What’s the main difference between outsourced HR and HR consultancy?

Outsourced HR handles everyday people management tasks such as contracts, onboarding, and compliance. HR consultancy focuses on long-term strategy, helping you improve culture, leadership, and business performance.

Do small businesses really need outsourced HR?

Yes, especially when HR admin and employment law start taking too much time. Outsourcing gives you professional support without the cost of a full-time HR hire, so you can focus on running the business while staying compliant.

When is HR consultancy more useful than outsourcing?

Consultancy is best when you already have basic HR processes in place but need to make improvements. For example, if you are restructuring, growing quickly, or trying to improve engagement or retention, a consultant helps you make those strategic changes with confidence.

Can a business use both outsourced HR and HR consultancy together?

Yes. Many organisations outsource routine HR work for efficiency and use consultants to support strategy and leadership. The combination gives you both reliable day-to-day management and long-term direction.

How much does outsourced HR cost?

Costs depend on the size of your business and the level of support you need. Most providers offer flexible packages or retained services, so you can scale up or down as your business changes.

Blog <img width="5" height="7" src="/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/arrow-right.png" alt="></noscript>" class="breadcrumb-divider"> <p class="fs-13 mb--0" style="color: #A2B5AD">The Future of MAD-HR is Here!</p>

24th March 2026

Last updated: 30th March 2026 at 14:35pm

< 1 min read

The Future of MAD-HR is Here!

As Carole Burman, FCIPD, steps away from MAD-HR to focus on her family commitments, we are excited about the bright future ahead.

Carole founded MAD-HR in 2014 with a bold vision to do HR differently, and together with Co-Owner and Director Charlotte Bate, FCIPD, she helped build the award-winning consultancy we know today. While we celebrate Carole’s incredible contributions, the spotlight now shines on Charlotte, who will continue as Owner and Managing Director, leading MAD-HR with her energy, expertise, and people-first approach alongside the fantastic MAD-HR team.

We partner with growing businesses to ensure their people strategies, leadership, and HR foundations are fully aligned with the goals of tomorrow. Our solutions are practical, impactful, and designed to help teams perform at their best. We develop leaders who inspire, adapt, and drive business growth, and work closely with businesses to align workforce, culture, and performance with their goals.

At the same time, we ensure HR operations, systems, and processes are efficient, compliant, and scalable, allowing businesses to focus on growth, innovation, and building high-performing teams with the MAD-HR team by their side every step of the way.

Under Charlotte’s leadership and alongside the MAD-HR team, the business is set to innovate, grow, and continue delivering the values that have made us a trusted partner, integrity, pragmatism, and a passion for people.

To our clients, partners, and everyone we work with get ready for the next chapter of MAD-HR. We’re confident that Charlotte’s leadership, together with the MAD-HR team, will take the business to new heights, and we can’t wait to share the journey with you all.

This article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Please be aware that the law may have changed since the article was published.

Articles may include links to external websites. We have no control over the content, availability or accuracy of these sites, and their inclusion does not imply endorsement or approval of the information or views expressed.

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