Welcome to the HR Harbour

This is our central space for practical guidance, free resources and the latest updates from Saltwater HR.

Download HR templates and guides for small business owners
Download HR templates and guides for small business owners
Our Online Document Store

Access our online store for customisable templates

Saltwater HR Harbour – free HR resources for small businesses
Saltwater HR Harbour – free HR resources for small businesses
Small business HR advice – Saltwater HR Harbour
Small business HR advice – Saltwater HR Harbour
Free Guides

Download one of our free guides for small businesses

News and Updates

Visit our News from Nicky blog to keep up with the latest updates, insights and trends in HR

Here you’ll find answers to common HR questions, quick links to templates and checklists, and regular insights from our news and blog. Everything here is designed with small businesses in mind – clear, compliant and easy to put into practice.

Whether you’re looking for a policy template, advice on handling an employee issue, or just want to stay on top of HR changes, this is where you’ll find it.

Drop anchor here whenever you need straightforward, reliable HR support – no jargon, no fuss.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the templates for my own business?

Absolutely. Our templates are written to be editable and suitable for most small businesses. You should always review them to ensure they reflect your company’s setup, policies and tone. Please note that the copyright remains with us so please don't sell them on!

What size businesses do you work with?

Saltwater HR specialises in supporting small businesses and start-ups, typically those with up to 20 employees. Our services are designed to grow with your business, offering the right level of support as your team develops.

What's included in your HR Retainers?

All engaged packages include unlimited HR advice. Higher tiers add hands-on administration support, bespoke documentation and ongoing HR system management. You can see full details on our HR Services page.

Do you offer one-off projects or audits?

Yes. We work on standalone HR projects such as policy reviews, contract updates, HR software setup, audits and handbooks – ideal if you just need help getting everything in order.

Are your services only available in West Sussex?

No – while we’re based in Chichester, we support businesses across the South Coast and throughout the UK (even as far as Scotland). Most clients work with us remotely, with in-person support available locally as needed.

What qualifications and experience do you have?

Saltwater HR is led by Nicky, an experienced HR and recruitment professional who began her career in recruitment back in 2006.

She holds a CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management, a Postgraduate Certificate in Employment Law, and is a CQI/IRCA Certified Lead Auditor.

Nicky’s background spans in-house and consultancy HR roles, boutique recruitment consultancies and volunteer work, giving her wide-ranging experience of working with different clients, sectors and situations. This mix means her advice is always practical, commercially aware and grounded in real-world experience – not just theory.

What makes Saltwater HR different?

We focus on delivering HR that genuinely works in the real world. You’ll always deal with the same experienced consultant – not a call centre or a rotating team – and our advice is straightforward, actionable and tailored to your business. We only work with ethical employers who value doing things properly.