Strategic review - Delivering vision, mission and social purpose

Roots HR is a leading social sector-focused HR consultancy in the UK, dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable, and tailored human resources support for charities, social enterprises, and other mission-driven organisations. Founded on the principle that organisations creating social impact should have access to legally sound and values-based HR expertise, Roots HR primarily (but not exclusively) serves small to medium-sized employers with workforces typically ranging from 1-250 employees. Operating as a Community Interest Company (CIC), Roots HR reinvests trading profits to provide pro bono HR services and learning for managers and leaders in the social sector. This commitment to delivering exceptional consultancy, along with nurturing the sector's HR capability is a critical facet of the organisation.

Roots HR wanted to undertake a strategic review to ensure that the organisation continues to be fit-for-purpose to deliver its vision, mission and social purpose to the social sector whilst also continuing to operate as a robust and sustainable organisation. Roots HR sought consultancy support to:

• 
  Build a detailed understanding of Roots HR’s current reality, through gathering and analysis of data and information.
• Use this to provide indicative responses to a number of strategic questions.
• Develop a range of strategic options for consideration by the
• Directors.
• Facilitate the Directors through an options analysis and with the creation of a strategic plan.

Alison Smith, CEO, Director and Lead Consultant at Roots HR explains why the board commissioned WRKWLL to undertake the project.

The project was led by WRKWLL Associate Nick Basannavar, executive advisor and changemaker, with research support from Naomi Pollard. The project was structured around a series of core principles:

• Practical: Focused on recommendations that can realistically be implemented within Roots HR’s resources and structure.
• Clear: Clear and focused strategy and actions to allow for effective decision-making and comms.
• Impact-led: Prioritisation of ideas that align with Roots HR’s mission to deliver measurable social impact.

After initial meetings with the Board to refine the project scope and priorities, the research phase was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of Roots HR's current position, client needs, and market opportunities, and to shape the strategic direction. This consisted of:

• Interviews and surveys with directors, staff, clients, and partners.
• Internal data review.
• Analysis of competitor practices and broader sectoral challenges to identify gaps and opportunities.

QUOTE FROM ALISON ABOUT THIS PHASE

Nick then presented the research findings to the Directors, highlighting strengths, opportunities, and risks. He also facilitated a scenario planning workshop at a Directors away day, exploring key future pathways around growth and development. Nick worked with the Directors to finalise five strategic pillars and define actionable steps under each. He integrated findings and Board input into a draft three-year strategy based around five strategic levers selected on the basis of the research, director engagement, and market analysis. These levers outline the key areas of focus for Roots HR over the next strategic cycle, with actionable steps designed to drive progress and impact. The final stage of the project was to refine the strategy based on board feedback and prepare it for formal approval and to finalise an initial action plan to support implementation from April 2025.

QUOTE FROM ALISON ON IMPACT

“It has been a privilege to work with Roots HR - its Directors, people, clients and partners - at this important moment in their history. As a strategist with experience in both professional services and the social sector, I’ve observed and experienced the tangible effect that thoughtful planning and decision-making can make on impact and growth, and it has been hugely encouraging to see the time, thought and care committed to this process.”

Nick Basannavar, WRKWLL Associate