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STARK UK: Transforming the HR operating model

Table of contents
    1. Case study overview
    2. HR transformation outcomes
    3. Testimonial

60

reduction in tribunal claims

In 2024, STARK UK partnered with AdviserPlus to reshape its employee relations approach, combining specialist ER advisory support with the empower® platform. This transformation introduced a consistent, scalable model that gives managers clear guidance at every stage of the process. The solution includes:

STARK Building Materials UK and AdviserPlus were celebrated at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, taking home the Best HR Technology Strategy award. This well-deserved win reflects the impact of their partnership, highlighting the value of collaboration and a shared commitment to enhancing the employee experience.

Case study overview

  • empower® ER case management system: Centralises case handling, improves visibility and removes issues with version control or policy access.
  • Manager guided journeys: Digital workflows that steer managers through key ER processes such as disciplinaries and grievances, strengthening consistency and compliance.
  • Advice Line service: Immediate access to experienced advisers for clear, practical ER guidance aligned with STARK UK’s culture and policies.
  • Auto absence case creation: Automation that triggers cases for short-term absences, enabling early intervention before issues escalate.
  • Reporting and insights: Dashboards and analytics that highlight ER trends, performance indicators and areas requiring attention.

HR transformation outcomes

The new approach has strengthened capability, reduced risk and created a more proactive style of people management across STARK UK. Key results include:

  • 70% of ER tasks now self-served by managers: Guided journeys, accessible resources and on-demand advice have increased manager confidence and enabled more cases to be resolved early and consistently.
  • 65% increase in proactively managed absence cases: Automation, standardised templates and streamlined processes mean more absence cases are initiated and completed by managers, with case durations falling in line with operational demands.
  • 60% reduction in tribunal claims and 65% drop in legal costs: Clear processes, robust audit trails and access to expert guidance have significantly reduced exposure to legal risk and improved compliance.
  • A future-ready operating model: These improvements have created a scalable, efficient model that strengthens daily HR operations and supports long-term people and business goals.

70

of ER tasks are self-served proactively by managers

Testimonial

”Their hard work and dedication to moving at pace and getting under the skin of our business has been incredible. They have enabled us to transform ways of working, empower managers and gain the insight we need to make employee-centric business decisions. Going forward, the partnership will be central to achieving even greater efficiency and enabling HR to provide the best support to the strategic direction of the business.

Jill EnneverTransformation Lead, STARK UK

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