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Accelerate your vision with AI-powered solutions.
As organisations face economic pressures, they increasingly turn to AI to address workforce challenges. People functions must balance efficiency with maintaining an exceptional employee experience and collaborate with technology teams for successful transformation.
AI offers immense potential for efficiency and innovation, but the challenge is to enhance, not replace, the human touch.
How we can help you
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1. The explorer
A short engagement featuring a workshop introducing AI strategy aligned with the Trusted Framework. This session helps organisations understand the potential of AI within HR and identifies where value can be unlocked most quickly.
It concludes with a high-level report and roadmap that highlights key priority areas for action.
Deliverables include:
- AI in HR introductory workshop (customised to client context)
- High-level AI opportunity map and prioritised focus areas
- Executive summary report and recommendations
Beyond:
We can add rapid discovery sessions to identify immediate quick wins and validate where AI can deliver early impact.
2. The navigator
An engagement phase combining interactive workshops and stakeholder interviews to define strategic focus areas for AI adoption across HR.
The output is a tailored roadmap and set of recommendations aligned with the Trusted Framework, guiding the organisation from experimentation toward structured implementation.
Deliverables include:
- Stakeholder interviews and current-state assessment
- AI opportunity analysis across HR functions
- AI maturity assessment (optional extension)
- Prioritised roadmap with recommended use cases
- Executive presentation and report
Beyond:
We can add a formal AI maturity assessment and develop early proof-of-concept initiatives for selected use cases.
3. The visionary
An engagement stage that delivers a comprehensive HR AI strategy. Through workshops, interviews, and detailed analysis, we create a structured plan for AI adoption aligned to business goals and the Trusted Framework.
The Visionary helps HR leaders move from ideation to strategic execution, identifying opportunities, governance needs, and workforce implications.
Deliverables include:
- Full AI strategy aligned to the Trusted Framework
- Key HR use cases with business value analysis
- Implementation roadmap and success measures
- AI governance and ethics considerations
- Executive briefing and strategy deck
Beyond:
We can include a change management plan, workforce readiness assessment, and pilot roadmaps for prioritised use cases.
4. The pathfinder
A targeted review of existing HR AI pilots and initiatives against the Trusted Framework. This engagement identifies where pilots are succeeding, where risks or ethical gaps exist, and how to improve outcomes.
It ensures organisations learn from experimentation and align pilots to a sustainable, trusted AI approach.
Deliverables include:
- Review of current AI initiatives and pilots
- Alignment assessment with the Trusted Framework
- Risk and governance recommendations
- Pilot enhancement report and prioritised improvement actions
- Feedback session with HR and tech leads
Beyond:
We can provide ongoing coaching for pilot teams, and conduct follow-up reviews after adjustments are made to measure progress and reinforce learning.
The TRUSTED framework
To help People Function leaders, we have developed the TRUSTED Framework, which covers: Technology, Regulation, Usability, Security, Transparency, Ethics and Data.
trusted list
Technology
Make sure your AI tools and infrastructure match the needs of your people and business—not the other way around.
Regulation
Stay compliant with evolving laws and ethical expectations. Responsible AI starts with knowing the rules.
Usability
If AI isn’t intuitive, it won’t get used. Prioritise design that blends seamlessly into everyday workflows.
Security
Keep systems and data safe. Robust protection is essential when dealing with sensitive HR information.
Transparency
Build trust by making it clear how AI decisions are made, and how tools are trained and evaluated.
Ethics
AI must be fair and accountable. Bias and unintended consequences must be actively addressed—not left to chance.
Data
High-quality, well-governed data is the fuel for reliable AI. Without it, everything else breaks down.
In the press
Our latest content on AI:
Beyond the UK Budget headlines: Preparing your People strategy for 2026
In brief • The UK Budget appears stable at headline level, but underlying structural changes will significantly increase employment costs and payroll complexity.• Key reforms to pensions, income tax thresholds and the National Living Wage will reshape reward...
Unlocking HR value with AI: How Pathfinder turns ambition into impact
AI is transforming HR operations, driving efficiency, and elevating employee experiences. At LACE, our HR AI team is at the forefront of this change, helping organisations move from experimentation to measurable impact. Building on our recent blog with...
Driving HR transformation with AI agents: Insights and perspective on the Aisera and LACE Partners webinar
AI agents are no longer a future concept. They are already reshaping how organisations deliver HR services. AI agents can improve efficiency, personalise employee experiences and deliver strategic value. We recently had a fascinating conversation with Aisera where we...
The TRUSTED Framework: How to implement AI effectively
Organisations currently find themselves at a crossroads. There has been a burst of energy as businesses rush to take advantage of the opportunities AI solutions offer. Alongside this, macro-economic pressures are pushing more organisations to consider whether AI can...
