If you have not yet read ‘Start with Why’ by Simon Sinek, we recommend you do. We believe in knowing why we each do what we do first and here is ours……
“Growing up, I spent time working with my parents at an education center for people with learning disabilities. Their approach, which focused on enabling each individual to shine and treating everyone with dignity, greatly inspired me and influenced my career in human resources. I have a deep-seated belief in creating a workplace culture where everyone can reach their full potential, regardless of labels or preconceived notions.
Despite some doubt from peers about my ability to work in a legal framework with compassion and equity, I embarked on my HR career as one of the youngest CIPD students. My passion for working for the best for people and enabling them to shine has remained constant throughout my career.
In 2009, I founded Acorn Support, with the goal of directly supporting directors, managers, and their teams to help each individual be their best and deliver results for the company. At Acorn, we believe in working with first-class employers who treat their employees fairly and equitably, and we strive to bring out the best in everyone to enable the business to thrive.
Our team is committed to understanding each business we work with and identifying areas of frustration or pain. With our professional training, knowledge, and experience, we are well-positioned to work through the complexities of employment cases and deliver the right outcomes for everyone involved. At Acorn, we live by our values of treating people with compassion and taking the time to understand each unique situation.”
Claire Lawton
Managing Director
Our Values
Team Player
We value and respect each person within the team and the skills and contribution they bring to make the Acorn team a success.
Integrity
This the foundation of the work we do. We will be honest, transparent and realistic in our advice to ensure that we promote fairness and trust.
Compassion
We always have the person in mind, we listen and will offer solutions.
Credible
We are committed to learning and developing our skills to enable us to provide up to date professional advice.
Individual
Valuing each individual’s lives inside and outside of work are important to us to be the person we are.
Celebrate Success
We identify the good times, praise our achievements both inside and outside of work.
Meet The Team
Claire Lawton
Managing Director
From reading the why of Acorn Support, you will understand the passion Claire has for her career and how her parents work developed her personal ‘why’ Claire has demonstrated her passion throughout her career in HR of nearing 35 years! She focuses on the best outcome for all involved with care and compassion, and can be a formidable force for a case.
Outside of work Claire is often found in her garden or craft den or enjoying time with her partner, children, grandchildren and pooch. That is when they are not away in their happy place, Crofty the campervan enjoying a cheeky G&T.
Jo Leader
HR Business Partner
Jo has extensive experience in the full suite of HR activities. She is adept at marrying the organisation’s needs to that of employment legislation in a way that ‘talks’ to the employee groups. Jo is skilled at managing complex cases with her experience through working at a High Street retailer and a global business encompassing multiple sectors.
Jo is a natural communicator and delivers her engagement with clients in a professional manner which is understood by all.
Outside of work you will find Jo at an exercise class, walking her dog in the lovely countryside and spending time with her family. In the summer you will find Jo perfecting her paddle board or body board skills in Wales or Cornwall with a beaming smile she gets by the sea.
Ruth Harvey
HR Business Partner
Ruth is a true HR professional, with extensive experience within all areas of Human Resources , mainly supporting SME’s with case management, Disciplinary, Grievance and Sickness absence. Her strengths lie in building strong stakeholder relationships, by offering support and guidance to clients by being their trusted subject matter expert.
Ruth’s experience includes policy and procedure development ensuing compliance with current employment legislation whilst reflecting the essence of the organisation. She supports the implementation of HR strategies to contribute to business objectives with passion reflecting that of our clients.
When Ruth is not working you will find her curled up deep in a good book or out for long walks in our beautiful countryside. She loves time with her family, especially when she can be at the beach watching the waves and enjoying the sunshine.