Episodes

  • When Policies Feel Pointless

    When Policies Feel Pointless
    Jul 15 2025
    When Policies Feel Pointless — Making HR Actually Work in Small Teams If your staff handbook is gathering dust — or worse, causing confusion — this episode is for you. In Part 3 of our 'People Puzzle in Your Practice' mini-series, I unpack why traditional HR policies often don’t work in small, independent dental practices… and what to do instead. ✅ Why generic policies don’t protect your team or your business ✅ The hidden cost of unclear expectations ✅ Simple ways to make your HR policies actually usable — and human ✅ How to write policies that support both your practice and your people Whether you’ve inherited a clunky old handbook or are starting from scratch, this episode will help you feel more confident, clear, and in control. 🔗 Learn more at www.ambridgehr.co.uk 📩 Want support? Book your HR Check-up today https://tidycal.com/hrenquiries/hrcheckup — This series is created especially for women in their first few years of managing or owning a private dental practice. #HRforDentists #WomenInDentistry #DentalPracticeOwner #SmallBusiness #PrivateDentistryUK #Policies #Leadership #FemaleFoundersUK #AmbridgeHR #DentalHR
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    8 mins
  • Before they quit: Spot the hidden signs

    Before they quit: Spot the hidden signs
    Jul 8 2025
    In this episode, I’ll explore how to spot the subtle signs your team might be unhappy, before they decide to leave. I’ll share practical tips and advice to help you reduce stress, improve team morale, and keep your practice running smoothly. If you want personalised HR support, you can book an HR Check-up with me at www.tidycal.com/hrenquiries/hrcheckup Let’s dive in!
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    10 mins
  • Your First 5 Years: HR Truths No One Tells Dental Practice Owners

    Your First 5 Years: HR Truths No One Tells Dental Practice Owners
    Jul 1 2025
    Starting and running a small dental practice is a rewarding but challenging journey—especially for women juggling leadership, clinical care, and a team. In this episode, Victoria Thomson of Ambridge HR shares the five most common HR mistakes dental practice owners make in their first five years and practical steps to avoid them. From tackling early performance issues to managing associate contracts, Victoria’s insights will help you protect your practice, empower your team, and focus on what matters most—your patients. Tune in to get calm, clear HR advice that makes a real difference.
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    9 mins
  • A Deep Dive into Dental HR: Conflict, Contracts and Compliance

    A Deep Dive into Dental HR: Conflict, Contracts and Compliance
    Jun 24 2025

    In this episode, Victoria Thomson turns the spotlight on the dental profession, exploring the unique HR challenges facing dental practices today — from associate contract confusion to team tensions, compliance gaps, and culture concerns.

    Drawing on real-life scenarios and her experience supporting healthcare clients, Victoria breaks down the top issues affecting dental surgeries and shares how Ambridge HR can provide practical, calm, and compliant support — whether you're managing a small team or scaling your practice.

    If you're a principal dentist, practice manager, or involved in the business side of dentistry, this episode is for you.

    🔍 Topics include:

    • Associate vs. employee status

    • Absence and performance management

    • Building a positive practice culture

    • HR compliance in a regulated environment

    • Tailored HR support for dental teams

    Listen now to find out how to future-proof your people practices — and why having the right HR support can make all the difference.

    No drills, no jargon — just honest HR advice for dental professionals.
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    12 mins
  • Navigating the Digital Skills Gap: A Strategic Approach for UK Businesses

    Navigating the Digital Skills Gap: A Strategic Approach for UK Businesses
    Jun 17 2025
    In today’s episode, I'm diving into a hot topic for UK businesses: how to prepare for the digital skills gap in an increasingly competitive global talent market. From building future-ready teams to embracing remote hiring and upskilling strategies, I’ll share practical tips and insights to help you stay ahead in the digital race. Whether you’re an HR leader, business owner, or team manager, this episode will give you actionable advice to tackle the talent challenges of tomorrow — today. https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/ https://www.grow.google https://www.learning.linkedin.com https://www.canva.com/design-school/
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    11 mins
  • Caring About Carers – What Employers Need to Know This Carers Week

    Caring About Carers – What Employers Need to Know This Carers Week
    Jun 10 2025
    In this special episode of The Diary of an HR Consultant, Victoria shines a spotlight on working carers – the often-unsung heroes balancing employment with the demands of supporting loved ones. We explore the new Carer’s Leave legislation, other types of statutory leave carers may be entitled to, and the practical steps employers can take to build a carer-friendly workplace. From flexible working to the Carer’s Passport, this episode is full of actionable HR advice for Carers Week and beyond. 🎧 Whether you're in HR, a business leader, or simply want to do better by your people, this episode gives you the tools and insights you need. 🔗 Useful Links: 💙 Carers UK – resources, policy templates, and support for employers and carers: www.carersuk.org 💼 Vivup EAP – mental health and wellbeing support for employees: www.vivup.co.uk 🙌 Don’t forget to share this episode with your team or network, and follow The Diary of an HR Consultant for weekly real-world HR insights.
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    12 mins
  • The UK–India Trade Deal: What You Need to Know

    The UK–India Trade Deal: What You Need to Know
    Jun 3 2025
    In this episode of The Diary of an HR Consultant, Victoria explores the new UK–India trade deal and what it means for UK businesses and employment. From visa changes to skilled worker pipelines, outsourcing trends to cultural inclusion—this is your essential briefing on the people side of international trade. Grab your hat, we’re going global!
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    8 mins
  • Not Just Sick Days: The Secret World of Employee Leave

    Not Just Sick Days: The Secret World of Employee Leave
    May 27 2025
    In this week’s episode of The Diary of an HR Consultant, we’re diving into the lesser-known world of employee leave in the UK. Sure, you know about sick leave and annual leave—but what about carer’s leave, emergency time off for dependants, and ordinary parental leave? Join Victoria from Ambridge HR as she unpacks the full list of paid and unpaid leave types that UK employers need to be aware of—plus a few common mistakes (like misusing sick leave to care for others!) Whether you're an HR professional or a small business owner, this episode will help you get your leave policies legally sound and employee-friendly. 🎧 Tune in and make sure your leave policy leaves no gaps.
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    9 mins