The Essential Guide to HR for Line Managers

Managing people can be the most rewarding—and challenging—aspect of a line manager’s role. Yet many organisations fail to equip managers with the right tools and support.

Our Guide to HR for Line Managers is designed to help you confidently navigate the complexities of managing people, understand where HR can support you, and ensure you effectively lead your teams within legal and organisational frameworks.

Why This Guide Matters

The relationship between HR and line managers isn’t always straightforward. While HR is there to offer advice, set policies, and help interpret employment law, you are the decision-maker on the ground.
Your people don’t just need a policy — they need leadership.

This guide helps you see your people management responsibilities as central to your role, not a task to pass off to HR. You’ll learn to handle everyday people challenges and make confident, fair decisions that your team can trust.

✅ How HR Can Support You: Understanding when and how to seek HR guidance.

✅ Key Line Management Responsibilities:

• Recruitment and onboarding
• Preventing discrimination
• Tackling bullying and harassment
• Managing performance and appraisals
• Navigating disciplinary processes
• Handling grievances fairly
• Managing absences with confidence
• Applying family-friendly policies:
• Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Parental leave
• Flexible working arrangements