ABOUT
HOWLETT BROWN

We are a people intelligence company, specialising in investigations, culture, sustainability, business intelligence, diversity, equity, equality and inclusion (deei), workplace training, communications, conflict resolution, crisis and people advisory solutions.

Why we exist

In a world where data meets humanity against a continuum of change and challenge, multi-disciplined skills and expertise are critical to the future of work and risk management for employers and service providers. We see this every day in our work with clients.

Howlett Brown was created to close the gaping hole in people services, globally. The founders of Howlett Brown knew that to provide people services that were truly fit for the challenges of today and the future, those delivering people services needed to have multi-disciplined skills across a broad range of people related practices.

For example:

If a HR professional does not understand diversity, equity and inclusion or employment law to a competent standard, they will never truly understand culture, spot emerging issues early and be able to address those issues with nuance and skill that limits risk.

If an investigator does not understand micro-issues or microaggressions that are subtle and can build or how the societal and cultural landscape affects people, they will not be able to thoroughly investigate issues being complained of and reach a non-biased and qualified decision.

If a legal advisor does not understand diversity, equity and inclusion, culture or conflict resolution to a competent level, it will limit their ability to provide strategic advice, resolve equality related risks and disputes, for their clients.

Having multi-disciplined skills across a broad range of people related practices is critical to navigate the issues that arise in workplaces more frequently today and in the future.

WE EXIST TO HELP ORGANISATIONS BUILD AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE THEIR INTEGRITY, INCLUSION AND PURPOSE THRIVE AND THEIR PEOPLE RISK IS LOW.

What makes us different

As a people intelligence company our services are delivered with depth, nuance and precision. We are a different kind of service provider to our clients. Here is what sets us apart from others in our fields of expertise:

We specialise in ‘all things’ people and occupy a unique space in many markets and industries
We have global, multi-jurisdictional and cross-industry expertise and provide a holistic and blended approach to all our services
We tailor every aspect of our services to best support client need
We are authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
We collectively have over six decades of experience in investigations, culture, sustainability, business intelligence, diversity, equity, equality and inclusion, learning and development, communications, conflict resolution, reputational risk and advisory solutions
If an employer or service provider engages one of our service areas or team, they engage all our collective skills and disciplines, when only speaking to one of us

What this means in practice is:

If a client engages us for investigation services and we become aware of cultural matters or policy practices underpinning the issues, we will conduct and complete the investigation with diligence as well as separately inform our clients of the cultural or policy issues, supported by solutions, so they are able to promptly address the root causes.

If we deliver training or facilitation to our client’s workforce and we identify learning gaps or tensions that limit growth, change or may escalate to larger issues, we will recommend solutions to subtly close those gaps and deescalate the tensions tailored specifically to our client and the situation.

If a client approaches us regarding an employee dispute and believes that an investigation may be necessary, we will explore that route with our client and ensure that there are no other beneficial routes available, such as mediation, informal facilitation discussions that may reduce risk, improve retention, employee experience, wellbeing and workplace culture.

If our client has a low level of trust or engagement for change amongst its workforce, we meet our client where they are on their journey, tailor solutions for change that lasts, while bespoking our approach for particular challenging areas of conflict, risk and different stakeholder groups.

Our Journey so far

September 2019 – Charlene Brown and Alex Howlett launch Howlett Brown
June 2020 – Alex returns to the world of Financial Services, leaving Howlett Brown. Charlene becomes Managing Director and leads Howlett Brown
October 2020 – Publication of Howlett Brown’s report into workplace racism (including anti-Black racism) commissioned by the Amnesty International Board
November 2020 – Charlene Brown is appointed to be the Independent Chair of the Ethics Committee at the Ivors Academy, advising the Academy Board on ethics-related issues, including setting up a new ethical framework for the Academy’s activities, which includes complaints, awards and membership.
June 2022 – Publication of Environmental Investigation report commissioned by UCL after concerns were raised regarding culture, educational practices and the environment at the Bartlett School of Architecture.
October 2022 – Charlene Brown wins Women Led Business of the Year at the British Business Awards 2022.

February 2023 – Publication of Howlett Brown’s report commissioned by the General Medical Council to assess how they audit the fairness of their work
June 2023 – Howlett Brown appointed to be the independent point of contact for anyone wishing to report any current or historic issues or raise any concerns about the Guardian’s policies or culture relating to sexual harassment.
July 2023 – Howlett Brown launches retainer services and begins to support global clients on a retained basis across Investigations, Culture and Sustainability, and Advisory services.
January 2024 – Howlett Brown team grows hiring in Manchester and the North-West, and launch new services in crisis communications, culture communications and sustainability.
April 2025 – Howlett Brown launch a Workplace Wellbeing Deficit Report in collaboration with HumanOS.