Welcome to EMPWR Solutions
Your workplace partner | EMPWRing you to make sense of HR & employment law
Welcome to EMPWR Solutions
Your workplace partner | EMPWRing you to make sense of HR & employment law
About EMPWR Solutions
We're ready to be your HR & Workplace Partner!
EMPWR Solutions is a boutique consulting firm specialising in HR, employment and workplace relations.
Founded by Vanessa James-McPhee (that's me) in 2019, EMPWR Solutions partners with businesses as an embedded HR partner, supporting them to navigate complex workplace matters with confidence, clarity, and practical, commercially focused advice.
Vanessa values the opportunity to work closely with clients — not just as an external advisor, but as a trusted extension of their business, supporting both day-to-day HR needs and broader workplace projects.
Vanessa’s career spans several decades, where she has provided employment law advice, strategy and practical solutions to businesses of all sizes across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Her experience includes working within a peak industry body, boutique and national law firms, as well as national and international retailers — giving her a well-rounded and commercially grounded perspective on workplace issues.
Vanessa has also presented at numerous conferences across Australia and delivers training to employees, managers and business owners on a wide range of HR and employment law topics.
Why EMPWR?
EMPWR (pronounced “empower”) reflects both what the business does and how it works. The name combines employment and workplace relations, while also capturing a core purpose — to empower clients to make confident, informed decisions in what is often a complex and evolving area.
The name itself carries personal significance. It was inspired by a moment when Vanessa’s daughter gifted her a bracelet after attending a school leadership program. That act of encouragement became a defining symbol — reinforcing the confidence to turn intention into action and bring EMPWR Solutions to life.
Solutions & Services
We work with businesses of all sizes providing a diverse range of workplace & HR support & resources.
The EMPWR Solutions team is here to support & lighten your workload. We will do this by listening to what's going on & identify the right level of support, solutions, resources and advice needed.
Here's a snapshot of our Solutions & Services; but if you're looking for more detail, click on the button to Learn More or Contact Us to discuss.
Drafting Employment Contracts
Whether you want a contract for your casual or CEO, the EMPWR Solutions have the expertise to draft it for you. We will take the time to find out what's important & determine whether post employment restraints & obligations are needed. Our contracts comply with workplace laws and are drafted in clear, plain English to ensure both parties understand their contractual obligations.
HR Projects & In-House HR / Employment Law
Got an HR project sitting on the to-do list? Or just need an extra pair of experienced hands? Partner with EMPWR Solution. We’ll work alongside you and take care of what needs to get done — without the need to recruit.
Email Vanessa to start the conversation.
Performance Management & Dismissal
Not sure how to manage an underperforming employee
or bring their employment to an end and still comply with Fair Work and other workplace laws? Contact the EMPWR team to discuss the issues & get clear next steps.
Policies & Training
Workplace policies set out the organisation's expectations around behaviour & conduct. EMPWR will take the time to understand your business & what you want to achieve. Learn More about how we can customise & tailor policies and training for your team
HR Review + Award & Wage Compliance
How compliant would your business be if the Fair Work Ombudsman did a random audit of your workplace?
Click here to find out how the EMPWR team can help.
Document Drafting & Review
Our skilled and experienced team can save you time by drafting employment and workplace documents that are clear, understandable and compliant with Australian workplace laws.
Respect @ Work & Workplace Investigations
The EMPWR team are experienced workplace investigators and skilled communicators who can connect with all workplace investigation stakeholders. We are focused on the detail and are dedicated to conducting fair and impartial investigations. Contact EMPWR to discuss & start the investigation process
Sick & Injured Employees + COVID-19 Issues
We know discrimination, workers compensation & Fair Work laws and can give you peace of mind when advising you on all aspects of managing sick and injured employees & COVID related issues.
Workplace Claims
Receiving notification of a claim can be stressful and overwhelming. Learn More about how the EMPWR team can provide you with practical recommendations and next steps in managing and resolving a matter.
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
The EMPWR team love coffee & catching up with clients, so feel free to drop us a line & we can work something out
EMPWR Solutions | Your Workplace Partner
