How we work
Straightforward advice, proportionate solutions and direct access to the people doing the work.
Every organisation and every project is different. We take time to understand what you need, agree a clear scope and use an approach that is proportionate to the decisions you are trying to make.
You will work directly with experienced EBRS consultants throughout the project. We will challenge the evidence where necessary, explain our reasoning clearly and won't try to sell you work that you don't need.
Relationships are crucial.
Much of our work comes from repeat clients and referrals. We think that reflects the way we work: straightforward, responsive and collaborative.
Reward projects can involve sensitive decisions and sometimes difficult conversations. We aim to be a trusted independent adviser - able to challenge where needed, while remaining practical about the organisation's circumstances and what can realistically be implemented.
We also think working with consultants should be a reasonably enjoyable experience!
Using technology carefully.
We use technology, including AI where appropriate, to support parts of our analysis and improve the efficiency of our work.
It does not replace professional judgement. Outputs are reviewed by an experienced consultant, assumptions are challenged and responsibility for our advice remains with EBRS.
We also consider carefully what information is appropriate to use with different technologies and how client data is handled.
Numbers matter, but so do the people behind them.
We enjoy working with data, statistics and spreadsheets - probably more than most people.
But pay data represents real people, their jobs and their livelihoods. We therefore handle information carefully, test the evidence rather than accepting it at face value, and consider the practical impact of the recommendations we make.
A technically perfect solution is of little value if it cannot be understood, afforded or implemented.
Providing independent advice.
We are not tied to a particular job evaluation system, salary survey or software platform.
We use the methods and evidence that we think are appropriate for the project and explain the strengths and limitations of the information available.
Our four principles
1. We start with the problem, not the product.
We take time to understand your organisation, what is driving the project and the decisions you need to make. We then recommend an approach that fits the need rather than applying an off-the-shelf solution.
2. We agree what success looks like.
At the outset, we agree the scope, outputs, timescales and how you want to be involved. We keep you informed as the work progresses and raise issues early if the evidence changes our view.
3. You deal with the people doing the work.
EBRS is a small specialist consultancy. The people you meet at the start remain involved in the analysis, recommendations and discussions throughout the project.
4. We give you our judgement.
Data and methodology matter, but they do not make decisions by themselves. We interpret the evidence, challenge questionable comparisons and explain clearly how we have reached our conclusions.
Thinking about a pay and reward project?
If you are not sure what level of support you need, talk it through with us. We will help you identify a proportionate approach - and tell you if we think you don't need something.