What is a fixed-fee HR package?

It is an agreement to provide a defined service for a set price. A monthly package might cover regular manager advice and document support; a project fee might cover a handbook review or a particular employee matter. Fixed-fee does not automatically mean unlimited support.

Monthly support or a one-off project?

  • Monthly retainer: useful when managers need recurring advice on absence, performance, contracts and employee concerns.
  • Fixed-price project: suited to a clear task with an agreed outcome, such as reviewing employment documents.
  • Pay-as-you-go: worth comparing when questions are occasional, provided you understand the rate and likely time involved.

Start with the work your business actually needs. Paying for a large bundle is not necessarily better value than a smaller service that covers the right tasks.

What should you check before signing?

  1. Scope: are calls, written advice, letters, policy updates and meeting attendance included?
  2. Access: who answers your questions, during which hours, and how quickly?
  3. Limits: are there caps on hours, cases or employees, and what happens when you exceed them?
  4. Total cost: confirm VAT, setup fees, additional work and how prices change as your team grows.
  5. Contract: check the minimum term, renewal arrangements and notice required to leave.
  6. Specialist cover: ask whether tribunal representation, insurance, payroll and health and safety are included or separate.

How much does a package cost?

Adept HR advertises support from £50 per month. The service and price suitable for your business depend on the work required; ask for a written proposal explaining what is included. Compare that scope with other quotes rather than treating every headline price as the same service.

Can you get help with just one employee issue?

Ask for a defined project or one-off support if you do not need a monthly arrangement. Explain what has happened, the documents available and any deadline. Agree the work and price before it begins rather than assuming a low monthly fee covers an existing complex case.

Does outsourced support replace your responsibilities?

Your business still makes employment decisions and remains responsible for its actions. Agree who gathers information, communicates with staff and keeps records, so advice turns into a process managers can follow.

For a wider comparison of providers, read our outsourced HR guide. Bring your current documents and a list of recurring questions to a consultation so we can discuss a suitable level of support.