Who we are

Serena May is a Director of our Sussex-based HR consultancy, bringing over 20 years of hands-on HR experience to small and medium-sized businesses across Sussex.

A Chartered Member of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development), Serena holds a Master’s Degree in Personnel and Development and has built a reputation as a trusted and commercially astute HR professional.

Her extensive generalist HR experience spans the full employee lifecycle, including:

• Recruitment and selection
• Disciplinary and grievance procedures
• Performance management and employee engagement
• Redundancy and restructuring
• TUPE and mergers
• Settlement agreements
• Policy development and compliance

Serena’s background in Financial Services gives her a unique perspective on risk, regulation, and business operations. She is known for her practical, people-first approach and her ability to quickly build strong, collaborative relationships with business owners and their teams.

Whether advising on complex employee relations issues or helping companies future-proof their HR strategy, Serena is committed to delivering tailored, legally compliant, and commercially sound solutions.

Based in sunny Eastbourne, Serena spends her free time on the tennis court or out on the trails with her two Dobermans. When she’s not exploring in her motorhome, she’s off mantrailing with Starsky, her adventurous sidekick.

Susan Beeby is a Director at The HR Dept Sussex- by- the- Sea, bringing over 25 years of comprehensive HR experience to businesses throughout East and West Sussex.

An Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Susan has worked at a senior level across a wide range of industries, providing trusted HR advice and support to business owners in sectors such as:

• Retail and hospitality
• Construction and manufacturing
• Letting and estate agencies
• Creative and digital agencies
• IT and financial services
• Tourist attractions, cafés, and bars

Susan’s strength lies in delivering practical, commercially aware HR solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client. Her deep expertise spans the full spectrum of HR, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, change management, policy development, and legal compliance.

Known for her calm, approachable style and strategic mindset, Susan builds lasting relationships with clients, helping them resolve issues efficiently while creating a positive and productive workplace culture.

Susan lives on the coast near Bognor Regis and in her free time enjoys sea swimming all year round, working behind the bar at the local Yacht Club, and walking her dogs on the beach.

Beth Jones is an experienced HR Manager and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). She brings a strong generalist background and a practical, hands-on approach to supporting clients with the full range of HR matters.

Beth has built her career across a variety of industries, including insurance, manufacturing, and hospitality, which has equipped her with a broad understanding of different workplace cultures and challenges.

Her expertise covers key areas of people management, including:

• Recruitment and onboarding
• Disciplinary and grievance procedures
• Redundancy processes and change management
• Conflict resolution and employee relations
• HR compliance and documentation
• Employment tribunals and case preparation
• HR systems and administration

Before joining The HR Dept Sussex by the Sea, Beth held roles such as HR Generalist at an insurance replacement company, HR Advisor in the manufacturing sector, and HR Administrator at a luxury spa. Her ability to adapt quickly and offer calm, informed support makes her a valued resource for both clients and colleagues.

Beth is passionate about helping businesses create fair, efficient, and legally compliant HR practices that support both people and performance.

Beth lives on the south coast with her family and enjoys running, hiking, reading, and early morning dips in the sea.

Karen Scannell is a CIPD-qualified HR professional with a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management and over 15 years’ experience in generalist HR roles across diverse sectors.

Throughout her career, Karen has developed a strong, practical understanding of HR best practices, supporting both strategic and day-to-day operations. Her broad knowledge and people-focused approach make her a reliable point of contact for businesses looking to strengthen their HR processes and remain compliant with UK employment law.

Karen’s areas of expertise include:

• Staff management and employee relations
• End-to-end recruitment and onboarding
• HR administration and policy implementation
• Job evaluation and organisational structuring
• Immigration and right-to-work compliance

Known for her methodical style and approachable nature, Karen provides clear, supportive guidance to business owners and managers, helping them navigate people challenges with confidence.

Her commitment to professional development and up-to-date HR knowledge ensures clients always receive informed, practical support tailored to their specific needs.

Karen enjoys living by the sea in Eastbourne. When she’s not running round after her energetic two young boys, she likes to cook up a storm in the kitchen whilst listening to the best of the 80s tunes.

Emma Bennett is an HR Adviser with a diverse background in Human Resources and Business Operations, gained across the travel, consultancy, and charity sectors. Her multi-industry experience gives her a well-rounded and adaptable approach to HR support, with a strong focus on service, people, and practical solutions.

Emma is currently working towards her Associate Diploma in People Management with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), further deepening her expertise as an HR generalist.

Her key strengths include:

• Employee relations and day-to-day HR support
• Recruitment and onboarding coordination
• Creating inclusive and supportive workplace cultures
• HR administration and operational efficiency
• Delivering clear, customer-focused HR advice

Passionate about delivering excellent service and making a positive impact, Emma supports clients with empathy, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping businesses thrive through their people.

Emma lives near Horsham with her daughter. Emma enjoys regular yoga and Pilates classes, beach walks.

Andy May brings a unique perspective to his role as Business Development Manager at The HR Dept Sussex by the Sea, following a distinguished 25-year career in the Fire Service. With a strong foundation in leadership, training, investigation, and risk management, Andy now helps business owners connect with tailored, compliant, and commercially focused HR solutions.

Throughout his public service career, Andy led high-performing teams, delivered professional training programmes, and conducted complex investigations—often under intense legal and operational pressure. His people-first approach, combined with a deep understanding of compliance and performance, makes him a valuable asset in the world of HR consultancy.

Key areas of expertise include:

• Leadership development and team training
• Workplace investigations and compliance processes
• Risk management and performance improvement
• Building trusted relationships with business owners and stakeholders

Now working alongside our expert HR team, Andy focuses on helping local businesses access outsourced HR support, employment law advice, and bespoke training services—without the overhead of an internal HR department. He is passionate about enabling businesses to protect their people, boost performance, and stay legally compliant.

Andy is a lifelong learner who is constantly expanding his knowledge through ongoing study. In his spare time, he enjoys snowboarding and cycling, combining his love for adventure with an active lifestyle

Layla joined the HR Dept as a pup in 2014. She started out as Trainee Security Assistant but it quickly became apparent, during her probationary period that security was not for her. This was mostly due to the fact that she loves absolutely everyone with no exception. Layla’s role was quickly changed to Head of Well-being and her days are spent mostly wagging her tail and trying to give everyone a friendly lick!

Having been dismissed from his last 2 employers, Starsky joined us at 10 months of age. He is still finding his paws and discovering what role might suit him best. He started out as General Dogsbody, but it looks like he might be cut out for a role in security as his training develops.