Our Team

Neil began his career in human resources with a corporate wear manufacturer before transitioning to JP Corry, a leading builders merchant, in 2005. As HR Manager at JP Corry, he led the HR function across 18 branches in Ireland, developing expertise in HR management, employee relations, and organizational development. In 2012, Neil expanded his experience by joining Personnel & Training Services as an HR consultant, where he provided expert HR consultancy services to a diverse client base. In addition to his consultancy work, Neil has held a directorship at a Belfast-based charity (2011-2013) and was an active committee member of the Northern Ireland branch of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), further strengthening his professional HR network. Neil holds a BA in HR Management, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management, and the NEBOSH General Certificate, in addition to being a member of the CIPD. Outside of work, Neil enjoys golfing and spending time at the beautiful beaches of the North Coast. As the CEO of BeyondHR, an HR consultancy firm in Glasgow, Scotland and Ballymena, Northern Ireland, Neil brings a wealth of HR experience and leadership to support businesses with comprehensive HR solutions, including employee management, HR strategy, and workplace compliance.

Helen is the joint owner and COO of Beyond HR and has been working in the area of human resources for 20+ years now. Helen’s career in HR began with Valence Technology BV before moving to Mivan Limited in 2001 where she was responsible for strategic and operational HR across the business which required extensive travel to the company’s many international offices. In 2007 Helen moved into HR consultancy services with a focus on employee relations, Helen worked as an HR consultant for 7 years before joining up with Neil McLeese to rebrand Personnel & Training Services as BeyondHR in Northern Ireland. Helen’s experience is supported by a BA Degree, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management, NEBOSH General Certificate, MII Mediator Training and membership of the CIPD. Leading Helen to be COO of the HR consultancy in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Before joining BeyondHR in 2011 as an HR Consultant, Jill worked in in-house HR roles within the Utilities sector (Phoenix Natural Gas) and the global drinks industry (Diageo). After joining BeyondHR Jill became Senior Consultant in 2016 and is now the Director of our HR consultancy in Northern Ireland. Outside of her professional life, Jill enjoys open water swimming and golfing, especially on the scenic north coast where she lives. In January 2023, she embraced the joy of motherhood, welcoming twin girls into her family.

Helen started her HR career in a large UK-based retail Company before moving to HR consultancy. She joined BeyondHR in October 2016. Previous to this Helen was for many years the manager for the delivery of employment services in Ireland, Scotland, and the North of England for a UK HR consultancy firm. Helen has experience in all aspects of the HR consultancy service from the preparation of employment documentation to employment advice, training, consultancy, and representation at the Industrial Tribunal and Fair Employment Tribunal. Helen has formed close relationships with many clients over the past 5 years as Senior HR consultant who really value her advice and guidance when dealing with complex HR situations. Helen enjoys walking, running, cycling and aerobics and is also a keen gardener.

Deirdre joined BeyondHR in Ballymena from a well-known hospitality business in January 2018 as HR consultant. For more than 25 years Deirdre held a number of senior HR Management roles across Great Britain and Northern Ireland within the hospitality industry. Her experience is supported by an honours degree and she is a fellow of the CIPD. Deirdre is experienced in all aspects of employment law with her areas of expertise including performance management, employee relations/generalist HR, and recruitment and selection. Our clients are delighted to avail of Deirdre’s HR consultancy experience across a range of issues, the relationship that is built with these clients is what leads to our clients forming long-term partnerships with BeyondHR. Outside of work Deirdre has a keen interest in entertaining, walking and travel, her favourite country to visit is France and favourite city is New York.

Joanne holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Business Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in HR Management from the Ulster University and has held membership with the CIPD since 2004. Joanne gained a breadth of HR knowledge across the private and public sector before commencing employment with BeyondHR based in Northern Ireland back in 2017. Joanne quickly became a key member of the team forming close working relationships with a number of clients who rely on her for HR advice and guidance across a range of HR activities. Joanne has a keen interest in the areas of recruitment and performance management but has also assisted many clients in dealing with grievances and working towards reducing the level of sickness and absence in the workplace. In her spare time Joanne enjoys spending time at the North Coast where she enjoys long walks on the beach with the family

Laura has more than 15 years’ of experience in the HR industry, most of which was spent in the HR department at Henderson Group. She is a member of CIPD with a BA degree in Business Administration and a Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Management which she obtained from Queens University. Laura has experience across a wide range of HR services including complex employee relations cases, absence management, and employee wellbeing. Outside of work Laura enjoys family days at the beach, eating out, and walking.

