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HR for Non HR specialists One day workshop Stephenie Linham

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Page 1: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

HR for Non HR specialists

One day workshopStephenie Linham

Page 2: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Programme outline

• Outcomes: By the end of today you will have built on your knowledge and have greater confidence with certain essential personnel responsibilities.– How to keep up to date cost‐effectively.

• Topics include: – The purpose of H.R. in your organisation – Key issues in recruitment and employment– Legal framework and legislation update– Contracts of employment – who gets one, when and what it contains– Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures– Outline of a fair/unfair dismissal and employment tribunals

Page 3: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Introductions

• Find someone you don’t know • Introduce yourself – role – organisation• Why you are here and what you hope to get from today

• Any specific challenges?• Your colleague will introduce you and vice versa

Page 4: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Ground Rules

• Confidentiality?• We all have responsibility• There’s no such thing as a silly question• Participation encouraged• Timekeeping, • Mobile phones• Others?• Copy of power point sent via email after today

Page 5: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

What’s personnel management all about?

• Ideally?• In your organisation?• Three headings• 1.Organisational effectiveness– employer is ready to have staff

• 2. People achieving results,  feeling valued and making an impact

• 3. Sorting it out when things go wrong• What do you need to have in place for all the above?• Discuss in  groups for 20 mins with 10 mins feedback

Page 6: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Organisational effectiveness 

• Governing body understand their duty of care and responsibilities as employers –HR sub committee? Segregation for Disciplinary and grievance procedures, investigation and appeals.

• Clear line management and accountability – Organigram?• Clear appropriate policies and procedures that meet 

current legal standards• A system to keep them up to date‐ April and October? • Health and safety – a safe and pleasant working 

environment• Registered with HMRC as employers. • Systems for PAYE and pensions• Insurance

Page 7: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

People – results, valued and making an impact

• Recruited, inducted, supervised, trained and supported

• Motivated – valued ( Maslow’s theory)• Involved in discussions – have a voice• Good emotional environment ‐ Free from stress, bullying, harassment etc( Maslow’s theory)

• Know what to do , how to do it and how it fits in with organisation’s vision – the main driver and glue that keeps it together. (Job descriptions linked to the vision. Individual work plans linked to the business plan and vision  and performance management) 

Page 8: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Maslow’s Theory

• Appreciating an individuals  needs• In order –building the foundations without which staff will not perform

• Survival – basics –food and shelter• Safety – physical, emotional –not living in fear of making a mistake, sexual or verbal harassment etc. 

• Love and belonging – liked and accepted• Esteem – feel competent, self respect and respected by others

• Reach potential 

Page 9: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

People – results, valued and making an impact 

• Team and individual work plans to plan work and prioritise ( 5 priorities) – everyone knows what they are supposed to be doing – including you!

• SMART targets. Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Realistic. Times

• Training and support• Supervision – how often?• Appraisal ‐ Preferably not pay related?• Potential consequences of having no supervision or appraisal in place?

Page 10: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Sort it out when things go wrong

• Ignore at your peril!• Employers have a duty of care.• Managers are paid to manage • Health and safety law ‐ duty to assess and take measures to 

control risks from work‐related stress. Do you have a policy? 11.3m days per year lost to stress. 

• Deal with and resolve conflict early on (Maslow's theory)• Deal with concerns and grievances• Deal with poor performance, bad time keeping etc• Discipline and grievance• Know and follow procedures and timings to the letter

Page 11: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Legal Framework

• Organisation and individual – Employer and Employee

• Fixed term employees not treated less favourably. Contracts reaching total 4 years= permanent unless employer and unions/staff association have a collective agreement

• Rights and obligations • 1.  When staff join us• 2.  While they are with us• 3.  When they leave us

Page 12: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

1. When staff join us

• Recruitment

• Selection

• Contracts

Page 13: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Recruitment and selection

• Recruitment and selection• Do you have a written process so recruitment and selection is treated the same way by everyone in the organisation?

• Group workWhy have a process for recruitment and selection?What would good practise include?

Page 14: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Recruitment and Selection ‐ Get it right or live with the consequences

• Task Analysis‐ what needs to be done and therefore the qualities and qualifications that are needed

• Job description‐ create or review existing‐ important for performance reviews

• Person Specification‐ vital to get it right• Selection process based on j.d and person spec.• Advertising• Application form or CV?• Information Pack – what will you send/give them access to?

