How We Work | Ostara HR

At Ostara HR, I believe in creating flexible partnerships that adapt to your unique needs as a founder. Choose the engagement model that works best for your company based on your specific people challenges, timeline, and budget.

Compare Our Engagement Models

Feature Retained Services Project-Based Support Ad Hoc Support
Best For Ongoing HR support and strategic partnership Specific HR initiatives with defined outcomes Immediate expert guidance as needed
Commitment Monthly partnership (3-12 month minimum) Fixed scope, defined project timeline No ongoing commitment
Delivery Regular support hours each month Structured project methodology Flexible access when you need it
Response Time 24-48 hours (based on package) Scheduled project milestones As needed (typically 24-72 hours)
Pricing Model Monthly fee based on service tier Fixed project fee Hourly rate or pre-purchased hours
Relationship Ongoing strategic partnership Focused collaboration Flexible expert resource
Planning Proactive, strategic approach Defined project planning Reactive, immediate support
Ideal When You need regular, consistent HR expertise You have a specific HR challenge to solve You need occasional expert guidance

Retained Services

Transform your HR function with ongoing support

Imagine having a dedicated HR partner who brings employee relations expertise and process optimisation to your company. My retained services provide consistent support that evolves with your needs—from handling complex workplace situations to streamlining processes.

  • Monthly strategic partnership (3-12 month minimum)
  • 24-48 hour response time
  • Proactive, strategic approach to people challenges
  • Regular support hours each month
  • Priority access to additional services
  • Ongoing relationship building

Project-Based Support

Focused transformation for specific challenges

When you have a defined HR challenge that needs expert attention, my project-based support delivers results. I bring structure, technical expertise, and practical solutions to your specific needs—whether implementing new systems or redesigning workflows.

  • Fixed scope with defined outcomes
  • Structured 5-step methodology
  • Clear project timeline and milestones
  • Focused collaboration for specific results
  • Knowledge transfer included
  • Fixed project fee

Ad Hoc Support

Expert guidance when you need it most

Some people challenges can't wait for scheduled support. My ad hoc services provide immediate access to HR expertise exactly when you need it. Whether facing unexpected issues or needing quick guidance, I'm here to help.

  • No ongoing commitment required
  • Pay-as-you-go or hour bank options
  • Flexible access when needed
  • 24-72 hour typical response time
  • Perfect for urgent situations
  • Complements existing internal HR

Which Model Is Right For You?

Choose Retained Services if you...

  • Need consistent HR expertise
  • Want strategic HR partnership
  • Prefer predictable monthly investment
  • Value having a dedicated HR partner
  • Need regular support across multiple areas

Choose Project-Based Support if you...

  • Have a specific challenge to address
  • Need focused transformation in a defined area
  • Have budget for a specific initiative
  • Need specialised expertise for limited time
  • Want clear outcomes and deliverables

Choose Ad Hoc Support if you...

  • Require occasional expert guidance
  • Need flexibility without commitment
  • Want to pay only when you need help
  • Have internal team needing occasional support
  • Need immediate help with unexpected issues

Our Client Engagement Journey

At Ostara HR, we believe in a structured yet flexible approach to client partnerships. Our process ensures we thoroughly understand your needs, deliver exceptional value, and continually refine our support to drive meaningful transformation in your HR function.

1

Discovery & Exploration

Understanding Your Unique Needs

  • Complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss your current HR challenges and objectives
  • Needs assessment questionnaire to gather specific information about your organisation
  • Review of existing HR documentation to understand your current approach
  • Stakeholder conversations to identify different perspectives and priorities
Outcome: A clear understanding of your HR landscape, challenges, and objectives
2

Proposal & Planning

Creating Your Bespoke Solution

  • Tailored proposal outlining recommended services and investment
  • Opportunity analysis highlighting areas for immediate and long-term improvement
  • Engagement model selection (Retained, Project-based, or Ad Hoc)
  • Success metrics definition to ensure measurable outcomes
  • Timeline and milestone planning for clear expectations
Outcome: A clear roadmap for our partnership with defined deliverables and measures of success
3

Onboarding & Kick-off

Beginning Our Journey Together

  • Service agreement formalisation to establish our partnership
  • Detailed kickoff meeting to align on expectations and immediate priorities
  • Key stakeholder introductions to build relationships
  • Shared workspace setup for efficient collaboration
  • Communication protocol establishment for regular updates and feedback
Outcome: Strong foundations for a productive working relationship with clear channels of communication
4

Service Delivery

Where HR Magic Happens

For Retained Services:

  • Regular advisory support via email, phone, and virtual meetings
  • Proactive issue identification to address potential challenges early
  • Monthly service reviews to ensure alignment with priorities
  • Quarterly strategy sessions to adapt to evolving needs
  • Resource provision including templates, guidance, and best practices

For Project-Based Support:

  • Detailed project planning with clear milestones
  • Regular progress updates throughout implementation
  • Collaborative problem-solving for any challenges that arise
  • Knowledge transfer to ensure sustainability
  • End-of-project review to capture learnings

For Ad Hoc Support:

  • Responsive consultation when you need expert guidance
  • Practical solution development for immediate challenges
  • Follow-up support to ensure successful implementation
Outcome: Tangible improvements in your HR function delivered with expertise and care
5

Review & Refinement

Ensuring Continuous Value

  • Regular service reviews against defined success metrics
  • Feedback collection from key stakeholders
  • Adaptation of approach based on evolving priorities
  • Identification of new opportunities for improvement
  • Future planning for ongoing HR transformation
Outcome: A continuously evolving partnership that grows with your business needs
6

Evolution & Growth

Building on Our Shared Success

  • Annual partnership review to celebrate achievements and plan for the future
  • Strategic planning for the next phase of HR transformation
  • Service model refinement to adapt to your changing needs
  • Additional value identification to further enhance your HR function
  • Relationship deepening as a trusted strategic partner
Outcome: A mature, strategic partnership driving continuous improvement in your HR function

Ready to Transform Your People Challenges?

I'd love to hear about your specific challenges and explore how my flexible engagement models could transform your headaches into solutions that save time, reduce frustration and create better workplace experiences.