At Dewhurst Group, we strive to foster an environment where people feel engaged, empowered, motivated, and fulfilled. In support of this, we have implemented a global HR system across all companies to reinforce our Group mission, vision, and values. This key initiative enhances our ability to communicate, engage, and collaborate with our people worldwide. It also provides valuable data insights, such as employee turnover and diversity trends, enabling us to identify and address areas for development.
After evaluating eight potential systems, PeopleHR was selected for its ability to cover key HR areas including HR Planning, Recruitment & Selection, Safety & Wellbeing, Employee Engagement, Rewards & Recognition, Careers & Capability, and Compliance. Additional features streamline HR processes and enhance employee engagement.
The system provides all employees with a secure self-service platform, accessible via PC or mobile app, allowing them to manage personal data, leave, absences, documents, and access company policies, news, and updates.
Implementation is structured into three phases: global rollout, data validation, and automation of key HR functions. With phase 1 now complete, Group HR has moved to phases 2 and 3, targeting completion in 2025. This includes reviewing and automating processes to ensure they are efficient, future-ready, and supportive of growth. These changes will enable HR teams to shift focus from administrative tasks to proactive initiatives, empowering staff through self-service functionality.
In 2024, Group HR completed employment law training, leading to updates in UK policies. Ongoing annual training will ensure compliance with evolving legislation.
Employee turnover for 2024 stands at 11%, down from 13% in 2023 and below our target of 15%. Our second global employee survey is underway, building on progress made and guiding future actions.
Round the World Challenge 2024
An epic adventure filled with fun and friendship! Over two weeks, our employees teamed up to walk/run the distance between all our global business locations. Here are some of the highlights:
Scenic Journeys — We ventured through bustling cities, quaint towns, picturesque nature trails, serene rivers, and sparkling lakes. Every step revealed the beauty of the world around us.
Friendly Competition — This challenge was an absolute blast! Friendly competition brought people together from across the group and the globe. The excitement was contagious and kept everyone motivated.
Support and Sustenance — We had great companions along our journey, cheering us on and plenty of snacks to keep us going. Whether it was a cheer from a teammate or a snack break, the support was fantastic.
Global Unity — This was not just a physical challenge. It was about uniting as a team. It showcased the strength and unity within Dewhurst Group, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Incredible Achievement — Together, we raised over £10,000 for the OXFAM Gaza Humanitarian Appeal. We crushed our goal, reaching 101% of our target with an astounding 30,536,660 steps, covering 15,750 miles.
The Round the World Challenge was an unforgettable event that highlighted our team’s spirit and dedication. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made this challenge a roaring success!
While the figures may seem disappointing, this expanded scope allows for a more accurate baseline and presents an opportunity to proactively address risks. Measures are being implemented after each incident to reduce the likelihood of recurrence and drive continuous improvement across the Group.
As part of our commitment to sustainability and employee wellbeing, we are pleased to announce that A&A has achieved ISO 45001 certification. This milestone reinforces our dedication to reducing workplace risks, improving productivity, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in health and safety practices.
All Health & Safety incidents are now reviewed in local board meetings and subsequently reported at Group Board level. By embedding robust reporting and governance structures, we aim to build a safer and healthier work environment for all.
We are committed to diversity in gender, culture, and competence, recognising its value in enriching our workplace and achieving our goals. With 26 nationalities represented, women hold key roles, including one board seat, leadership in three of twelve subsidiaries, and 31% of our global workforce.
Our aim is to further promote women to senior positions across the Group.
We are committed to supporting our people’s wellbeing by raising awareness of key issues and providing access to valuable resources.
In our Group newsletter, The Pulse, the regular Headspace feature has covered topics like menopause and anxiety, providing support and understanding to all team members effected.
We have made sure to roll out continuous mental health training in 2024 around the Group as well as increased awareness amongst staff, through company communications and our mental health first aiders.
This year we implemented a system allowing employees to have access to a 24-hour advice and information line where they can receive counselling, legal information and information on health issues. There is also an app available that can help employees track their mood, access breathing exercises and gain access to CBT. Information about this support is displayed on company noticeboards.
On various fundraising days, Dewhurst Group locations have united to raise awareness and funds for important causes, including local autism centres and nursing programs. For Breast Cancer Awareness “Wear it Pink” Day, teams across the group showed their support by wearing pink and participating in creative fundraising activities.
Additionally, we host several Christmas fundraisers such as our Christmas Jumper Day that helped raise money for Save the Children, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to supporting communities and meaningful causes.
In 2025, we are enhancing our induction process alongside the implementation of PeopleHR. Every new joiner will receive comprehensive training covering the company, our mission, vision, values, Health and Safety, and sustainability. PeopleHR offers a centralized online platform for training, ensuring consistency and full global visibility of completed courses.
We have also made sure that managers are encouraged to engage in open and ongoing conversations with their teams about skills and knowledge gaps.
Our goal is to foster a culture of internal development, retaining organizational expertise and minimising the need for external recruitment.
