Driving business success with expert HR knowledge

We specialise in delivering tailored HR and workplace relations services. With expert knowledge and a commitment to your success, we provide the strategic support businesses need to thrive in today’s competitive environment.

Valued relationships

 

We deeply value the relationships we have with our clients. Unlike the typical ‘call centre’ experience, our clients are connected directly to a dedicated consultant who serves as their account manager. This relationship provides them with consistent, familiar and accessible support. They have direct access to their consultant’s mobile, office number, and email, ensuring they can get our assistance whenever needed. This leads to a seamless and stress-free client experience, even if their primary consultant is unavailable, as another team member will efficiently manage their requirements.

Valued relationships

What you get with EWS - Real Protection. Real Expertise. Real Impact.

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Confidence over compliance confusion

We turn compliance into a strategic advantage — not a maze of risks and red tape.

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Clarity over chaos

We simplify HR and employment law — no guesswork, no gaps, no overwhelm.

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One team over siloed advice

We fuse people strategy and workplace compliance protection into one seamless plan — not two conflicting opinions.

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Real partners over faceless service

You work directly with experienced advisors who know your business — not a call centre or a generic template.

Experience you can rely on

Experience you can rely on

At Effective Workplace Solutions, we have over 100 years of combined experience in human resources, employment law, and workplace relations, our seasoned team is dedicated to providing exceptional support. We have been achieving outcomes for our clients and building long terms relationships since 2013.

Our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments ensures that we deliver innovative, tailored solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients. We’re passionate about helping businesses thrive by creating strong, compliant workplaces that foster growth and success for both employers and their teams.

The people powering your growth

Bringing expert knowledge and personalised support to every client.

Karen Arnold - Effective Workplace Solutions - HR Legal Services

Karen Arnold – Managing Director (‘Boss Lady’)

Expert in: Employee Relations, HR Advisory, Performance Management, Policies, Compliance, Grievance Resolution
Qualifications: Bachelor of Legal & Justice, Dip. Legal Services, Cert IV Training & Assessments

Greg Arnold - Effective Workplace Solutions - HR Legal Services

Greg Arnold – Senior Consultant

Expert in: Industrial Relations, Unfair Dismissals, Mediation, Training & Workshops, Investigations
Qualifications: Bachelor of Business (Industrial Relations), Mediation, Workplace Investigator

Jane Van Gulik - Effective Workplace Solutions - HR Legal Services

Jane Van Gulik – Consultant

Expert in: Employee Handbooks, HR Advisory, Policies, HR Systems
Qualifications: Cert IV Human Resource Management

Stephanie EWS
Peter Norrie - Effective Workplace Solutions - HR Legal Services

Peter Norrie – Senior Consultant

Expert in: Industrial Relations, Payroll Compliance, Enterprise Agreements, Change Management, Restructuring, HR Advisory, Terminations
Qualifications: Bachelor of Sc MAdmin (HR & Change Management)

Peter Norrie - Effective Workplace Solutions - HR Legal Services

Vanessa Evans – Marketing

Decades of Expertise, Proven Results

Scalability and Flexibility: Our business grows with our clients’ businesses. We offer unique retainer packages that grant clients the flexibility to choose and modify the services they need as their business evolves. This model offers both convenience and cost-efficiency, as clients use our services exactly as needed without unnecessary expenditure.

1,381

Employment
contracts

53

Enterprise
agreements

867

Training
workshops

14,266

General HR
advice

Customised services

We don’t believe in generic answers. Each client’s needs are unique, and our services are customised to match those individual requirements. Whether it’s crafting personalised employee handbooks, conducting payroll audits or advising on complex HR matters, every solution is tailor-made.

This bespoke service model addresses the client’s immediate needs and aligns with their long-term goals. Our popular HR training sessions are the only professional education of this type that are delivered locally.

Karen - EWS - HR Legal Soclutions

Awards & Memberships

We are proud to be recognised for excellence in HR and employment law, with accolades such as finalists in the Tweed Regional Business Awards for 7 years, winners of the 2024 ‘Excellence in Small Business’ and ‘Excellence in Professional Services’ awards, and highly commended in the Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards.

Director Karen Arnold was a 2024 finalist in the National Australian Women in Small Business Champion Awards and has been recognised as an Outstanding Business Leader at local and regional levels.

Our leadership extends beyond our business, serving on various boards to contribute expertise, shape policies, and drive positive change. This involvement ensures our practices remain innovative and aligned with industry standards and community needs.

Effective Workplace Solutions Awards & Memberships

Our HR Consulting Clients

Local Focus and Community Engagement: Our business is deeply embedded in the community. While we focus on serving local clients in the Tweed Shire, Northern Rivers and Southern Gold Coast, we also have clients from the Daintree to Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and New Zealand. Both Greg and Karen actively participate in local business chambers and BNI, and we support local charities with their HR, either pro-bono or at significant discounts. This embeds our business within the community and enhances our local engagement.