• Asylum and Immigration Act 2006 ‐Entitlement to work (legal requirement), 

• Rehabilitation of Offenders• References

Page 15: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Recruitment and selection

• Equalities Act 2010‐ ACAS quick start guide for employers

• No discrimination on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, civil partnership or marriage status, gender reassignment, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion, belief,  disability or age. 

• Associative discrimination – because you associate with someone with the protected characteristics above

• Check your policy. • Harassment causes unpleasant working conditions/conflict‐ even if not directed at you.

Page 16: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Selection

• Interview panel chosen – Do they need training?• Interview panel also short list• Selection always based on the job description and person spec

• If you can’t test it is there any point asking?• Short listing – scoring essential and desirable, weightings?

• Test, Presentation, Work sample?• References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? 

Page 17: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

• Interview –who?, how many? scoring, set and supplementary questions, set the scene, equipment, introductions

• Appointment, induction, probationary period• Be prepared to tell unsuccessful candidates why –agree a statement for the chair of the panel.

• Keep papers in case challenged‐ 3 months for most instances going before an industrial tribunal

Page 18: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Legal issues in recruitment

• Legal minefield• Have you considered professional advice/insurance?• Beware data protection re what information you keep and are willing to share, discrimination and Asylum and Immigration laws

• Remember ‐ No discrimination re protected characteristics

• Age – avoid mature, senior, junior – even date of birth.• If you do not really use monitoring information why ask for it?

Page 19: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

School Leavers ‐Opportunities

• Pupils have to continue until at least their 18th birthday

• Choices: full‐time education (e.g. at a school or college) 

• An apprenticeship or traineeship. Have you considered apprenticeship as an option? Train your own?

• Part‐time education or training combined with one of the following: employment or self‐employment for 20 hours or more a week ‐volunteering for 20 hours or more a week 

Page 20: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Legal issues in recruitment

• Have you got the right policies in place? • Does every policy, procedure and document have your registered charity number and company number if appropriate on it? Charity and Company law 

• E.g. Data protection, equal opportunities also covering recruitment, Recruitment and selection policy includes Asylum and Immigration Act 2006, Rehabilitation of Offenders, Health and Safety, Safeguarding?

• Help and advice. • Google Visible communities – look for pre VISIBLE workbook. Been taken over by Advising Communities

Page 21: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Contracts

• Express (written), oral and implied terms ‐custom and practise

• Implied terms include:– Accept reasonable instructionsMutual trust and confidence (constructive dismissal)Duty of care – e.g. Health & safety, free from harassment, bullying and victimisation

• Vicarious liability

Page 22: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Zero‐hours contracts reach record levels

• Nearly one million now in place, but growth has slowed significantly because of negative publicity

• Increase in their use has slowed considerably in the past six months.

• Growth over the second half of 2016 was recorded at only 0.8 per cent, or just 7,000 extra people.

• The negative publicity these contracts have attracted may well have played a role in their slowdown, as firms rethink their use. 

• Homebase, Wetherspoons and McDonald's have all announced they will be ditching ZHCs/ or offering their staff the chance to move to fixed‐hours contracts.

Page 23: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Contracts

Who gets one? • Employees who are employed for more than one month entitled to a contract within 2 months

• Are they an employee or self employed?• Are you sure they are self employed – risks to the organisation? 

• What does a contract cover? Group Exercise• Legal requirements? Other potential  contractualobligations? 

Page 24: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Contract contents‐ legal 

• Names employer and employee• Start date• Job title and brief job description• Line Management arrangements• Pay ( note minimum wage) and when paid• Permanent or fixed term• Hours of work, holiday entitlement (statutory minimum) and sick pay*( no requirement other than SSP)

Page 25: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Contract contents‐ legal cont. 

• Place of work( might need to work away from normal base?) 

• Notice of termination. 1month – 2 years = 1 week.2‐12 years = 1 week for every year. 12 years+ max = 12 weeks

• Any collective agreements– trade unions• Pension* ‐ Pensions act 2008• Details re Disciplinary and grievance procedures* ‐maintain control of the documents‐ do not make contractual –check old contracts

• * can be referred e.g. to in a handbook

Page 26: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Other potential Contractual terms

• Put into staff handbook?• The difference between the staff handbook and the contract of employment 

• Working time directive – 48 hours or more over a 17 week period. Contractual with notice period or otherwise 24 hours notice.

• TOIL or overtime  • Pay review• Probation

Page 27: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Other potential Contractual terms 

• Consider  “organisation will meet current statutory obligations re……….” Constantly moving feast re Maternity/Paternity/Adoption pay and rights

• 5.4.15 ‐ The statutory adoption leave no longer 26‐week qualifying period, adoption pay brought in line with maternity pay, i.e.90% of normal earning for the first six weeks. 