With 18 years of HR experience in both in-house and consultancy basis, Denise started her career in the Retail sector after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Information Technology and Human Resource Management. Joining our HR consultancy in Glasgow in October 2021. Denise has experience across various sectors and a large well known consultancy business, with a passion for employee relations and problem-solving to help business owners and managers manage day-to-day HR issues, whilst staying compliant with current employment law. Outside of work Denise enjoys family walks and days out and going to the gym.

Aine brings eight years of HR and recruitment expertise to the BeyondHR team, joining as an ER/HR Consultant and seamlessly integrating with the team. Previously, Aine worked as the HR Coordinator for a manufacturing firm in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Before that, Aine spent five years as a Recruitment Consultant at one of Ireland's top recruitment agency. Outside of a busy working life, Aine resides along the coast with her young family, staying active with her two children, and following motorsports, especially as her husband competes in rallies.

Paul is a Chartered Member of the CIPD with over 30 years’ experience in human resources. He has held senior HR roles across a diverse range of sectors, including hospitality, retail, FMCG, education, media, and the charitable sector. As a seasoned HR generalist, Paul brings expertise in employee relations, recruitment and selection, performance management, and organisational development. His practical, people-centred approach is focused on helping businesses navigate complex HR challenges with confidence. Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family, trips to the cinema, and holidays in the sun whenever he gets the chance.

Vicki is a Technical Member of IOSH who has over 15 years’ experience within the health and safety profession. Prior to her current consultancy role, she gained experience in a variety of sectors including Research & Development, Manufacturing, Construction and Engineering. She is experienced in ensuring legal compliance through auditing, carrying out risk assessments, completing COSHH Assessments, drafting Safe Systems of Work and policy writing. Her H&S qualifications include NEBOSH General Certificate, IOSH certificates in Managing Safety and Risk Assessment, and BOHS P405 Certificate in Management of Asbestos in Buildings. She has completed ISO Internal Auditor and Train the Trainer courses. Having a keen interest in Health and Safety, she was a successful participant in the NISG Health and Safety Quiz on a number of occasions. She was part of a team who won the Northern Ireland competition on three occasions and the all-Ireland final once. Outside of work Vicki likes to travel, both within Ireland and further afield, but her main interests are Irish Dancing and baking. She enjoys making bespoke cakes and cupcakes.

Ross has experience carrying out risk assessments, fire safety checks and health and safety audits in the health and social care sector whilst specialising in working with young people with learning difficulties such as autism and challenging behaviour where health & safety is always a top priority. With a degree in psychology and a masters in applied behaviour analysis he has hands on experience promoting positive behaviour change in individuals especially when it comes to their attitudes towards health and safety. Outside of work Ross spends his spare time maintaining classic cars, making metal sculptures, playing guitar and driving around the north coast.

Hannah joined our expanding Health and Safety Team in March 2024, bringing valuable experience from her previous roles. After successfully completing her NEBOSH certification in 2023, Hannah is well-equipped to contribute to our team's objectives. She has spent over 10 years in the Retail and Hospitality sector, supervising teams both in Northern Ireland and Australia, which has fostered her health and safety awareness. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out at the gym, and exploring new destinations around the globe.

Joining us as the first Trainee HR consultant for the Scotland team, Justine brings a wealth of business experience from her previous role in hospitality management. Justine is excited to grow within the Beyond HR team and is looking forward to expanding her expertise by pursuing her CIPD qualification, alongside her on the job training. Outside of the office, Justine has a busy family life with two daughters, a Puggle and 3 rabbits. She also has a passion for baking, which led to her establishing her cake business in early 2020. The Scotland team will be well stocked with treats for the foreseeable future!

Rebekah joined our team with a background in education and Learning & Development. She is currently completing her CIPD Level 5 to achieve Associate Membership. Rebekah enjoys the dynamic nature of consultancy appreciating that no two days are ever the same, and values the opportunity to meet clients face-to-face. Outside of work, Rebekah loves spending time with her loved ones (including her dog), catching up with friends over coffee and planning her next city break adventure.

Aimee joined the BeyondHR team in April 2024 as a Trainee HR Consultant and is currently undertaking her CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management. Having 7 Years in the Hospitality Management industry and a BSc (Hons) Degree in International Travel & Tourism Management from Ulster University she is ready to diversify her skills into becoming an experienced HR Consultant and growing with BeyondHR. In her spare time Aimee likes exploring the North Coast and eating out.

Heather has over 7 years’ experience working across marketing, HR, and recruitment. She kicked things off in the tech world as a marketing intern, before moving to one of the biggest recruitment agencies in Northern Ireland, working her way up to a senior role. That mix of experience means she knows how to bring the right message to the right people, especially when it comes to all things HR. When she’s not busy with campaigns and content, you’ll find Heather in her happy place, baking at the weekend, squeezing in a bit of Pilates, or off exploring somewhere new.