Welcome to another episode of Solve and ThrivePam is joined by Jane Southall, an experienced employment law consultant, tribunal representative, and founder of Searchlight Employment Law Solutions. Jane brings a wealth of frontline expertise, having represented both employers and employees in employment tribunals across the UK. A barrister by training, Jane currently advises, supports, and guides companies through the labyrinth of employment law and dispute resolution.Jane walks us through her top five tips for anyone facing an employment tribunal. From considering reasonable adjustments for witnesses and understanding the importance of accessibility and support, through to the nitty-gritty of timely arrivals, statement preparation, and professional courtroom conduct, Jane’s advice is both reassuring and refreshingly down-to-earth.Key points discussed:* Reasonable Adjustments: Why it’s crucial to anticipate and request any necessary medical or neurodiversity-related accommodations for yourself and your witnesses well before tribunal day. Making these adjustments can significantly improve the quality and fairness of evidence presented, and helps ensure everyone can participate fully.* Preparing for a Stressful Environment: Jane and Pam discuss the natural stress involved in attending tribunals and how small steps—such as planning your journey and arriving early—can help mitigate anxiety for you and your witnesses.* Timeliness Matters: Jane explains the importance of punctuality, including allowing extra time for heightened security and body scans now standard in employment tribunals, and shares why being late can undermine your position before you’ve even entered the room.* Know Your Statement: Practical tips on how to prepare, review, and amend your witness statement, what to expect in terms of document exchange, and understanding the key legal issues determined in preliminary hearings.* Cross-Examination Tips: Jane shares wisdom on staying calm and professional, not taking questions or cross-examination personally, and how to handle emotionally charged situations—including the importance of not reacting to untruths or provocations from the opposing side.* Professional Conduct: The art of maintaining composure throughout, trusting the judicial process, and the usefulness of simple strategies (like passing post-it notes to your representative) to keep communication smooth and discreet during tense moments.Throughout, Pam and Jane remind us that while the tribunal process can feel intimidating, employers who manage fairly and proactively, keeping good documentation and genuinely supporting employees, have the best chance of both avoiding tribunals and presenting a strong defence if one becomes necessary.Useful Resources MentionedSearchlight Employment Law SolutionsJane Southall’s consultancy, specialising in employment law advice, tribunal preparation, and support.Website: searchlightels.ukEmail: jane.southall@searchlightels.ukPam Molyneux – PM Business Support ServicesWebsite: pmbusinesssupportservices.co.ukDisclaimer: The Solve & Thrive podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We share practical strategies and lived experiences to help managers navigate challenging workplace situations, but you should always seek appropriate professional or legal guidance specific to your circumstances. As a manager, business owner, or HR professional, you are the expert on the unique context of the situation —so please do right by the individual circumstances. Our content and our guests contribution is intended as supportive tips and suggestions, not absolute solutions, and may not apply in every situation. Any legal or policy references discussed are accurate as of the date of recording and may not reflect current updates.

Welcome to another episode of Solve and Thrive

In today’s episode, Pam turns her attention to a vital yet often overlooked topic: supporting carers in the workplace. As thousands of people across the UK juggle employment with caring for loved ones, it’s never been more important for managers to understand how they can make a real difference.

Joining Pam is Charlie Beswick, an award-winning trainer, speaker, and passionate ally for carers. Charlie is both a parent carer and a leader in the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) community, having founded not-for-profit and consultancy organisations dedicated to supporting parents and carers through challenging circumstances. Her lived experience as a carer to her son Harry, who has complex medical and developmental needs, uniquely positions Charlie to offer authentic, practical wisdom for leaders looking to foster inclusion and well-being at work.

In this episode, Pam and Charlie dive into the realities carers face day-to-day, navigating crisis moments, the emotional weight of responsibility, and the challenges of balancing work commitments. Charlie shares her journey from denial and grief to community leader, and highlights how self-care is essential for carers as well as those leading them.

Charlie presents her top five practical tips for managers seeking to support carers among their staff. She reveals why many employees with caring responsibilities may not even identify as “carers,” and explores the importance of approaching staff absences with curiosity and empathy, rather than judgement. Pam and Charlie discuss the role of boundaries—both in demonstrating respectful leadership and in setting standards for healthier communications and expectations within teams.

