Meet Rachel Newman,
your HR Expert and Lead Consultant
at Stour People Practice

My leadership experience encompasses commercial, non-profit, and academic sectors, including roles with leading brands like IKEA and the RNLI, alongside highly regarded institutions in the arts and education.

 

I have over 30 years of diverse experience, allowing me to bring a vast range of proven skills and knowledge to each business I work with. I have created HR departments for SME's as well as leading nationwide teams of over 30 people.

 

 I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the highest professional qualification for a HR professional, and I am a certified Executive Coach.

 

Alongside running my business, I am also currently serving as Chair for Age UK Bournemouth, Poole & East Dorset, which gives me first hand experience of senior leadership.  I am also a Trustee for Lighthouse Poole's Centre for the Arts, and an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation. Additionally, I hold an enhanced DBS clearance for work in regulated environments having acted as Safeguarding Lead and Whistleblowing Officer in previous roles.

 

Business owners and leaders value my ability to bridge the gap between high-level strategy and the daily operational challenges teams encounter.

 

I balance financial rigor with deep human insight, ensuring that structural and risk-related choices are both commercially sound and culturally beneficial for the long term.

 

My consultancy style is authentic and down to earth. Integrity runs through everything I do and I work with the business goals in mind. This means I offer pragmatic, tailored and thoughtful guidance while offering necessary professional challenge.

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My core mission is assisting businesses in establishing sustainable, long term people frameworks, strategies  and approaches that help their businesses and it's employees thrive.