HR Optimisation

Reinvigorating the HR department of a top UK university


Cambridge MC engaged with a historic and world-famous university to support the reinvigoration of their Human Resource functions. Specifically, we were asked to improve HR service delivery, and establish the first steps towards change readiness preparation to support the HR function during a college-wide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Project.


To achieve these outcomes, we conducted a 3-dimensional process review model to assess their current HR operations. Within this, we evaluated and understood the university's HR department through multiple data streams, using the information collected to identify current quick wins and present recommendations going forward.

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Strategy


Cambridge MC used a unique ‘3-dimensional process view model’ to evaluate the efficacy of the processes, people, and systems that formed the HR department at the outset of the project.


These three dimensions include:


  1. A Maturity Assessment and identification of any Quick Wins to restore.        confidence in HR delivery.

  2. A Process Map Review against future Employee Life Cycle, using our own ‘Employee Life Cycle Model’, and 40k Service Tickets to improve automation and efficiency.

  3. The development of an implementation plan and blueprint for the successful roll-out of HR ERP.

Data Streams & Findings


The HR Maturity Assessment highlighted strong management support experienced by participants, as well as a solid understanding of HR strategy and of overall University strategy. 


The HR Process & Programmes Review uncovered that 196 processes in Nimbus (an end-to-end patented cloud WorkForce Optimisation application) are not linked to the HR Sub Functions; the current SLAs are based on historical volume and thus are not fit for an SSO environment; and current expertise in the Hub is not sufficient to deal with the volume of service tickets.


  • Five quick wins were identified as follows: 
  • Recruitment
  • Fixed Term Contracts
  • Review Current SLAs
  • Re-Routing Payroll and Pension Queries
  • One single mailbox for sending Service Tickets


In the detailing phase, we implemented the aforementioned agreed quick wins, the blueprint for HR ERP, assured the build readiness of the HR team, and built the HR SSO to accommodate HR ERP. Finally, in the communications stage, we developed a Communications Grid for HR Maturity assessment, established Cambridge MC presence in the process, and implemented.

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Outcomes & Findings


1

Cost Savings

We identified quick wins that led to an annual saving of £500k, by tightening the relation and process flow between HR and payroll.

2

Systems Optimisation

We analysed the efficacy of HR Service Tickets solutions delivery and recommended different workflows for the 1.8k tickets received per month.

3

Forward Planning

Our ‘Employee Life Cycle Model’ was instrumental in analysing the gap between current and future HR process and systems needed in an ERP environment.

Get in touch with our HR consultants


We are a highly collaborative team of senior-level executive professionals able to adapt to any challenge, however niche & challenging.

+44 (0)1223 750335

info@cambridgemc.com

HR Optimisation - Global Connectivity Case Study

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Our team has had the privilege of partnering with a diverse array of clients, from burgeoning startups to FTSE 100 companies. Each case study reflects our commitment to delivering tailored solutions that drive real business results.

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A little bit about Cambridge MC


Cambridge Management Consulting is a specialist consultancy drawing on an extensive global network of over 220 senior executives in 26 countries.


Our purpose is to help our clients have a better impact on the world.

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Industry insights


30 October 2026
23 October 2026, Cambridge – Cambridge Management Consulting (Cambridge MC) has celebrated its annual corporate Green Day, bringing colleagues together for a day of environmental volunteering instead of a day in the office. On Friday 23 October, the international management consultancy, headquartered in Cambridge, teamed up with Cambridge City Council to improve wildlife habitat at Cherry Hinton Hall, a 12-hectare public park in south-east Cambridge. Working alongside the City Council’s Community Engagement team, the Cambridge MC team focused on the glade in the nature area at the rear of the park, cutting back grass, clearing away the cuttings, and sowing wildflower seeds. The work was designed to support the management of the green space and create better conditions for wildlife, while giving Cambridge MC colleagues a direct role in caring for their local environment. Tim Passingham, founder and executive chairman of Cambridge MC, explained: “Making a positive impact means being prepared to roll up our sleeves and contribute to the communities in which we work. Rather than treating environmental responsibility as an abstract corporate ambition, Green Day gives our colleagues the opportunity to contribute their time and effort to community green spaces – turning our commitment into something tangible by working alongside our local community, supporting the places we share and recognising that small, practical actions can make a difference when we take them together. “The initiative also reflects the importance of collaboration in environmental action. Individual volunteers, community groups, businesses, and local authorities all have an important role to play in maintaining accessible green spaces and supporting urban biodiversity.” While Cambridge was the focus of the company-wide initiative, Green Day extended beyond the city, with events taking place in the New Forest, and planned initiatives in London which were unfortunately cancelled due to adverse weather. In the New Forest, Cambridge MC colleagues worked with local environmental group ECO SWAY on preparing shared green spaces and planting pollinator-friendly bulbs to support bees and butterflies in the spring. Unfortunately, the London team’s efforts were cancelled due to Storm Austen, however they were excited to be joining local volunteers from Stoke Newington Urban Green (SNUG) to water and mulch young trees ahead of winter, helping them to establish and reach maturity. As an international consultancy, the team’s environmental efforts did not stop there. In France, one Managing Partner contributed to his local ecosystem by planting an oak tree, and in Portugal another Partner showed her support by planting several fruit trees. Elsewhere, consultants based outside of the UK or simply unable to travel to the three primary locations sowed tree bombs as a remote way of amplifying the day’s overall mission. Green Day forms part of Cambridge MC’s wider commitment to using its expertise, time, and resources to create positive impact. The purpose-beyond-profit company commits at least 10% of its profits to charitable causes that tally with its ‘Five Cs’: Children (and young people), Conservation (and sustainability), Cancer, Communications, and Cambridge (the Cambridge ecosystem). Alongside financial support, Cambridge MC also engages in purposeful pro bono work, gifting at least 1% of its time and expertise to help charities mature, digitalise, and reduce costs. And, uniquely, the company holds 1% of its equity in reserve for charitable use should an equity event occur. In September, Cambridge MC achieved Certified B Corporation status, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to responsible business and recognising its approach to creating value for its team, clients, community, and the environment alongside commercial success. Tim said: “Our approach recognises that a responsible business is not defined solely by the advice it gives clients, but also by the contribution it makes to the communities and environments in which it operates. “By combining hands-on work with local partners across Cambridge and the New Forest, the Green Day initiative is bringing this principle to life – one green space at a time.”
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