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BrightHR (part of the Peninsula Group) is HR software with an optional 24/7 advice line. Arbiter HR is one independent HR consultant who runs your cases. Most small employers comparing the two are really asking: software and a phone line, or a person?
Facts checked on 29 October 2026 from the pages linked below. Prices and terms change; check them before you decide. This page is written by Arbiter HR, so read the other side too.
| Arbiter HR | BrightHR | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | One named HR consultant (Polly Duncan) who runs investigations, hearings and grievances, plus monthly HR plans and toolkits | HR software (rotas, absence, documents, payroll navigator), with advice line and H&S on the higher packages |
| Prices on the website | Yes. Monthly plans £170 to £1,200; toolkits £49 to £349; one-off work quoted by email within 12 hours | Yes. From £16.67 per employee per month (software), £21.20 with HR advice, £31.30 with H&S and wellbeing support; the page shows £83.35, £106 and £156.50 a month for 5 staff, ex VAT |
| Contract | One-off work: none. Monthly plans: 3 months minimum, then 6-month rolling, 1 month's notice. Toolkits: one payment | BrightHR's pricing page: "We offer 24, 36 and 60 months fixed term with 36 months being available to purchase online" |
| Who runs your investigation or hearing | Polly does, online across the UK or in person in South Wales | Nobody in the package. The advice line advises; you run the process. Insurance is "not included" in online pricing |
| Software | None. Letters, reports and templates are files you keep | Yes, that is the product |
| Sector focus | Health and social care (CIW and CQC) and small employers | All sectors |
| Best for | A case that needs doing properly now, or senior HR a few hours a month | Day-to-day admin: rotas, holiday, absence, documents |
For HR advice and casework, yes. For software, no: Arbiter HR does not sell software. Many employers use both.
BrightHR's pricing page lists packages from £16.67, £21.20 and £31.30 per employee per month, shown as £83.35, £106 and £156.50 a month for 5 employees ex VAT, on 24, 36 or 60-month fixed terms. Insurance is quoted separately.
BrightHR's pricing page says it offers 24, 36 and 60-month fixed terms, with 36 months available to buy online.
Monthly HR plans are £170 (2 hours), £400 (5 hours), £750 (10 hours) and £1,200 (15 hours) a month, minimum 3 months. One-off work is quoted as one fixed price by email within 12 hours.
Next step
Send the details of what you need and we email a fixed price within 12 hours. No contract, no renewal, no call unless you want one.