West Kent

The HR Dept West Kent provides employment law and human resources services to small and medium-sized businesses. The business is led by Managing Director, Sandhya Iyer. 

Sandhya is a fully qualified Chartered Member of the CIPD, UK. In addition, she holds an MBA and Bachelor of Commerce degree and comes with over 20 years' experience in the corporate and SME sector. Having worked across Asia, Europe and the US, and with trade unions in London, she brings a well rounded perspective on leadership, culture and challenges in the workplace. This helps small business clients make sound decisions in difficult circumstances. 

The West Kent office partners with SMEs across Maidstone, Tonbridge, Malling, Mereworth, King's Hill, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells. Typical work includes tailor made frameworks in the form of contracts and handbooks, complex employee relations casework such as sensitive grievance and disciplinary investigations, performance, sickness and conduct issues. More strategically we also undertake change management initiatives and support on restructuring projects, besides aligning HR metrics with operations. In effect, our work helps clients to avoid firefighting, improve efficiencies and thereby positively influence their bottom line.    

Most small business owners will say 'let's cross that bridge when we get to it' when they are advised to seek professional advice for their people matters. Usually, when business owners get to that 'bridge' on their own, the situation tends to be far more stressful, too far gone and costly to fix, than they were prepared for.

Our approach is calm, practical and people centred. We combine clear processes and documentation with an ability to listen, assess risks, understand patterns and communicate with empathy, even when emotions are high. Thereby we don't just focus on compliance but also your organisation culture and typical pain points. 

Sandhya is also committed to improving how workplaces support women, whose careers are impacted by family pressures, personal relationships, health or mental wellbeing. We collaborate with charities in West Kent and Rights of Women, London to shape practices that help organisations retain and develop high performing female talent. Diversity is not a slogan for us. It is a daily practice in how we hire, support, promote and listen, and strive to achieve the same for our clients.

Sandhya's favourite quote is by Maya Angelou:

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.

If you want HR and employment law support that is commercially aware, people focused and quietly robust, then we are here to help you know better and do better, with protection for both your business and your people matters.

Call us for a discussion today on 01892 629 669 or 01732 6222 209.

Email us: Sandhya.Iyer@hrdept.co.uk or hradvice@hrdept-westkent.co.uk

Listen to our Director, Sandhya Iyer, on the Kent Business Networking Show.

Listen to what Sandhya had to share about the Maidstone business show 2026  - https://youtu.be/Rgdq2O6XRWo