When it comes to running a business, compliance with HR and health and safety requirements isn’t optional; it’s essential. But while many providers offer support in these areas, not all service agreements are created equal.
We regularly speak to businesses that discover, often too late, that they’re tied into long-term HR or health and safety contracts that don’t work for them. These agreements can last anywhere from five to ten years, sometimes longer, and many include restrictive terms that make it difficult and costly to exit, even when the service no longer meets their needs.
At CXCS, we take a different approach. We believe in flexible, transparent support that works with your business, not against it.
Why HR & health and safety support matters
Every business has a responsibility to keep its people safe and comply with UK employment law. Once you employ five or more people, you’re legally required to have a written health and safety policy in place. Similarly, HR compliance, including contracts of employment, grievance procedures, and performance management, is vital to protecting both your staff and your organisation.
But legal responsibilities don’t have to come with inflexible, long-term commitments. Businesses need to feel supported, not trapped.
The problem with long-term contracts
Many HR and health and safety providers require new clients to sign long-term contracts, often five years or more, without making the terms and conditions entirely clear from the outset. Others may introduce additional charges or auto-renewal clauses that catch businesses out when they try to cancel.
These lengthy contracts can come with hidden costs:
- Limited flexibility – as your business changes, your support needs might shift too. But a long-term contract may prevent you from adapting your service or switching providers.
- Difficult termination processes – some businesses only discover the true complexity of their contract when they try to leave.
- Financial pressure – paying for a service you no longer use or value can become a costly burden over time.
- Lack of control – feeling locked in can lead to frustration, especially if the level of service doesn’t meet expectations.
While some providers may frame these contracts as “peace of mind,” for many businesses, they end up being the opposite – a source of stress, confusion, and unnecessary expense.
Why flexibility matters for your business
At CXCS, we believe the best kind of compliance support is responsive and ethical. That’s why we offer our HR and health and safety services on either a 12-month agreement or a rolling monthly basis, depending on the final details of the contract. You can choose HR support, Health and Safety support, or a combined package, whatever suits your business best.
This flexible model allows you to:
- Scale your support as your business grows or changes
- Access expert advice without being locked in
- Stay compliant and confident without long-term risk
- Have complete transparency from day one
Our clients appreciate that our focus is on partnership, not pressure. We’re here to help your business stay protected and prepared, not to tie you down with complicated contracts or hidden clauses.
The Importance of transparency and trust
We understand that trust matters. That’s why we prioritise clarity and honesty in all our agreements. Before you commit to any of our services, we’ll walk you through exactly what’s included, what it costs, and how it works. No hidden fees, no small print surprises, and no long-term tie-ins unless you want one.
We’ve supported businesses across a wide range of sectors, from small start-ups to established organisations, and we’re proud that many of our clients stay with us year after year, not because they have to, but because they want to.
What to look for when choosing a provider
If you’re reviewing your HR or health and safety support – or looking to get started – here are some key things to consider:
- Length of contract – ask whether the provider offers a flexible option or if you’re being tied into a multi-year deal
- Exit clauses – check how easy it is to cancel or change your agreement
- Clarity – avoid contracts that feel vague or overly complicated
- Scope of service – make sure what’s included (and not included) is clear
- Ethos – choose a provider that treats your business like a partner, not a transaction
Why CXCS?
We know that compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about protecting people, managing risk, and giving you the confidence to focus on running your business. Whether it’s ongoing HR support, health and safety advice, policy development, or day-to-day guidance, we’re here to help.
And because we don’t tie clients into long-term contracts, our team is motivated by service, not sales targets. We work hard to build relationships based on trust, expertise, and results.
To find out more, contact us on 01981 590514