WHO WE ARE
Real HR, real people,
real impact
See HR in a new light
At Oculus HR, we’re redefining HR with a fresh, forward-thinking approach. We provide trusted HR support, advice, and expertise to businesses across all sectors. With a focus on clarity and practical solutions, we ensure that your business is compliant, secure, and equipped to thrive.
As a multi-award-winning consultancy, we offer real HR solutions, backed by legal expertise, designed to help you navigate risk with confidence. Our full suite of services make a tangible difference for both your people and your business.
More than just compliance, we work alongside you to create a thriving, supportive workplace. Think of us as an extension of your team, your trusted partner for navigating HR with clarity and assurance. With clear, morally sound guidance and our tried-and-tested approach, we support both employers and employees every step of the way.
Our values define how we work and what we stand for. Here’s an overview of what guides us:
Keep it simple
Growth mindset
Making a difference
Excellence
Outcome focused
WHO WE ARE
Meet the people who make it happen
We understand the importance of building strong, supportive relationships with the businesses we work with. Our team at Oculus HR are driven by the desire to make a difference. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the complex challenges that businesses face, we offer tailored HR solutions that truly make an impact. Meet the people who bring expertise, passion, and a personal touch to every project.
Founder and Managing Director
With over 20 years of experience in HR, I’ve led teams across various sectors, however my career initially began in recruitment, where I was still figuring the direction I wanted to take. It wasn’t until I had the chance to pursue a Master’s in HRM and gain my CIPD status at Sunderland University that I found my true passion, so I made the leap into HR, working part-time in a printing manufacturing company where I was the sole HR professional. It was a steep learning curve, but it gave me the solid foundation to build my career.
In 2013, I founded Oculus HR with the vision of providing businesses with practical, people-first HR solutions that truly make a difference. My role as Managing Director is incredibly varied, and that’s one of the things I love most about it. I still work directly with clients, delivering everything from day-to-day HR support to strategy development and training. Alongside this, I manage the business, which means wearing many hats – from business development and team management to overseeing finances, IT, and daily operations.
I really enjoy the commercial aspect of HR, particularly understanding how people can impact the business financially. HR isn’t just about policies or procedures, it’s about understanding the needs of the business and making decisions that support its goals. Being able to guide our clients through these decisions is what makes HR such an exciting field for me.
Over the years, I’ve honed my expertise in developing HR strategies that drive business growth and support companies to adapt to change. In 2023, I was honoured to be named Sunderland Business Excellence Entrepreneur of the Year. The company was also shortlisted for in the top 5 HR Consultancies in the UK by Personal Today, as well as winning Business of the Year in Sunderland, in the Wear Business Awards and Best Independent Business in the Sunderland Business Excellence Awards!
Outside of Oculus HR, I host Real World HR, a podcast where I discuss current HR topics with industry experts, and sit on the board of trustees for an infant school.
If I weren’t in HR, I would definitely be a travel writer. Travel is my greatest passion, and I’ve already done as much as possible, even becoming a registered travel agent to make it happen more often. I love the idea of getting paid to travel and share my experiences with others – what better way to spend my time?
HR Management Consultant
When I first started my career in HR, I was working as an HR Manager at a further education college, looking after everything from payroll to training and development. I’ve always been interested in employment law, and moving into consultancy felt like a natural next step, a chance to dive deeper into the complexities of HR and make a real impact for businesses.
Joining Oculus back in 2015 was an easy decision. I’d already heard about the team through a mutual connection, and their approach to HR completely aligned with my own values. I love the variety in my role, no two days are the same! One moment I’m offering advice over the phone and the next I’m creating bespoke HR documents or delivering hands-on support at a client’s workplace.
For me, the best part of the job is seeing the weight lift off a client’s shoulders when we’ve helped resolve an issue that they’ve been worried about. Whether it’s untangling a tricky situation or helping businesses grow with the right people processes in place, it’s incredibly rewarding. I feel very lucky that I get to work with an amazing mix of clients across so many different industries.
Outside of work, you’ll often find me out walking (fresh air works wonders after a busy day) or playing chauffeur to my teenage daughter and her packed social schedule. When there’s time to unwind, a good book is always my go-to escape!
HR Management Consultant
I’ve spent the past 25 years working in HR, with experience across retail, public, and private sectors. It’s been a journey that’s taken me from the fast-paced world of retail HR to larger organisations, where I’ve worked on everything from recruitment to performance management. The variety has kept me on my toes, and I’m always learning something new.
As an HR Consultant at Oculus, I work with businesses of all shapes and sizes to build, implement, and embed people strategies that support their growth. I’m passionate about making a difference, whether that’s guiding a client through a difficult situation or helping them develop long-term plans to keep their teams motivated and engaged.
I joined Oculus because I wanted to move away from big corporations and focus on helping local businesses. I love the chance to really get stuck into both the short-term needs and long-term strategies, making sure businesses get the best from their people.
When I’m not supporting clients, you’ll find me walking along the beach with Barney, my chocolate labrador, or cheering on my family at netball and rugby matches!
HR Consultant
After studying HR & Business Management at university, I’ve spent my career working in HR roles, most recently providing HR consultancy and advice to schools in Sunderland for 20 years. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m now excited to be part of the Oculus team.
In my role as an HR Consultant, I work with a wide range of clients to help them resolve staffing issues, whether that’s through day-to-day advice or managing more complex matters like disciplinary, grievance, or redundancy cases. I also lead on projects, such as policy development, ensuring businesses have the support they need to thrive.
What I enjoy most about my role is helping businesses get the best out of their workforce. I’m a problem solver at heart and love taking on the toughest employment challenges, finding clear, simple solutions that allow my clients to move forward with confidence.
The culture at Oculus is incredibly supportive and inclusive, where everyone is encouraged to do their best while helping their colleagues along the way. It’s a team environment that I’m proud to be a part of.
Outside of work, you’ll find me either spending time with my husband and two teenage sons or at the stables with my two horses. Although, if you ask my family, they’ll probably say, “At the stables!”
HR Advisor
I started my career as an Executive Assistant to a CEO in a small company, and during that time I began taking on more HR tasks. What started as a curiosity quickly turned into a passion, and before I knew it I was leading the HR function! It was an exciting challenge, but after a few years, I was ready to explore something new. That’s when I found Oculus, and it felt like the perfect fit! I’m extremely passionate about making a difference, which is one of Oculus’ core values and what attracted me to the business.
Now as a HR Advisor I support businesses in running their HR functions smoothly and effectively. Whether it’s day-to-day HR support, casework, or policy development, I’m there to ensure that our clients have the right tools they need to succeed. The opportunity to work with a range of businesses and understand how different teams approach HR has been invaluable to my growth.
Outside of work, I’m all about the outdoors. You’ll often find me hiking, wild camping, or climbing, basically anything that gets me outside and active. And if I’m not out exploring, I’m probably knee-deep in DIY projects and renovations at my new home!