From fostering an environment of trust and consistent follow-through, to the simple but meaningful act of remembering personal details about staff, this episode is filled with actionable ways for leaders to create an inclusive, psychologically safe culture. The conversation also extends beyond formal policies, encouraging managers to tap into their own personal circles and seek understanding, so they can truly see and support those balancing caring and work.

Whether you’re a manager, HR professional, or anyone keen on supporting carers, Charlie’s tips and heartfelt perspective offer a brilliant roadmap for making workplaces more compassionate, productive, and loyal.

Contact Information & Useful Resources

Connect with Charlie Beswick

LinkedIn: Charlie Beswick

Email: charlie@ouralteredlife.com

For organisational support and resources: www.ouralteredlife.com

For individual emotional wellbeing support: www.ouralteredlives.org

Key Takeaways & Resources Mentioned

• Carers UK: A national charity supporting unpaid carers carersuk.org
• Our Altered Life: Training, resources, and consultancy to support carers in the workplace and beyond.
• Our Altered Lives: Not-for-profit emotional support for parents at the point of diagnosis and beyond.
• ACAS Guidance: Best practice in supporting carers at work acas.org.uk
• CIPD: Resources on creating inclusive workplaces for carers cipd.co.uk

Disclaimer:

The Solve & Thrive podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We share practical strategies and lived experiences to help managers navigate challenging workplace situations, but you should always seek appropriate professional or legal guidance specific to your circumstances. As a manager, business owner, or HR professional, you are the expert on the unique context of the situation —so please do right by the individual circumstances. Our content and our guests contribution is intended as supportive tips and suggestions, not absolute solutions, and may not apply in every situation. Any legal or policy references discussed are accurate as of the date of recording and may not reflect current updates.

In today’s episode, Pam explores the vital question: “How can managers lead change without losing their team?” In a time where change is a constant in every industry, the way managers approach transitions can mean the difference between thriving teams and burned-out employees.

Pam is joined by the effervescent Michelle Thomas, founder of The Happy Business Club and self-styled happiness expert. Michelle brings her signature blend of humour, realism, and actionable advice, championing the belief that joy and well-being should be at the core of any successful business.

Michelle believes that too often, business wellbeing is reduced to short-term ‘sticking plaster’ fixes when what’s needed are sustainable, fun, and practical tools to build true resilience. Enter her “hacktices”, unique practices developed to help teams not just survive change but bounce back stronger, together.

Throughout the episode, Pam and Michelle cover:

• Why “well-being” isn’t just about physical or mental health, but encompasses relational, fiscal, environmental, and purpose-driven wellbeing.
• The pitfalls of easy fixes, and why resilience needs daily practice, not just crisis management
• The art of doing a “life audit” to recognise the overlooked skills and resources already within your team
• Michelle’s “Happy Cha Cha Cha” for overcoming overwhelm—transforming big goals into manageable, energising steps
• The magic of boundary-setting (especially for people-pleasers) and how to prioritise without guilt
• Tiny changes you can make to boost personal and team energy, focusing on incremental improvement (“better than nothing, better than usual, better than ever”)
• Building self-belief with regular reminders of “proof of awesomeness”, and why celebration and positive feedback matter.
• Practical strategies for managers to foster a happy, engaged, and self-sustaining workforce
• How to apply these techniques to your unique team dynamics, whether you manage a large staff or a small, close-knit group

Michelle and Pam bring honest, practical insights laced with laughter, stories, and real-world experience. Whether you’re a manager, team member, or business owner, there’s something here to help you uplift your culture, lead change confidently, and keep your people happy and motivated.

Listen in for a fresh perspective on making change feel less like a burden and more like an opportunity—one joyful, practical step at a time.

Useful Resources Mentioned

Michelle Thomas – The Happy Business Club

Happiness-centred business support, workshops, and a regular magazine for small business owners who care about wellbeing and culture.

Website: www.thehappybusinessclub.co.uk

Instagram: @thehappybusinessclub

Facebook: @TheHappyBusinessClub

Happiness and Resilience Tools

• Michelle’s “Life Audit” and “Happy Cha Cha Cha” practices – available through workshops and resources at The Happy Business Club
• Follow Michelle on her social channels for regular tips and community support

Pam Molyneux – PM Business Support Services

Supporting leaders to thrive through change.