• 1.10.14 fathers, civil partners  and partners gain right to unpaid time off to attend 2 antenatal appointments

• Parental leave from 6 April 2015 covers children up to 18 years of age

Page 28: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Time off for dependants• Employees are allowed time off to deal with an emergency 

involving a dependant.• A dependant could be a spouse, partner, child, grandchild, parent, 

or someone who depends on you for care.• They are allowed a reasonable amount of time off to deal with the 

emergency, but there’s no set amount of time as it depends on the situation. 

• The employee should tell the employer as soon as possible how much time they will need so it can be agreed. 

• There are no limits on how many times an employee can take time off for dependants. Your employer may want to talk to you if they think time off is affecting your work. 

• The employer may pay the employee for time off to look after dependants but they don’t have to. 

• Is it in the staff handbook?

Page 29: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Other potential Contractual terms 

• Flexible working was just for parents of children under 17 years

• June  2014‐ The right to request flexible working is extended to everyone who has worked for the organisation for 26 weeks+

• A duty on employers to deal with requests in a reasonable manner. Right to refuse on business grounds

Page 30: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Bereavement leave• Employment standards code• Anyone employed longer than 30 days entitled• Up to 3 days to deal with the death of a family member• Children, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, spouses, 

common law spouses, brothers, sisters, step‐brothers, step‐sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews are all considered family members. 

• The definition also includes those who are not related, but whom the employee considers to be like a close relative.

• No right to pay• May have to provide proof

Page 31: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Maternity pay

Pregnant employees ‐right to 52 weeks maternity leave. 

39 weeks could be paid ‐ statutory maternity pay, maternity allowance or contractual maternity pay 

During maternity leave employee and employer can agree to have up to 10 keep in touch (KIT) days.

Paid reasonable time off for antenatal care. Employee has the right to return to original job or suitable alternative.

Page 32: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Shared Parental Leave and Pay

• Applies to eligible parents where a baby is due, or a child is placed for adoption

• Eligibility –both parents ‐ employee + same employer for 26+ weeks by the 15th week before baby due + met earnings criteria

• Qualifying mothers and adopters continue to be entitled to Maternity and Adoption rights 

• Able to choose to end this early and exchange it for Shared Parental Leave and Pay in the first year

• Enables eligible parents/ adopters to choose how to share time off work after their child is born or placed for adoption. 

Page 33: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Shared Parental Leave and Pay

• Can return to work for part of the time and then resume leave at a later date

• Two weeks paid Paternity Leave still for qualifying fathers and the partner of a mother/ adopter. 

• Shared Parental Leave replaced the Additional Paternity Leave entitlement

• Statutory Shared Parental Pay is currently paid at £139.58 (5.4.16) or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower).

• Extended to grandparents too in 2018 

Page 34: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Other potential Contractual terms 

• Surrogate parents eligible for adoption leave• + ordinary paternity leave and pay, adoption leave and pay and shared parental leave and pay. 

• Both parents will also be entitled to take unpaid time off to attend two antenatal appointments with the woman carrying the child.

Page 35: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

National living wage

• April 2016 applies to workers over 25 years• £7.20. £7.50 from April 2017 • London living wage currently estimated at £9.40 per hour but no regional adjustments to living wage

• £9.00 by 2020• National minimum wage applies still to under 25 year olds

Page 36: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Minimum wage

• October 2016• 21‐24 years ‐ £6.95• 18‐20 years ‐ £5.55• 16‐ 17 years ‐ £4.00• April 2017• 21‐24 years ‐ £7.05• 18‐20 years ‐ £5.60• 16‐ 17 years ‐ £4.05

Page 37: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Minimum wage

• October 2016 apprentice rate £3.40 for 16‐18 and those over 19 in their first year only. £3.50 from April 17

• Over 19 years old apprenticeships get minimum wage/national living wage as appropriate after their first year

• Remember only £6.00 per day offset for supplied accommodation

• Local living wage for some tenders• Beware of sleep ins! 

Page 38: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Policy compliance

• Ensure the employer maintains the right to change them as and when 

• Compliance with all current policies?• Code of conduct also covering behavior• Dress code, timekeeping, absence• Confidentiality, telephones, e mail and internet use• Equalities, Data protection, Heath and Safety Safeguarding

• No alcohol• Anything else?

