About Dawson Kaveney HR

Originally founded in 2008 as ‘Kaveney HR Solutions Limited’, the business became Dawson Kaveney HR in January 2022 when Helen Dawson took over the business from Sue Kaveney.

Helen shares a similar style and approach to HR to Sue, which stands her in good stead to continue to support businesses who like an honest and down to earth approach.

About Helen

Helen is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) having operated in Senior HR roles for more than 10 years.

She has over 20 years' experience of dealing with all aspects of HR and the Employee Lifecycle including managing people, employment law and legislation, recruitment, selection, retention, exits, policy implementation and management, employee relations, managing change, training & development, performance management and absence management.

Helen started her career with a local manufacturing and distribution business where she worked for more than 20 years, joining the business in their production team and progressing to a Senior HR position within the business.

Since then, Helen has broadened her sector experience working in the legal, hospitality and start up sectors.

She has a sound commercial mind, helping businesses achieve their desired outcomes whilst being honest and realistic about how these can be achieved. She enjoys working with businesses to really help shape an organisation and create a positive working environment. All of this done in a relaxed and personal way.

Helen is an active member of the local CIPD Cumbria Branch and volunteers her time to support other HR colleagues and those developing their careers and experience in the world of human resources.

Outside of her professional life, Helen enjoys time with her family and friends including her husband Mark and step-daughter Jessica, who know all about her two other great loves - her cats and her car!

Her friends describe her as honest, reliable and good fun to be around - all traits that Helen likes to apply to her work too!

Helen and the original business owner Sue remain great friends, regularly encouraging each other to venture outside in the soggy Cumbrian weather for a run and when diaries align lifting weights together at the gym. Of course, there's the more relaxed food-related activities that they enjoy together too!

Helen gives time every week to charitable causes, including spending her Sunday morning at the local animal refuge, and is a regular volunteer for the Royal British Legion at Poppy Appeal time.

From my initial contact with Helen, I could see that she was a great fit for our business, and someone that I could rely on for prompt and professional advice when needed. Working with Helen has made us feel professionally supported and in safe hands. I am confident that our business is now in good HR shape, which is essential to the wellbeing of our small and high performing team.

Helen’s style was reassuringly professional with a friendly manner. I am infinitely more relaxed to know that we have had our policies and procedures checked by a professional and have access to further advice when needed. After working with Helen, I feel less stressed and more confident that we are doing this properly, rather than doing our best and hoping that was right.

Very professional, easily approachable and an excellent listener with nothing being too much trouble. She makes you feel at ease to discuss your problems. I would definitely recommend Helen - proven to give honest advice that resolves any problems or situations in that we need advice.

Very professional and easy to talk to for advice. She is very good at explaining her areas of expertise and makes herself available when we need her. She gets back to me as soon as possible and even on occasion out of hours.

We were very impressed with Helen’s friendly, helpful and down to earth approach which we believe to be important and in tune with our business. The HR process was implemented very simply. Email introductions followed by a face-to-face meeting that led to a working understanding. I think the cake helped!

Having a start-up business can be complex… for me having Helen onboard to support and manage my HR is perfect. The outcomes were easy, simple and get it done. 100% recommend to anyone who needs HR support and consultancy.