Website: https://www.pmbusinesssupportservices.co.uk/

From Team Member To Manager Guide: https://pmbusinesssupportservices.co.uk/freebies

Disclaimer:

The Solve & Thrive podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We share practical strategies and lived experiences to help managers navigate challenging workplace situations, but you should always seek appropriate professional or legal guidance specific to your circumstances. As a manager, business owner, or HR professional, you are the expert on the unique context of the situation —so please do right by the individual circumstances. Our content and our guests contribution is intended as supportive tips and suggestions, not absolute solutions, and may not apply in every situation. Any legal or policy references discussed are accurate as of the date of recording and may not reflect current updates.

In today’s episode, Pam is joined by Lisa Thompson, an experienced HR consultant and founder of Iona HR, to unpack one of the most common and often daunting challenges faced by managers: how to deal effectively with difficult situations in the workplace.Lisa brings nearly 30 years of HR expertise to small and medium-sized businesses across the UK, supporting leaders through the trickiest of people challenges, from underperformance to grievances and everything in between. Passionate about making quality HR accessible for all, Lisa’s practical advice helps managers feel equipped, not overwhelmed.Drawing from real-life scenarios, Lisa’s guidance cuts through theory with down-to-earth advice that is, as she puts it, “common sense with clear benefits”but often forgotten when emotions run high.Key topics and takeaways from this episode include:The importance of tackling issues early, rather than avoiding difficult conversations that (left unchecked) lead to snowballing problems for teams and organisations.Adopting a curious, open-minded approach—asking questions and fact-finding rather than leaping to assumptions or judgments, to get to the heart of what’s really going on.The critical nature of documenting as you go—keeping clear, factual records and following up with employees, not only to protect yourself legally but also to ensure clarity and transparency throughout any process.Navigating the world of Subject Access Requests (SARs) and GDPR, why every note, message, or recording could be subject to scrutiny, and how to communicate professionally, consistently, and respectfully at all times.Leading like an adult, demonstrating fairness, calmness, and consistency, while being aware of (and actively managing) your own unconscious biases to foster trust, maintain morale, and build high-performing teams.The conversation also offers real-world reflections from both Pam and Lisa, including stories of what can go wrong when these principles aren’t followed—and the benefits for retention, wellbeing, and team productivity when they are.Whether you’re a manager feeling daunted by your first formal conversation, an HR professional looking for reminders of best practice, or simply passionate about building better workplaces, this episode is for you.Contact Information & ResourcesIona HR – Lisa’s ConsultancyWebsite: ionahr.co.ukLinkedIn: Search "Lisa Thompson Iona HR" for HR insights and resourcesFurther Resources and Useful LinksACAS: Guidance on workplace disputes and resolving conflict www.acas.org.ukCIPD: Best practice in managing people issues www.cipd.co.ukInformation Commissioner's Office (ICO): Guidance on GDPR and Subject Access Requests www.ico.org.ukHealth & Safety Executive (HSE): Advice for managers on workplace wellbeing and legal compliance www.hse.gov.ukPam Molyneux, PM Business Support ServicesWebsite: https://www.pmbusinesssupportservices.co.uk/If you’d like more practical tools, templates, or support on anything covered in this episode, reach out to Lisa or Pam directly. And if you found these tips helpful, please subscribe and share Solve and Thrive, helping you turn challenges into opportunities for you and your teams.Disclaimer:The Solve & Thrive podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We share practical strategies and lived experiences to help managers navigate challenging workplace situations, but you should always seek appropriate professional or legal guidance specific to your circumstances. As a manager, business owner, or HR professional, you are the expert on the unique context of the situation, so please do right by the individual circumstances. Our content and our guests contribution is intended as supportive tips and suggestions, not absolute solutions, and may not apply in every situation. Any legal or policy references discussed are accurate as of the date of recording and may not reflect current updates.

Welcome to another episode of Solve and Thrive

In this week’s episode, Pam is joined by Doug Betts, an experienced HR consultant and founder of Sure Betts HR, for an insightful discussion on managing high performers in the workplace, a topic often overshadowed by the focus on underperformers but crucial for organisations wishing to thrive.

