About Us
ABC HR Consulting is led by Alison Burns — an experienced HR and Employee Relations specialist with over 20 years’ experience supporting organisations across Defence, the NHS and complex multi‑site environments. But before the qualifications and the titles, Alison is a mum, a wife, a volunteer and someone who has spent 22 years serving communities all over the world.
Her journey has taken her from hospitality to global military operations, from building toy libraries overseas to navigating loss, resilience and major life transitions. These experiences shaped how she leads, how she listens and how she supports others. They are the reason HR, for her, has always been about people first.
Professionally, Alison is CIPD Level 5 qualified, an ILM‑accredited Workplace Investigator, a trained Army Mediator and a Chartered Manager (CMgr FCMI). She holds a First Class BA (Hons) in Business Leadership and Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, reflecting her commitment to continuous development and evidence‑based practice.
She has managed high‑volume ER caseloads, conducted sensitive investigations into bullying, harassment, discrimination and serious conduct matters, and advised senior leaders on risk‑aware, ACAS‑aligned decision‑making. Her work is known for its fairness, clarity and procedural integrity.
Her 22‑year Army career built a reputation for precision, resilience and calm leadership under pressure. She has delivered in remote, high‑volume and high‑stakes environments, often as the sole HR lead. Professional assessments consistently describe her as technically strong, emotionally intelligent and someone people trust when it matters most.
Alongside her professional achievements, Alison has turned lived experience into lasting change — including successfully challenging pregnancy discrimination, leading to a formal amendment of Tri‑Service policy to protect others. She also designed and launched a community toy library overseas, securing funding and volunteers to support families and reduce isolation. It still runs today.
Today, ABC HR Consulting offers:
Workplace investigations
Conflict resolution and mediation
ER coaching and management development
Complex case support
Day‑to‑day HR advice
HR documentation and policy development
Based in Carbis Bay, Alison works with small businesses, charities, public sector teams and larger organisations across Cornwall. With active SC Clearance, she also supports Defence and government‑adjacent assignments requiring confidentiality and sensitivity.
Her approach is shaped by four core beliefs: HR starts with people. Capability should be built, not borrowed. Inclusion is lived, not written. Community creates culture.
At the heart of ABC HR Consulting is a simple ethos: fairness, clarity and professionalism — helping organisations navigate people challenges with confidence, compassion and care.