Harrison Drury expands employment law offering

Commercial law firm Harrison Drury has bolstered its employment law offering with the appointment of its first human resource adviser.

Helen Darbyshire joins the firm, which has offices in locations including Preston, Lancaster and Kendal, with over 15 years’ experience in HR.

The 42-year-old, who is originally from Magheramorne in Northern Ireland, has worked for a number of notable firms including Aegon and QEK Global Solutions (UK) Ltd, and most recently Babcock where she worked as a HR officer for three years.

Helen specialises in all aspects of generalist human resource management. In the newly created role, Helen will advise North West firms on human resource management including employee training, development, retention and performance management, as well as implementing staff policies and procedures.

Roger Spence, director at Harrison Drury, said: “We know from our experience of dealing with local businesses that there is a real desire to have practical, pro-active HR support. With many employment disputes ending up in the courts we’ve identified that early intervention and advice on process management can have a really beneficial impact.

“Harrison Drury has broadened its service to go beyond addressing the legal issues, helping provide managers with the tools they need to improve their people management skills across the board.

“Helen has a wealth of experience in all aspects of HR, so is well-placed to deliver this new HR service to our clients.”

Helen began her HR career in 2001 and completed a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) postgraduate diploma in personnel and development in 2005. Helen, who also obtained a degree in Management with Law from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in 1996, is also a Chartered Member of the CIPD.