk and promote a positive, proactive safety culture.

Our specialists start by reviewing your existing health and safety systems and procedures, allowing us to tailor a support package that fits your organisation’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a one-off audit, regular risk assessments, or comprehensive compliance support, we have the experience and qualifications to help.

We can help with:

Workplace health and safety audits and reviews — identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
Fire safety risk assessments — ensuring your premises comply with fire safety requirements.
General risk assessments — tailored to your business and required by law under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
SSIP accreditations — support with recognised safety schemes such as CHAS, SafeContractor, Constructionline and more.
ISO management system assistance — including ISO 45001 (Health & Safety), 9001 (Quality) and 14001 (Environmental) accreditation support.

We begin with an introductory call to understand your priorities and agree on the best approach.

Compliance isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s peace of mind.

If you need advice, auditing, or support around workplace health and safety, please contact Forrest Group today.

What a lovely evening at the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine Awards!

It was such an honour for our CEO, Sophie Forrest-Lavery to present the Charity of the Year award to Nourish Community Foodbank. They are a fantastic charity and provide vital support to the community.

Blue Monday, known as the “most depressing day” of the year, falls on 19 January. While this day highlights the importance of mental health, supporting employee wellbeing should be a priority year-round.

There are many ways organisations can promote positive mental health — whether employees are working in the office, remotely or as part of a hybrid team. Creating a supportive workplace culture plays a key role in maintaining wellbeing and engagement.

If you need advice or support around workplace wellbeing, please contact Forrest Group today.