Human Resources

HR Consulting Skills for HR Professionals

HR professionals are increasingly expected to act as internal consultants who diagnose business problems and propose solutions. This course develops consulting skills for HR: contracting with clients, diagnosing organisational issues, using data and interviews, designing interventions, influencing stakeholders and evaluating results.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

HR adds most value when it solves business problems rather than processing transactions. You will learn the consulting approach that earns a seat at the table.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Consulting cycle simulations, diagnostic exercises, client role plays and case studies.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Apply the internal consulting cycle
Contract clearly with business clients
Diagnose people and organisational problems
Design evidence-based interventions
Influence and handle resistance
Evaluate intervention results

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

HR business partners
HR managers
OD and talent professionals
Learning and development consultants
HR generalists

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Consulting
Diagnosis
Influence
Intervention design
Evaluation

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1HR as Consultant

09:00–10:08Consulting roles
10:08–11:00Consulting cycle
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Consulting cycle (continued)
11:45–12:53Business partnering
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Contracting

09:00–10:08Understanding the request
10:08–11:00Agreeing scope
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Agreeing scope (continued)
11:45–12:53Expectations
12:53–14:00Role play

Day 3Diagnosis

09:00–10:08Data and interviews
10:08–11:00Root causes
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Root causes (continued)
11:45–12:53Feedback to client
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 4Interventions

09:00–10:08Designing solutions
10:08–11:00Implementation
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Implementation (continued)
11:45–12:53Resistance
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Evaluation

09:00–10:08Measuring impact
10:08–11:00Closing engagements
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Closing engagements (continued)
11:45–12:53Building credibility
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

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