Reflections from the conference room floor: UNLEASH 2025
AI owned the air at UNLEASH Paris 2025. “GenAI.” “Copilot.” “Assistant.” And the ever-present: “Buy or build?” You couldn’t queue for coffee without hearing at least one story of a pilot gone right - or wrong. But this year felt different. The success stories sounded...
How is AI redefining performance management?
In this new episode of The People Agenda podcast, host Chris Howard and performance management expert Debbie Mitchell sit down with Amira Kohler, AI Change Consultant and Transformation Expert at People Stuff Limited, to explore how AI is transforming performance...
Case studies: How Payroll and HR Shared Services drive transformational change?
What does HR Shared Services and Payroll transformation look like in practice? That’s the question at the centre of the latest HR on the Offensive podcast, where Chris Howard and Dawn Goodall from LACE Partners were joined by Clare Phillips, Global Head of HR Services...
Should your business have a Chief AI Officer?
As artificial intelligence reshapes the way we work, a new C-suite role is gaining attention: the Chief AI Officer (CAIO). But is this position a strategic necessity, or just another corporate fad? Watch the full conversation between Chris and Martin Colyer, Director...
The empathy engine: Navigating AI-driven change with people at the core
Over the past six months, the UK labour market has experienced a consistent trend of job redundancies across multiple sectors. The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often cited as a key accelerator in these job losses, particularly in the technology,...
Why merging HR and IT could be the key to unlocking AI’s full potential
What happens when two of the most culturally distinct functions in a business—HR and IT—are brought together under a single umbrella? This was the topic of a recent article from The Wall Street Journal titled Why Moderna Merged Its Tech and HR Departments. This...
EU AI Act – HR, are you prepared?
The clock is ticking. With the EU AI Act coming into force in August 2025, HR leaders, transformation directors, CIOs face a critical question: are we ready? This landmark legislation isn’t just another compliance hurdle; it’s a significant shift in how...
Key insights: Innovation and optimisation in HRSS and Payroll
This week’s blog from Chris Horton comes following a recent meet up of our HR Shared Services and Payroll communities, a half day event featuring panels, roundtables and great discussion. Read on for insights from our two panels. Learn more about our communities here....
How can you build trust in AI and future-proof your HR strategy?
AI is transforming the world of work at speed—but with great potential comes a need for clarity, accountability, and smart, human-centred decisions. That’s why we developed the TRUSTED AI framework at LACE Partners: a practical, values-led model to help organisations...
How can AI enhance productivity and transform the future of work?
In the latest episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, host Chris Howard is joined by LACEr Gemma Ryall and guest Neil Carberry, CEO of the REC, for a great conversation about how can AI enhance productivity and the changing world of work. They explore the...
Is AI the key to transforming the workplace?
What if AI didn’t just reshape jobs, but reshaped how we think about work itself? Many organisations are rethinking the way that work get's delivered, whether that's through skills-based approaches or changes in strategic workforce planning. AI is central to...
How can HR solve the business efficiency paradox?
In today’s evolving business climate, efficiency can no longer be synonymous with cost-cutting and headcount reduction. In our opinion, that's an outdated view risks undermining both performance and resilience. In our latest whitepaper The efficiency paradox, we...
People 1st MENA
Join our team at LACE as Headline Partners on May 8 in Dubai for People 1st 2025, an essential gathering for HR, talent, reward, L&D and global mobility leaders. This event is about embracing a People 1st approach amidst a rapidly changing workplace. Industry...
The TRUSTED Framework: How to effectively navigate AI implementation
Technology and regulation Organisations currently find themselves at a crossroads. Macro-economic pressures are pushing more organisations to consider the use of AI to solve their People Function and workforce challenges. But for People Functions they face the...
AI is transforming HR and changing how businesses manage their workforce
For today’s blog we have brought together two of our AI and technology champions we have at LACE, to talk about AI’s role in transforming HR through a framework we have developed. Reach out to Martin and/or Charlie if you’d like to discuss more. As organisations face...
How can HR drive success in 2025?
In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast Chris, predicts the year ahead for HR with guest Idris Arshad, Head of People at Asthma + Lung UK. Idris believes that in 2025 HR transformation must transcend buzzwords, advocating for clearly defined roles and...
How can AI tools be used to empower HR professionals?
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising HR with 64% of managers already using AI tools in their roles. In the latest HR on the Offensive podcast Chris delves into this transformation with guests Andrea Derler, Principal Research Value and Ben Harris, VP EMEA both...
How will AI impact organisations becoming skills-powered?
In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris is joined by LACErs Charlie Frost, and Aaron Lynch, our in-house AI experts, as they chat with Ben Williams, Founder and Managing Director of Sten10. They discuss the transformative impact of AI on...
Webinar: HR Automation – Separating Hype From Reality
Webinar: HR Automation – Separating Hype From Reality Automation holds a lot of promise for HR. Automating processes means the function can let the everyday work be carried out by technology while HR professionals themselves can spend more time being more strategic...
