About Access HR Solutions

Access HR Solutions works with other HR professionals to ensure that we have the resources and expertise available to help your business with any HR problem or project.

Our goal is to be Your Human Resources Manager. We’ll do your HR work when you need us. Think of us as you do your accountant or lawyer – call when you need us. Some problems can be resolved in a 15 minute conversation. Others take a lot longer. You can trust us to provide reliable, affordable advice.

The Principal of Access HR Solutions is Joan Sandwith, BA, CHRP.

Joan is an accomplished Human Resources professional with 25 years of experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors working in both unionized and non-unionized environments. She has HR experience in health care, municipalities, education, telecommunications, environmental agencies, hospitality, the provincial government and auto parts manufacturing. She has proven herself to be a positive contributor to change management programs using leadership and effective communications skills.

Joan has provided advice on employee relations issues, employment legislation and the interpretation and administration of HR policies and collective agreements, ensuring employer and employee compliance with the law and your company’s expectations.

Areas of Expertise

• Employee and labour relations.
• Legislative compliance.
• HR policies and procedures.
• Recruitment/ retention programs.
• Managing the HR components of start-ups and closures.
• Negotiation and administration of salary and benefit plans.
• Job evaluation. 
• Development and delivery of training programs on effective supervision, performance management, new employee orientation, progressive discipline.
• Mediation and negotiation.
• Performance management.
• Return to work programs.

Gary Hepworth, BA, CHRP

Gary is a senior human resources manager with extensive experience leading HR initiatives in public and private companies in IT, telecommunications, hospitality, and natural resources. Gary brings a true “business partner” philosophy and understanding of the key contributions human resources can play in the success of your business.

Gary is a successful HR leader in start-ups and has developed and executed business plans in more established organizations. He has set up and overseen operations in Ontario, the U.S. and England.

Currently Gary is the owner and president of Hepworth Consulting.

Areas of Expertise

• Change management.
• Coaching.
• Conflict resolution.
• Managing the HR components of start-ups and closures.
• Compensation design in non-union workplaces.
• Development and delivery of training programs for supervisors and managers. .
• Performance management.
• Recruitment and retention strategies.

Rodney Jewell, CSP

Rod has 28 years in production and safety management and is a recognized Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator in the automotive sector. Rod has a true passion for safeguarding your business by preventing injuries, minimizing risks and providing value added solutions that will increase your bottom line.

Rodney is the owner of EHS Risk Consulting – the Safety and Risk Consulting People.

Areas of Expertise

• Breaking down barriers to at-risk behaviours in your workplace.
• Due diligence compliance.
• Ensuring that your health and safety program and committee are effective.
• Assisting your organization to pass workplace inspections by the Occupational Health and Safety Branch of the Ministry of Labour.
• Training in how to conduct and properly document accident investigations.
• WHMIS training and certification.
• Training and certification in the Basics of Fall Protection (Lanyard) and safety standards for lift trucks.
• Emergency Scene Management/Triage.

Nancy McLean-Cooper

Nancy is an innovative, resourceful Occupational Health and Safety specialist with over 20 years of cross-functional experiences in the areas of health and safety management, employee development and HR administration. Nancy’s passion for safety, in-depth program management knowledge and her organizational skills will help your organization develop an OH&S program that is right for your business and can be managed by you.

Areas of Expertise

• E- Learning Solutions – providing you with cost-effective web-based training programs that can be easily accessed by your employees and will ensure your organization’s compliance with health and safety legislation.
• WISB Claims Management – assisting your organization to handle WSIB claims and training your staff on claims management protocol.
• Early and Safe Return To Work (ESRTW) Programs for employees who have been off work for an extended period of time due to injury or illness.
• Wellness Promotions - working with you to develop wellness initiatives tailored to your workplace.
• Program and Policy Development – working with your employees to develop an OH&S program that works for your company.

Christine Ball

Christine has nearly 30 years of experience in human resources management and HR communications. She has her International Personnel Management designation and her Human Resources Professional designation from the Ontario Municipal Management Institute.

Areas of Expertise

• Recruitment - Christine will collaborate with you and lead you through an in-depth process to ensure you find the best people for your company.
• Pensions and Benefits – Analysis of your current plans, communications to employees, working on your behalf to procure new plans. Christine has extensive experience in managing employee pension and benefits plans.
• Strategic leadership – coaching and communications expertise that will help your company effectively manage changes.
• Company Promotions, Celebrations and Event Management – Christine will find venues for you to promote your company and/or celebrate your employees. Christine will negotiate facility rates, arrange catering, source promotional items and speakers. She will work with you to deliver a seamless event that will put your company’s “Best Face Forward”.