Meet the team: Jenni Andrews

Over our next few Newsletters we’re introducing you to each of our team members here at Menzies Law. Apparently, I ‘volunteered’ to go first.

As I’m sure many of you do, I always try to take time after resolving a HR/Legal problem to reflect (with my client), to see what could have been done to prevent it happening in the first place, or to have at least nipped it in the bud at an early stage.

I recently supported and advised a business who, due to their inexperience, had failed to deal properly with an absence management process. By failing to have those key ‘honest conversations’ with the employee at the start of the process, what should have been a straight forward process became quite challenging for the client. Unfortunately for the client, the process became quite long and protracted, with the employee eventually issuing an Employment Tribunal claim. As our client came to us quite late in the process, my primary focus was damage limitation, but it was also important for me to discuss with the client ways to tackle similar situations to help prevent it from happening again.

Whilst undoubtedly it was a learning experience for the business, and they are now equipped to ensure that this won’t happen again, the financial cost and lost management time does of course need to get counted and reflected upon. Whilst we’re very happy to provide ’emergency services’ support when a crisis erupts, we are always looking for ways to practice a more ‘preventative’ approach were possible!

One of the many things I’m proud of in our approach at Menzies Law is that we proactively offer and advocate what we call a ‘blended’ approach in our range of support to our clients. This is achieved by blending legal advice, HR consultancy and L&D into the right shape and consistency to best solve the particular people management issues faced by our clients. A favourite L&D product is our very popular Honest Conversations session for line managers. This product is aimed at empowering line managers and giving them the tools and confidence that they need to deal with difficult people management matters early on.

My role at Menzies law is not just being a lawyer. I also recently became responsible for training and professional development for the team. Some may say I have taken the ‘training’ theme a bit too seriously though, as I recently signed up for the Virgin London Triathlon which will take place the first weekend of August this year. It’s a refreshing change to push the boundaries physically instead of mentally! It’s not just all about me though – I have also entered the Triathlon to help raise funds for Cancer Research UK, as this is a charity which is very close to my heart. If you would like to help me raise funds through my Triathlon for this charity, you can use the following link https://www.justgiving.com/Jenni-Latham/ . Alternatively, text JENL to 70070 to donate £5. All support is greatly appreciated.