Meet Our Team

Behind every great HR solution is a team that’s passionate about helping businesses succeed.

At vivoHR, our experienced HR professionals combine practical expertise with a straightforward, down-to-earth approach. Led by Sam Swinstead, we’re committed to building lasting relationships and delivering tailored HR support that helps businesses thrive.

Get to know the people behind vivoHR and discover the expertise that makes us a trusted HR partner for organisations across the UK.

Director

With a background that combines a Masters in Organisational Psychology with over 25 years’ experience in HR and Training, Sam has a wealth of HR skills and knowledge to share and has been working with clients in a multitude of industry sectors ranging in size from Startups to Blue Chip brands. 

Her pragmatic approach to dealing with employee matters has helped clients deal with everything from redundancy, disciplinary and grievance situations to equality audits and introducing a comprehensive performance review and development programme. Sam’s work has saved a number of businesses in excess of tens of thousands of pounds, by enabling them to avoid costly tribunal claims.

With a passion for supporting organisations committed to developing a culture of fair treatment, inclusion and respect for individuals, Sam offers a ‘joined up’ best practice strategic approach to helping clients manage their people. She gets excited about providing complete HR solutions that can be deployed in ‘real life’ – practically and simply. To this end she has developed the vivoHR People Plan.

Sam says: “Whatever I do in a company, my clients tell me that they feel like I am on their side, that my passion and energy are infectious and my determination to get the right outcome gives business owners the confidence to be a great employer!”

Outside of work, Sam has a social life almost as hectic as her working life! She loves nothing more than a night out with good comedy or live music, and at home she enjoys playing host to friends and family. 

HR Consultant

Rachel joined vivoHR in 2013, bringing more than 18 years’ experience in business support gained with organisations including DERA, Logica and BT.

Since joining vivoHR, Rachel has achieved her CIPD qualification and continually developed and grown her HR knowledge as a HR Consultant. She now provides trusted, commercially focused advice to clients, helping business owners and managers navigate both day-to-day people matters and more complex HR challenges with clarity and confidence.

Whether she is advising on employee relations matters, developing robust contracts, policies and handbooks, or strengthening HR processes, her work is tailored to the client’s organisation. Rachel gives clients confidence that their people priorities are being managed proactively and professionally.

Known for her dislike for jargon and logical approach, Rachel makes complex HR issues easier to understand. Clients value her ability to balance compliance, commercial priorities and the practical realities of managing people.

Rachel says: “My role is to give clients the confidence to manage their people well. By combining practical support and focused HR advice, I help them reduce risk, resolve issues effectively and create more time to focus on running and growing their business.”

Outside of work you will most likely Rachel at a gig or festival, pottering about in the garden, or decorating the house, as well as looking after the cat, dog and her children.

HR Consultant

Sarah-Louise joined vivoHR as an HR Consultant in February 2022, having previously worked in HR departments for a variety of sectors such as IT, Leisure, Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals. She started her HR career over 14 years ago by accident and hasn’t looked back since, carving a path as an HR professional.

After being qualified by experience for many years, Sarah-Louise undertook her CIPD Level 5 during maternity leave with her first child.

With a generalist background Sarah-Louise has a wealth of knowledge relating to employee relations concerns. She is also experienced in creating and tailoring policies/procedures to the company’s individual needs whilst ensuring they are compliant within the eyes of the law. She has a passion for systems and ensuring they work to the needs of the client to make life easier not harder!

Sarah-Louise is focused on delivering high quality thoughtful advice to help employers provide a fair and forward-thinking approach to their HR requirements.

Sarah-Louise says: “After working as an in-house HR professional for many years I am very excited to be part of an HR Consultancy like vivoHR to share my knowledge and passion for all things HR and people related. I want to be a solid partner and friendly voice of reason for my clients who they can trust and turn to, to give them reliable and accurate advice.”

HR Consultant

Rebecca is approaching her 30th year in Human Resources and has worked across many industries in various HR roles.

She has recently concluded a central Government project focused on designing and delivering their talent acquisition strategy. Alongside this, she has worked as a Consultant for a prominent City Council, project managing a highly publicised change management programme to help them avoid bankruptcy. Most recently, she has supported our clients with race discrimination grievances, sexual harassment disciplinaries, and TUPE transitions. Rebecca regularly chairs appeals, disciplinaries, and grievances, making her a frequent choice as project lead for our Employee Relations cases.

An Executive Coach, HR Mentor, Psychotherapist, and Mental Health Trainer, she has a keen interest in helping our clients develop a more neuro-inclusive leadership approach.

Rebecca says “I believe every workplace benefits from inclusive leadership and a genuine understanding of people. I’m excited to share my HR experience with vivoHR’s clients, helping them navigate challenges, embrace differences and build stronger organisations.”

Outside of work, she is a busy mum of twins and can often be found collapsed in a heap with a glass of pink gin at her side!

HR Advisor

Emmie-Beth embarked on her HR journey in 2019 through an apprenticeship with a large public services company. Since then, she has gained experience across various industries, including education, engineering, and public services.

She began her career supporting HR teams with TUPE transfers before progressing to an HR Advisor role in an SME engineering company, where she provided generalist HR support.

Later, Emmie-Beth commuted to London to work for a prestigious Fashion Education group, acting as HR Advisor for their Group function before joining the vivoHR team in 2024.

With a breadth of experience in end-to-end recruitment, policies and procedures, process improvements, and learning and development, Emmie-Beth has supported employees at all levels – from graduates to directors and CEOs. Her proactive and forward-thinking approach to HR helps businesses enhance their services while easing the burden of day-to-day HR challenges.

Emmie-Beth says “Having now moved from an internal HR structure to HR consultancy, I am excited to work closely with clients in improving their HR processes and by providing authentic, compliant advice. I am excited to be one of the trusted, friendly faces of vivoHR.”

When she’s not working, Emmie-Beth enjoys exploring new places, trying her hand at creative projects, and making the most of her downtime with family and friends.

Transcription and Administrative Support

Lisa has been working closely with vivoHR providing their meeting transcription services for client employee relations matters since 2022, after leaving her full-time job and setting up her own freelance admin support company, LH Admin Services. In her previous corporate life Lisa wore many hats; Senior Executive Assistant, NATO Events Co-ordinator, Office Manager and more, all within the security and defence industries.

Lisa brings with her decades of experience, a keen eye for detail, an incredible work ethic and is a perfect fit helping to support the team with their meetings.

Lisa says “It is always an absolute pleasure working with the ladies at vivoHR, they are consummate professionals, even in high pressure situations, always delivering the impartial and high-level support that their clients need. I am very proud to be part of the team!”

Remus & Bo

We believe a great team is made up of more than just people!

Our office dogs are an important part of the vivoHR family, bringing plenty of energy, entertainment and the occasional distraction to our working days. Whether they’re joining a virtual meeting, keeping us company while we tackle HR challenges, or simply reminding us it’s time for a walk, they’re always on hand to lift the mood.

Meet the four-legged members of the vivoHR team. Our unofficial wellbeing officers, security guards, and experts in making the working day a little brighter.

Remus and Bo say “We work for treats!”