Independent HR support for UK SMEs
Practical, experienced HR support for the decisions that feel difficult, sensitive or simply too important to get wrong.
Sound judgement. Fair process. Human conversations.
Lisa's notes · Clear. Current. Useful.
Short reads on employee relations, employment law and the decisions managers face in real workplaces.
View all notesWhen a payroll mistake becomes an ER problem
Employers can usually recover accidental overpayments, but delay, unclear communication and an employee's reasonable understanding can make recovery more difficult.
Read Lisa's latest noteBECAUSE HR
What I help with
Whether you need a quick second opinion or hands-on support through a complex case, you get clear advice that works in the real world.
Clear, calm support with disciplinaries, grievances, absence, capability, conduct and the conversations around them.
Practical policies, handbooks and health checks that fit your organisation and help you act consistently.
Steady guidance through consultation, restructuring, redundancy, TUPE and the human impact of change.
Straight-talking coaching and training that gives managers the confidence to lead well and deal with issues early.
An experienced, impartial chair for disciplinary and grievance hearings when independence really matters.
Flexible HR expertise for an ongoing partnership, a defined project or a difficult moment that needs extra capacity.
The Gray Matter way
HR is about people, risk and judgement — not just rules. I help you slow the noise down, understand your options and move forward with confidence.
How it works
We get clear on what has happened, what matters and what is at risk.
You get proportionate options, honest advice and no unnecessary drama.
We turn the decision into a fair process, clear words and confident action.
Straightforward pricing
No oversized package for a small question. No vague scope for a complex case. The likely cost and next step are clear before work begins.
Quick HR
£5530 minutes
A focused advice call for one clear question, decision or next step, including a brief written action summary. Document review is not included.
Ad-hoc support
£110per hour
Practical HR guidance, manager support and drafting without a retainer. One-hour minimum, followed by 30-minute increments.
Complex ER
£135per hour
Specialist support for higher-risk, sensitive or multi-layered employee relations matters. A time estimate is agreed before substantive work begins.
Independent chairing
£750–£1,250per case
Independent chairing for disciplinary, grievance or appeal hearings. The fixed fee is confirmed after the scope, hearing length and paperwork are reviewed.
More ways to work together
Choose regular support, a focused review or a clearly defined project. The scope and likely cost are agreed before work begins.
Ongoing HR support
From £225per month
Regular HR support for organisations that want reliable advice without employing an in-house HR professional.
HR health checks
From £495per review
A structured review of contracts, policies and people processes, followed by a prioritised action plan.
Larger HR projects
From £750per day or fixed fee
Clearly scoped support for substantial work requiring concentrated HR expertise.
Manager training
From £295per session
Practical, scenario-led training for line managers, adapted to your policies, people risks and workplace.
Not sure which option fits? Tell me what is happening and I will help you choose.
Discuss your requirementsManager training
Tailored workshops covering ER essentials, managing people and teams, performance management, disciplinary and grievance, absence, investigations and difficult conversations.
See training optionsER case notes · New every Wednesday
Short, practical notes on recent judgments and the employment-law changes employers need to prepare for.
When a payroll mistake becomes an ER problem
Practical lessons on recovering accidental overpayments.
Read the latest case-law refresherConfirmed dates for October 2026 and January 2027, plus the changes still awaiting a date.
View the employer schedule
Meet Lisa
Gray Matter HR was created by Lisa Gray, Assoc CIPD, an employee relations specialist with a master's in Employment Law (EU and International) and first-hand line-management experience. She understands that the hardest workplace issues are rarely solved by sending another policy.
Her sector experience spans hospitality, life science, local authority, education, social housing, retail and manufacturing, and independent consultancy. Lisa brings calm, practical thinking to sensitive situations and helps leaders balance fairness, clarity and the needs of the business.
When the next people issue lands