Ashley Kate HR & Finance

02/06/2026

Well-deserved recognition for Alice Connors ⭐

Congratulations to Alice on this excellent testimonial. Her proactive communication and determination to keep processes moving made a real difference to this candidate’s experience.

At Ashley Kate, we balance strong client relationships with outstanding candidate care – ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. Alice does this brilliantly.

Searching for your next role or recruitment support?
📞 0115 922 3000
📧 [email protected]

28/05/2026

Looking to start or progress your career in HR administration?

HR admin roles are often the first step into a long‑term career in HR, offering exposure to recruitment, employee relations, systems and people processes across a wide range of industries.

In our latest article, we explore what a career in HR admin really involves, the skills and qualifications needed, and how you can progress into roles such as HR Advisor and beyond.

👉 Click the link to read the full article: https://www.ashleykatehr.com/news-centre/careers-in-hr-administration-roles-skills-and-career-progression-in-the-uk

What Is an HR Administrator? An HR Administrator plays a key role in supporting the smooth running of a company’s human resources function. They are responsible for managing employee records, supporting recruitment processes, drafting documentation and ensuring HR systems

27/05/2026

Just 1 week to go 🚨

Middle managers are often the linchpin of an organisation - holding everything together while balancing strategic direction from above with the day-to-day realities of their teams.

In this upcoming session, Gary Cookson will dive into ‘The Squeezed Middle’, shedding light on the complex pressures this group faces and why organisations can’t afford to overlook their development and support.

Drawing on a wealth of experience across HR, OD and L&D, Gary has operated at senior levels, led large-scale transformation initiatives, and authored three respected books, including The Squeezed Middle. His insight brings a practical, honest lens to the emotional, political and operational challenges middle managers navigate - and offers clear perspectives on how organisations can better equip them to succeed.

If you’re an HR professional, people leader, or passionate about developing stronger leadership from the middle out, this session is for you.

Secure your free spot here 👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1985915411455?aff=oddtdtcreator

22/05/2026

From all of us across the Group, have a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend 🙌

Apprentice Employment Agency Graduate Career Solutions Stafforce Nicholas Associates Ashley Kate HR & Finance Olano

21/05/2026

The latest labour market figures are here 📊

Vacancies have now fallen to their lowest level in four years, while payroll numbers and pay growth continue to shift.

So what does this mean for employers, HR leaders and workforce planning in 2026?

Read more below👇
https://www.ashleykatehr.com/news-centre/ons-labour-market-overview-may-2026

Office for National Statistics

As of May 2026, we’ve reviewed the latest UK labour market data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), covering the period from January to March 2026, with early indicators for April 2026. The latest figures suggest that the

20/05/2026

The future of HR is evolving, and so are the people organisations need to succeed.

This International HR Day, we’re reflecting on the themes shaping the profession right now - from trust-led leadership and human-centric AI, to the growing need for continuous learning and adaptability.

At Ashley Kate, we see these shifts play out every day in the recruitment market.

We asked three of our experts, Jacqui Wall, Amanda Underhill and Natasha Murphy, to share what they’re seeing on the ground, and what it means for hiring, leadership and the future of HR.

👉 What are candidates really looking for in leaders today?
👉 How is AI changing what “great” HR talent looks like?
👉 Why are organisations moving towards hiring for potential, not just experience?

After 25 years in HR and finance recruitment, one thing is clear:
the organisations that get hiring right will be the ones that stay ahead.

Read the full article: https://www.ashleykatehr.com/news-centre/international-hr-day-2026-25-years-of-insight

As the world of work continues to evolve at pace, International HR Day 2026 puts a spotlight on the themes shaping the future of the profession - from trust-led leadership and human-centric AI to continuous learning and change readiness.

19/05/2026

At Ashley Kate, we pride ourselves on delivering a truly supportive recruitment experience - and feedback like this makes it all worthwhile.

A huge shoutout to Laura Palmer for going above and beyond for one of our candidates:

From the very first call, Laura created a warm and welcoming experience, providing regular updates, expert interview preparation, and consistent support every step of the way. The result? A successful placement and a very happy candidate! 👏

If you’re looking for your next opportunity or hiring top talent, Laura and our wider team are here to help.
📞 0115 922 3000
✉️ [email protected]

18/05/2026

We’re pleased to share that the summary notes from our latest HR Director Boardroom face-to-face session are now available to download.

This session, hosted at Eversheds Sutherland's Leeds office, explored a timely and thought-provoking topic:

“Why Authentic Intelligence is the Leadership Skill AI Can’t Replace.”

As AI continues to reshape the workplace, our discussion focused on what this means for leaders and HR teams navigating 2026 and beyond. Together, we explored:
▪️The rise of AI and its impact on the world of work
▪️How AI influences human connection in the workplace
▪️What Authentic Intelligence really looks like in practice
▪️ Why it’s becoming a critical leadership capability
▪️Practical ways leaders can stay human, connected, and effective

A huge thank you once again to our brilliant speakers, Simon Rice-Birchall – Partner at Eversheds Sutherland, and Steph Evans-Hill, Group People Director at William Jackson Food Group.

💡 The conversation reinforced one key message: while AI will continue to evolve, human connection, authenticity, and leadership judgement remain irreplaceable.

Download the full summary notes and key insights here: https://www.ashleykatehr.com/hr-director-boardroom-notes/

12/05/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us this morning for our first Leadership Lab session, How to Break Through the Glass Ceiling and Land a CPO/CHRO Position.

It was fantastic to see so many HR leaders openly sharing experiences, challenges, and ambitions around stepping into executive leadership roles. The level of engagement and discussion throughout the session really showed the value of creating spaces where senior HR professionals can learn from one another in a practical and honest way.

A big thank you as well to Simon Hudson and Andrea Sanchez for sharing their insight, experience, and practical advice with the group.

This was the first Leadership Lab we have delivered and the feedback so far has been incredibly positive. We are already looking at how we can continue building these sessions in the future.

Thank you again to everyone who attended and contributed to the conversation.

12/05/2026

Summary Notes Available Now! ✅
We recently hosted an HR Director Boardroom Session on Leveraging Workplace Mediation to Resolve Conflict and Strengthen Relationships - a timely session exploring how employers can use mediation strategically to manage conflict, support employees, and reduce legal risk following recent changes to UK employment legislation.

From navigating the extended ACAS Early Conciliation period to preparing employees for mediation and strengthening post-mediation relationships, the discussion offered practical, actionable guidance for HR and senior leaders.

In the summary notes, you’ll find:
▪️Key legal risk management considerations
▪️Practical guidance on workplace mediation in action
▪️Insight into building healthier, more resilient working relationships

Click the link below to access the full event summary notes and key takeaways.
https://www.ashleykatehr.com/hr-director-boardroom-notes/