AI and change management: A synergy for success
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most disruptive forces impacting businesses today, and it's set to significantly alter the landscape of change management. We’ve recorded a number of podcasts in the last year looking at its impact from a holistic HR...
How can HR embrace the AI revolution?
In the latest episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris discusses the evolving role of AI in HR with LACErs Charlie Frost and Aaron Alburey, alongside guest David Wilson, CEO of Fosway Group. We recently hosted an event where CPOs explored AI’s impact on HR....
How can organisations effectively integrate pragmatic AI in HR?
In the latest episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris dives into rapidly evolving topic of AI in HR. He is joined by fellow LACErs Aaron Alburey, and our resident AI expert Charlie Frost, to discuss the practical uses of AI in HR. What is pragmatic AI? It...
Does HR have the right mindset for embedding pragmatic AI?
LACErs Chris Howard and Aaron Alburey discuss the role of pragmatic AI within HR and emphasise how HR leaders need to be both strategic and practical in integrating AI solutions. AI in HR isn't new, but with the rise of generative AI and machine learning, its impact...
How can HR leaders navigate the future with AI?
The latest HR on the Offensive podcast, hosted by Chris, delves into leadership and future AI advancements. Joined by LACE AI expert Charlie Frost, LACE Co-Founder Cathy Acrotopulo, and guest, Nick Chatrath, Managing Director of the Artesian Group. The discussion...
AI and HR – what’s all the fuss about?
In this edition of our weekly HR on the Offensive livestream, Chris and Charlie Frost talk all things AI. Charlie is LACE's resident AI specialist and over the last six months he's been keeping an eye on the AI landscape and how it could impact HR. We're going to...
HR on the Offensive Live – Launch stream
For the first HR on the Offensive livestream hosted by Chris Howard and featuring guest Debbie Mitchell, in this episode they tackle the topic of objective setting—an essential process that businesses revisit at the start of each year. The conversation quickly moved...
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is AI in HR, and how can it benefit my organisation?
AI in HR applies smart technology to automate repetitive tasks, analyse workforce data, and provide insights that help you make better decisions—saving time and improving employee experiences.
Will AI replace HR professionals?
No. AI supports HR teams by taking care of routine processes, allowing professionals to focus on strategy, people development, and workplace culture. It enhances the human element rather than replacing it.
Which HR processes can be automated with AI?
Typical examples include answering employee FAQs through chatbots, handling documents, managing leave requests, streamlining onboarding, and assisting with payroll.
What legal or regulatory guidelines do we need to follow when using AI in HR?
AI in HR must comply with UK employment law and data protection regulations such as GDPR. We help clients put governance in place so that AI use is both lawful and transparent.
How secure is staff data when using AI tools?
Data security is a top priority. We ensure all solutions comply with GDPR and relevant data protection regulations, safeguarding confidentiality at every stage.
Can AI really predict employee turnover or engagement issues?
Yes. Predictive analytics can identify patterns of disengagement or risk of attrition, giving managers the opportunity to intervene early.
Do I need technical expertise to use AI in HR?
Not at all. We provide intuitive tools along with training and support, so your HR team can benefit from AI without needing specialist technical knowledge.
How do we train our people so they feel prepared to use AI tools?
Introducing AI without training often leaves staff unsure or resistant. We provide tailored workshops and resources to help HR teams and line managers understand how the tools work, how to interpret results, and how to balance technology with good people management. The goal is to make AI approachable and easy to use day-to-day.
How do we train our people so they feel prepared to use AI tools?
Introducing AI without training often leaves staff unsure or resistant. We provide tailored workshops and resources to help HR teams and line managers understand how the tools work, how to interpret results, and how to balance technology with good people management. The goal is to make AI approachable and easy to use day-to-day.
What is the return on investment (ROI) or benefit to employees when using AI in HR?
AI is not just about efficiency for the business; it should also improve the employee experience. Benefits include quicker responses to queries, fairer recruitment processes, personalised learning recommendations, and reduced admin. This creates more time for HR and managers to focus on wellbeing, development, and engagement.
How do we integrate AI tools with our existing HR systems and workflows?
Most organisations already have systems such as an HRIS or ATS in place. We ensure that AI solutions are compatible and integrate smoothly with your existing tools, so you don’t need to start from scratch. Our approach minimises disruption and ensures new AI features complement, rather than complicate, your current workflows.
Why choose your consultancy over a general AI provider?
We combine deep HR expertise with practical AI knowledge. This ensures the solutions we deliver are not just technically sound, but also people-focused, effective, and fit for your organisation.
We’ll assess your current situation, design an approach tailored to your business needs and culture, and deliver solutions that fit your timeline and budget.






