Doug brings a wealth of hands-on HR expertise, guiding businesses to move beyond red tape and staffing headaches, helping them nurture their people and their potential. In this candid conversation, Doug and Pam tackle what it takes to keep high-performing team members engaged, supported, and challenged—so their energy doesn’t turn to frustration, boredom, or burnout.

Doug shares his five top tips to help managers and business owners identify and support their high performers, from handling their ambition sensibly to ensuring meaningful work and clear pathways for progression. Pam and Doug explore how to build a workplace culture that values diversity in pace and ambition, recognising the importance of both the ambitious “go-getters” and the steady “plodders” who keep things moving forwards.

The episode delves into practical guidance on:

• Avoiding dangerous assumptions about who is (and isn’t) a high performer
• Gently managing career expectations and ambitions.
• Creating varied, meaningful development paths—not just promotions into management
• Preventing burnout and promoting positive mental health for all staff
• Striking the right balance between autonomy and oversight, especially in today’s mix of office, hybrid, and remote workplaces
• Having regular, honest one-to-one conversations that go beyond annual appraisals
• Ensuring values are lived, not just printed on mouse mats and mugs—including tackling toxic behaviour even from “top performers”

Contact Information & Resources

Doug Betts

Sure Betts HR

Website: www.surebetshr.com

• Visit the website to join Doug’s mailing list for weekly tips, download free HR resources, or enquire about consulting, retained HR services, or HR software.
• Doug’s Book: From New Line Manager to Great People Leader
• Available on Amazon – practical tips for new and aspiring managers.

Pam Molyneux

PM Business Support Services

Website: www.pmbusinesssupportservices.co.uk

Thank you for listening to Solve and Thrive. If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it with a colleague or team leader who could benefit—and be sure to connect with Doug or Pam for further support as you develop your ownhigh-performing workplace.

Disclaimer:

The Solve & Thrive podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We share practical strategies and lived experiences to help managers navigate challenging workplace situations, but you should always seek appropriate professional or legal guidance specific to your circumstances. As a manager, business owner, or HR professional, you are the expert on the unique context of the situation —so please do right by the individual circumstances. Our content and our guests contribution is intended as supportive tips and suggestions, not absolute solutions, and may not apply in every situation. Any legal or policy references discussed are accurate as of the date of recording and may not reflect current updates.

Welcome to another episode of Solve and Thrive

In today’s episode, Pam sits down with Ren, the founder of Ren Coaching and Well-being, to explore practical ways managers can support employee well-being and navigate challenging workplace situations. With a focus on actionable strategies, Ren shares her experience working with both individuals and organisations to help tackle stress, foster resilience, and build healthier, more empowered teams.

About the Speakers

Pam is the host of Solve and Thrive and the founder of PM Business Support Services. Passionate about supporting managers and HR professionals, she brings insight and empathy to the task of helping leaders create environments where everyone can thrive.

Ren is a coach and well-being consultant and the founder of Ren Coaching and Well-being. They work with individuals and companies to help people overcome obstacles, manage stress, and unlock their full potential.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

Understanding the ‘Stress Container’

Ren introduces the concept of the “stress container”, a visual tool (adapted from Mental Health First Aid England) that helps individuals map out their personal stressors, both positive and negative. By externalising these pressures, managers can facilitate open and supportive conversations with their staff about what’s impacting them.

Focus on What You Can Control

Building on the stress container, Wren discusses the “circle of control versus circle of influence” model. By helping employees distinguish between what they can control, influence, or accept, managers can empower their teams to focus their energy where it matters most—reducing overwhelm and boosting morale.

Differentiating Overwhelm from Overload

Ren shares insights from coaches Jamie Smart and Michael Neil on the difference between overwhelm (a state driven by thoughts and emotions) and overload (having too much to do structurally). She encourages managers to work with employees to clarify what is at play, making it possible to take practical steps—like delegating tasks or offering emotional support.