Page 39: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Contracts

• Feedback from group exercise• How did you do?• Have you learnt anything?• Anything you need to do re your current contract and staff handbook??

Page 40: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Retirement

• Default retirement age (formerly 65) has been phased out ‐most people can now work for as long as they want to.

• However, some employers can set a compulsory retirement age if they can clearly justify it

• Phased retirement? Employers may or may not be able to agree requests ‐can challenge this at an employment tribunal.

Page 41: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

Pensions – new ages

• State pension linked to life expectancy.• Jury service age rising to 75• The pension age for women gradually increased from 

6.4.10 from 60 to 65• April 2016 to November 2018 their pension age will 

increase more rapidly from 60 to 65 to match men• From December 2018 the pension age for all will start to 

increase from 65 to 66• October 2020 ‐ pension age rises to 66 years• Between 2026 and 2028‐ pension age rises to 67 years• Between 2044 and 2046 ‐ pension age rises to 68 years

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Sick pay regs‐ and holiday

• Sick notes re not fit for work have been replaced with computer generated fit notes. 

• Either• Not fit work or fit for work subject to conditions

• Employer must consider G.P’srecommendations

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Sick pay regs‐ and holiday

• Impact on holidays – European Court of Justice• Reschedule statutory annual leave because of sickness.

• This applies even if statutory holiday would have to be carried over to the following year.

• Currently against Working Time Directive (WRT) –4 weeks only

• Same principle applies to those on maternity leave

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Sickness and holiday

• Court of Appeal July 2012• It ruled that an employee on long‐term sick leave is entitled to carry holiday leave forward to the next year, even if no specific request had been made to do so.

• On termination of employment, an employee who has been on long‐term sick leave must be automatically paid for all the holiday that has been accrued over that period.

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Have a redundancy policy

• 2 years before there is an entitlement• Different rates according to age.• .5 weeks under 22 years of age• 1 week 22 ‐41 years of age• 1.5 weeks over 41 years of age• Max number of years taken into account i.e. 20• Based on a maximum weekly salary‐ currently £479 per week

• Max statutory redundancy approx £14,370• Under £30k non taxable ‐ BUT

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HMRC and redundancy payments

• HMRC changed way tax on redundancy payments is collected

• HMRC will assume that if a large sum is paid out this is the normal monthly salary and tax it as such – incurring up to 40% tax. 

• You can only claim back the overpaid tax when you do your tax return – therefore if you don’t find another job you may have to wait a whole year to reclaim the tax

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Good management tips• Take the time to recruit wisely – or repent at leisure• Use the probation period wisely. Meet half way for a 

progress check. Extend if appropriate.• Good management should avoid a lot of major disciplinary 

and grievance issues.• Line manager supports and supervises work• Meets with employee regularly and keeps the appointment 

– it says you value the employee• Employee has a work plan ( linked to business plan) and 

knows what their priorities are so they can manage their time effectively

• Deal with capability, time keeping and behavioral issues early on. Do not let them fester and grow

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Good management tips• Give clear feedback. Both good and bad. • Catch them doing something right• Good feedback motivates• Record regular supervision sessions. Especially important if 

you think you may have a capability or disciplinary problem. Create an audit trail

• No surprises. Employee should already be clear where they are good and where they could do better. Don’t save it up

• SMART targets• Annual appraisal• Know and keep to your procedures

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Moving on ‐ Discipline and Grievance

• Role of Accompanier• Employment Relations Act 2004• Employer must allow companion – usually colleague or trade union rep – perhaps family or friend.

• Full part in hearing but not to answer questions on person’s behalf

• Sum up the case, respond to views expressed

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ACAS code of practice for disciplinary and grievance procedures

• 11.3.15 following a judgement by the Employment Appeal Tribunal which clarified the rules on making requests to be accompanied at grievance or disciplinary hearings.

• Previously thought an employer need only accept “reasonable” requests re the choice of companion, 

• Now ‐ a worker has an absolute right to choose a companion, provided they are a fellow worker, a trade union rep or trade union official.

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ACAS code of practice for disciplinary and grievance procedures

• Non‐statutory ACAS Guidance• Makes it clear that employers may allow workers to be accompanied by companions who are not a fellow worker, trade union rep or trade union official.

• An employer may legitimately refuse a request such as close relatives or lawyers, that, save in exceptional circumstances are deemed unreasonable.

• Recent case at an employment tribunal indicates the financial impact of these changes is nominal. 

