Case study | Workforce C&T

Delivering a successful TUPE transfer ahead of schedule and budget

Navigating a complex TUPE transition with an approach that reduced risk, built trust and achieved a successful outcome.

Client overview

Business type

People services

Locations

Employees

1,000

Key outcomes

Successful TUPE transfer delivered ahead of schedule and budget
Reduced legal, financial and tribunal risk
Newly incorporated employees felt supported and positively transitioned

The challenge

A people services business was navigating a complex TUPE transfer involving an incumbent provider, sensitive employee relations and a heightened legal risk environment. While compliance was critical, the leadership team needed a partner that could deliver a compliant but people‑focused transition that built trust and ensured successful workforce transfer.

Key challenges included:

High TUPE risk exposure with potential tribunal implications
Low trust and strained relationships between the involved parties
Risk of over‑reliance on legal positioning rather than employee outcomes
Need to transfer employees smoothly while maintaining service delivery

Megan Byrne
Organisational Transformation and People Services Consultant

The solution

NFP partnered with the client to design and deliver a phased TUPE programme that prioritised compliance and people, while building confidence, clarity and alignment between all stakeholders.

We positioned ourselves as a trusted extension of the client’s team, aligning closely with their culture and values. Rather than fully scoping the project upfront, we adopted an agile, value first approach that demonstrated credibility early and built leadership confidence through action.

NFP delivered:

Close engagement with senior leaders to align on priorities and approach
Re‑framing discussions away from risk‑avoidance towards outcome‑focused delivery
Advising the temporary removal of legal teams from key discussions to rebuild trust and enable constructive dialogue
Structuring delivery in agile ‘blocks’ to allow review, adjustment and mitigation at each stage
Ongoing cost reviews and transparent communication throughout the programme

The results

For their organisation

Successful TUPE delivery

Delivered a successful TUPE transfer ahead of schedule and under budget.

Reduced cost and risk exposure

Minimised potential cost and liability risks through a structured approach.

Increased leadership confidence

Built confidence across leadership teams and HR stakeholders.

For their people

Supported through transition

Ensured employees felt welcomed, informed and supported throughout the transfer.

Stronger trust and engagement

Maintained and improved trust and engagement during organisational change.

Reduced disruption and uncertainty

Minimised anxiety and disruption across the transfer process.

Their TUPE knowledge was second to none. They were like an extension of the team and the catalyst for a successful transition.

General Manager, UK

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