Running a small team is rewarding, whether you have a handful of employees or multiple departments. However, without in-house HR support, navigating the world of employment law, health and safety, payroll, workplace pensions and more can be confusing and time-consuming as a smaller employer. At the Federation of Small Businesses, our team of experts are here to help you at every stage of your journey, from tips for finding your next hire to guidance on keeping your staff safe.

Recruiting the right staff

If you’re hiring your first employee or welcoming your newest team member, we’ll help you get to grips with employment law. Find trusted guidance for expanding your small business from our employment experts, including new starter checklists, best practices and more.

How to hire staff for your small business

How to hire staff for your small business

From attracting candidates to signing contracts, hiring an employee for your small business can be complex. We’re here to help you through the entire recruitment process with our free guide on how to hire staff.

How to hire an apprentice

How to hire an apprentice

Download our free guide to learn how to hire an apprentice for your small business. Discover the key steps and benefits for your business, as well as information about funding and frameworks.

How to hire temporary employees and seasonal staff

How to hire temporary employees and seasonal staff

Find out what you need to know when hiring a temporary employee in your small business, including fixed-term contracts, employee rights and notice periods.

Looking to upskill your team?

We understand hiring the right people is challenging. That’s why we’re supporting you to build a skilled team, whatever your sector. Explore advice and guidance designed to help you engage with education providers, train new talent, and recruit staff. Let’s close the skills gap.

Find out more

Welcoming new employees to your business

Have you got the correct policies and procedures in place ahead of your new hire’s first day on the job? Start as you mean to go with guidance on getting the right paperwork in place and how to help your employee feel part of the team.

Employment contracts: How to change them and what to include
Article Tue, 04 June 2024

Employment contracts: How to change them and what to include

Your employment contracts should contain all the important details of the employer and employee’s rights. Learn more about this legal requirement from our employment experts.

How to write an employee handbook
Article Mon, 12 February 2024

How to write an employee handbook

What should be in your employee handbook? In this article, learn the benefits of a staff handbook and which policies you should include.

What should my staff induction include?
Article Tue, 28 February 2023

What should my staff induction include?

Whether you're hiring your first employee or expanding your team, find out what you should include in a successful staff induction.

Creating an inclusive workplace

Business Without Barriers

Business Without Barriers

Together with experts and leading organisations, our Business Without Barriers hub features resources to help you to make your workplace more inclusive and accessible.

Free standard: Menstruation, menstrual health and menopause in the workplace

BS 30416 is a free standard providing guidance for businesses on how to improve support for employees experiencing menstruation and menopause at work. Beyond practical adjustments, checklists, and discussion resources, this document supports fostering a more open and inclusive workplace culture.

Free standard: Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

PAS 1948 supports businesses to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their workplaces. This free document provides guidance to help you implement an effective DEI framework. It also offers practical measures for improving recruitment, retention, and inclusive business practices.

Paying your team

Payroll can be time-consuming and confusing, but it’s doesn’t have to be. Our specialists from FSB Payroll and Pensions are on hand with resources to help you save time.

What is the Employment Allowance and am I eligible?
Article Wed, 20 November 2024

What is the Employment Allowance and am I eligible?

A guide to the Employment Allowance for small business owners. Learn who is eligible, what it involves, and how your small business can claim it.

How to stay compliant with workplace pensions
Article Tue, 25 October 2022

How to stay compliant with workplace pensions

From employer contributions to communication, our experts from FSB Payroll and Pensions share their top tips for keeping your small business' workplace pension scheme compliant.

Business Basics: Managing Payroll and Pensions
Document Mon, 01 March 2021

Business Basics: Managing Payroll and Pensions

Learn the basics of setting up and managing a compliant payroll and workplace pension scheme for your employees, whether you have one employee or 100.

Staying compliant

From health and safety obligations to insurance requirements, there are various laws that you need to be aware of as an employer. Our experts share their top tips and advice to help you stay compliant, so you can get back to running your business.

What is Employers’ Liability insurance?
Article Tue, 07 March 2023

What is Employers’ Liability insurance?

Running a small team? Find out why Employers’ Liability insurance is a must-have, what it covers, and who it applies to, with top tips from our business insurance experts.

How training courses can keep your small business compliant
Article Fri, 10 February 2023

How training courses can keep your small business compliant

From workplace health and safety to sector-specific courses, discover why compliance training is important and how it can benefit your small business.

Business Basics: Health and Safety Compliance
Document Mon, 07 June 2021

Business Basics: Health and Safety Compliance

Download our free guide to health and safety for small business owners and the self-employed.

Keep your team compliant

Upskill and train your team in a way that fits your busy schedule. Access over 1,000 CPD certified online courses in key areas like health and safety, food hygiene, finance and more.

Start learning today

Join the Federation of Small Businesses today

Join today

Join online

Joining online is quick and easy to do. Start now and we'll be welcoming you as our latest member in just a few minutes.

Meet online

Book a meeting

Arrange to meet your local membership advisor virtually or face-to-face, or simply give them a call to chat about joining FSB.

Book Now

Arrange a call back

Have one of our sales advisers call you back to learn how FSB membership can help you and your business.