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ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance

• Check older contracts of employment• Changed to non contractual 6.4.09• Broad principles to follow – non statutory BUT• Failure to follow the code  and any award could be increased by 25%

• www.acas.org• New guide available to download free – as well as basic principles has sample procedures and model letters

• HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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Things to avoid• Line management of staff• The senior employee is responsible to the Chair for line 

management.• Apart from that situation it is a management and not a governance 

issue• Trustees must be very careful not to give staff orders. These must 

come only from their line manager. If a trustee wants something done they should do so via the line manager

• Discipline• This must be done according to your policy and by the people 

mentioned in the policy• Grievance• Trustees must be careful not to listen to any grievances staff have –

staff must be immediately referred to the grievance procedure.

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Things to avoid• Confidentiality• Trustees must be careful not to breach staff confidentiality.• Staff should never be openly discussed at trustee meetings.• Investigations. Independent. Not conducted by a witness 

or someone who will be hearing the disciplinary• Independent Appeals panel • Trustees must ensure that not every trustee is party to 

information about any potential disciplinary matter or grievance. Some trustees have to remain independent in order to hear appeals

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Grievance

• Fair procedure –stick to whatever your procedure is including time scales‐ like glue ‐or repent at leisure

• Start with informal approach – a chat• What constitutes a grievance? VERY CAREFUL – would you or other managers recognise a grievance?

• Does have to be written to be taken further  –but doesn’t have to use the word grievance

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Grievance 3 step process

• Step 1 ‐ letterInform the employer of their grievance in writing‐ essential if they are to go to tribunal.

• Step 2‐MeetingBe invited by the employer to a meeting (normally within 5 days) to discuss the grievance where the right to be accompanied will apply and be notified in writing of the decision (normally within 24 hours) . The employee must take all reasonable steps to attend this meeting.

• Step 3 – AppealBe given the right to an appeal meeting (normally within 5 days) if they feel the grievance has not been satisfactorily resolved and be notified of the final decision( normally within 24 hours).

• “Normally” allows a little wriggle room for unusual circumstances but if the process is to go outside the stated time everyone must be kept informed

• This decision is final

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Disciplinary Action

• Have written codes of conduct and rules that make your expectations clear

• Conduct• Timekeeping• Absence• Health and Safety• Telephones, e mail, internet• Dress• Signing up to policies – confidentiality, equal opportunities

• Indicate the kinds of offence  (fraud)  so serious they are likely to be  gross misconduct.  Examples working dangerously, fraud, stealing or fighting

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Disciplinary action

• Take informal action wherever possible• First try to encourage and improve• Offer help – counselling/training?• Clarity re what exact improvements are necessary and what could happen next if there are no improvements

• Before you take any steps towards a disciplinary process – investigate ‐check the facts and evidence

• ACAS expect a fair and timely process

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Disciplinary action

• Normally no employee will be dismissed for a first breach of discipline except in the case of gross misconduct – penalty, dismissal without notice or payment in lieu of notice

• First stage formal procedure• An improvement note for unsatisfactory performance if not meeting an acceptable standard. The problem, improvements required, timescale, help to be given and right of appeal.

• Record kept for ? months but considered spent if performance reaches acceptable standard

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Disciplinary action

• Stage 2 formal procedure• Final written warning• Serious/further misconduct or failure to improve performance while warning in force.

• Detail complaint, improvement required and timescale.

• Warn that failure to improve may lead to dismissal

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Discipline  ‐ 3 step process

• Stage 3 Dismissal or action short of dismissal

• Appeal – at every stage• Policy should make it clear who does what, there is no conflict in the roles, timings.

• At all costs stick to your procedure and time scales or dismissal could be seen as automatically unfair by an Industrial tribunal

• Do you have an untainted process? i.e. independent and untainted?

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Discipline

• Discuss a case in your organisation which went well………...or badly!

– What was the issue? Conduct or capability?– What did you do?– What was the outcome?

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What is dismissal?

• Includes expiry and non‐renewal of limited‐term contract expires.

• Constructive dismissal ‐ when an employee has reason to resign because of the unacceptable conduct of the employer.

• The relationship and trust has completely broken down

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Fair dismissal

• The employer has a valid reason for dismissing

• The employer acted reasonably in treating that reason as a sufficient reason for dismissing the employee.

• Five possibly fair reasons.

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Fair dismissal

• Conduct ‐most common and the one which leads to the largest number of complaints of unfair dismissal.

• Capability – unable, (including illness) or unqualified to do the job.

