UKGI’s strategic partner, Searchlight Insurance Training, recently interviewed Katherine Watkins, head of consultancy for the newly launched Insurance HR Solutions (IHRS).
IHRS has been formed to help brokers meet the various human resource requirements they face. The interview transcript provides an insight into HR challenges and the solutions that IHRS can provide.
Searchlight: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and about IHRS?
KW: I am the Head of HR Consultancy at Insurance HR Solutions. I joined the business in January 2021 after a successful International HR career as an HR Director and M&A Partner.
I am delighted to be leading the HR Consultancy offering for brokers and insurers across the UK. The past year has had a profound impact on so many people and I have seen first-hand how challenging it has been for businesses and their workforces. There has never been a greater opportunity and time for HR to showcase what ‘good HR’ looks and feels like.
Searchlight: Sounds like there are many challenges ahead in the world of HR. What can we expect from IHRS this upcoming year?
KW: You are not wrong. HR is constantly evolving and it can be scary and confusing for some. My team and I relish having a positive impact on businesses. Our aim is to take the heavy lifting out of HR for leaders, so they can concentrate on building sustainable growth for their business.
Searchlight: What makes IHRS different to other HR services out there?
KW: We specialise in offering HR services specifically for brokers and business leaders. How we differ from other HR consultancies is that our clients have direct access to our team. There is no call centre approach.
Searchlight: So, a very personalised experience offering for firms, that’s great! Can you tell us more about the services you offer?
KW: Of course! We can assist firms with anything from regulatory HR requirements, mergers and acquisition support, through to health and wellbeing. We can also carry out a health check on current HR practises. We will work alongside firms to ensure they have the support they need.
Searchlight: Do you offer your services on a retained basis or do you offer the option for one-off project work?
KW: Our services can be utilised both ways – we found that a flexible approach is paramount in being able to support firms.
Searchlight: Thank you for your time Katherine and we look forward to chatting with you again soon.
If you would like to book a consultation with Katherine and her team. Please see the contact details below:
Tel: 07566 766954
Email: kwatkins@ihrsolutions.co.uk