Navigating the Drama Triangle

Ren introduces the “drama triangle”—a framework from transactional analysis (developed by Stephen Karpman) that identifies roles such as victim, rescuer, and perpetrator in workplace conflicts. By raising awareness of these dynamics, managers can avoid disempowering others, break unhelpful cycles, and model healthier, more collaborative interactions.

Learning Cycles and Self-Esteem

Finally, Ren highlights the link between stress and self-esteem—especially for employees new to a role or learning a new skill. She encourages managers to support reflection on progress and learning, helping individuals recognisegrowth and challenge unhelpful self-comparisons.

Useful Resources Mentioned

Mental Health First Aid England

Resources and training on identifying and supporting mental health in the workplace.

Website: https://mhfaengland.org/

Contact Information

Ren Coaching and Well-being

Website: www.ren.coach

PM Business Support Services

Website: https://www.pmbusinesssupportservices.co.uk/

Disclaimer:

The Solve & Thrive podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We share practical strategies and lived experiences to help managers navigate challenging workplace situations, but you should always seek appropriate professional or legal guidance specific to your circumstances. As a manager, business owner, or HR professional, you are the expert on the unique context of the situation, so please do right by the individual circumstances.

Our content and our guest's contribution are intended as supportive tips and suggestions, not absolute solutions, and may not apply in every situation.

Any legal or policy references discussed are accurate as of the date of recording and may not reflect current updates.

Welcome to another episode of Solve and Thrive

In today’s episode, Pam is joined once again by Chantal Cross, an expert in HR, mediation, and anti-harassment practices, to tackle a topic that remains crucial for organisations of all sizes: how managers can best support individuals who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.

About the Speakers

Pam is your host and founder of PM Business Support Services, dedicated to helping organisations build safer, more supportive environments.

Chantal Cross is the founder of Crosscheck Consultancy Limited, based near London, specialising in anti-harassment training and helping organisations meet their legal duties on sexual harassment prevention.

Episode Summary

This episode is a must-listen for managers, HR professionals, and anyone invested in fostering safe, inclusive workplaces. Pam and Chantal focus on the real-world, human side of responding to sexual harassment, moving beyond checklist processes to centre genuine empathy and effective support.

Chantal shares her top five practical tips for managers supporting employees who have experienced harassment:

1. Lead with Empathy, Not Just Process: Begin every conversation with understanding—recognise the courage it takes for someone to come forward, and provide a private, non-judgemental space for them to share.
2. Prioritise Safety—But Don’t Assume: Discuss with the individual what safety looks like for them. From remote work to changes in team dynamics or breaks, co-create support plans rather than imposing “typical” solutions, always mindful not to make assumptions about their needs.
3. Turn Policy into Promise: Go beyond handing over a policy document—genuine support means walking someone through processes, providing step-by-step explanations, setting timelines, and maintaining regular, meaningful check-ins to build trust and faith in the organisation’s commitment.
4. Offer Whole Person Support: Recognise the ripple effects harassment can have beyond the workplace. Adjust workloads, deadlines, or offer additional resources like buddies, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), or trauma support. Make sure assistance fits the person, not just the incident.
5. Make Culture Change Visible: Addressing harassment isn’t just about resolving individual cases; it’s a driver for organisational change. Use every case as a springboard for reviewing processes, initiating staff engagement, measuring progress, and signaling commitment from senior management through open communication and practical action. Employ tools such as pulse surveys and employee feedback to ensure the employee voice is heard and acted upon.

Throughout, Pam and Chantal highlight the importance of not making assumptions, maintaining open dialogue, and using these challenging circumstances as opportunities to strengthen organisational culture and trust.

Whether you’re a manager seeking guidance, an HR professional refining your practice, or concerned with organisational wellbeing, this conversation offers compassionate, actionable insights for supporting staff and fostering real change.

Contact & Resources

Chantal Cross LinkedIn: Search for "Chantal Cross" (look for the bright pink flowers in her profile picture)

Crosscheck Consultancy Limited

Relevant Guidance/Organisations Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC): Technical Guidance on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

ACAS Guidance on Sexual Harassment: acas.org.uk/sexual-harassment CIPD: Resources on Preventing and Managing Sexual Harassment

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP): Check with your organisation’s HR or wellbeing services

PM Business Support Services https://www.pmbusinesssupportservices.co.uk/