• Redundancy ‐ no grounds for claiming unfair dismissal because of redundancy, i.e. no work or insufficient work, unless unfairly selected.

• Statutory requirement – e.g. chauffeur lost his driving license.

• “Some other substantial reason” – anything else e.g. worker dismissed when original worker returns after being suspended for medical reasons – provided explained at beginning work was temporary

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Unfair dismissal

• The qualifying employment period to claim unfair dismissal increased from one to two years on 6 April 2012.

• The increase applies only to employees whose employment began on or after that date. 

• The one‐year qualifying period will continue to apply to employees who started prior to that date.

• The two‐year qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims removed where the reason for dismissal is the employee's political opinions or affiliation.

• Must make claim to employment tribunal within 3 months 

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Unfair dismissal 

• Much longer list! • Issues relating to TU membership• Issues relating to unfair selection for redundancy or retirement

• Issues relating to TUPE – minimum wage, working time regulations

• Issues re taking statutory entitlements e.g. parental leave

• Issues relating to pregnancy• Failure to “act reasonably”• Failure to use statutory minimum process correctly

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Reasonable procedure

• E.g. Misconduct or incapability ‐ given a chance to improve? 

• Redundancy  ‐ suitable alternative work within the organisation?

• ACAS revised code of practice – follow as far as practicable given the size and administrative resources of the organisation.

• Written statement of reasons for dismissal ‐ The Employment Rights Act 1996  ‐ all employees with 1 year’s continuous service entitled to a written statement of the reasons for their dismissal, within 14 days. For dismissals during pregnancy, maternity or adoption leave, no qualifying service needed. 

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Agency Workers Regulations 2010 

• Came into force 1.10.2011• Day 1 rights re access to workplace facilities ( canteens, child care, transport) and opportunities for permanent employment

• After 12 weeks continual working same rights as permanent staff re pay, working time type conditions and holidays. Accrues even if there are breaks unless breaks longer than 6 weeks

• Does not include contractual sick pay, maternity, paternity or adoption pay

• Does include paid time off for ante natal appointments• – pensions coming too

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Enterprise and regulatory reform bill 23.5.12

• Compensated no fault dismissals scrapped• April 2014 ‐ACAS  to be advised when a person intends to make an employment tribunal claim –ACAS  offer early conciliation

• If conciliation officer concludes that a settlement is not possible, the claimant will be issued with a certificate permitting them to issue proceedings

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Enterprise and regulatory reform bill 23.5.12 

• Compromise agreements become  settlement agreements

• Fees and charges introduced in summer 2013• Reductions for people on low incomes• Costs controversial! Numbers of cases dropped dramatically.

• Appeals  to Tribunal usually one judge alone• Tribunals have discretion to fine employers between £100 and  £5k if there was a breach of an individuals employment rights but with aggravating features‐malice or negligence

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Employment Tribunals and appeals

February 2013:minimum basic award for unfair dismissal is £5,500

Calculated like redundancy Basic award + compensation award Maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal is £ 78,335

Rapid resolution scheme introduces the concept of "legal officers", who may determine specified types of employment tribunal claims if all parties to a dispute consent in writing. 

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Impact on discrimination at work

• Overhalfofdisabledpeoplehavebeenbulliedorharassedintheworkplacebecauseoftheirimpairment,

• 21%trytohidetheirdisabilityfromtheiremployers,

• However, cuts to legal aid and the introduction of tribunal fees in 2014 has meant a drop in claims, making it an even more challenging climate for disabled people who face unfair treatment.

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Who is protected?• Definition of disability is a “physical/mental impairment which has a 

substantial and long‐term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day‐today activities.”

• “Long term” means has to last, or is likely to last, for at least 12 months. “

• Conditions e.g. cancer, and multiple sclerosis, are automatically treated as disabled and entitled to protection as soon as the diagnosis is given. 

• Discrimination by association ‐ Discriminated against if you are connected to someone with a disability, such as a child or parent. 

• Process? Normal grievance/constructive dismissal/unfair dismissal/Employment Tribunal

• There is no ceiling on tribunal awards in disability discrimination cases – unlike in other kinds of unfair dismissal cases

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What gets the best out of people?

• Gallup survey– What gets the best out of staff?

– What does your organisation do well? 

– What could it be better at? 

– What’s that going to require from you?

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Management – Tasks and PeopleGallup Survey

• Task related – how managers can help people get things done

1. Do I know what is expected of me? 2. Do I have the things I need to do a good job?3. Do I have the opportunity to do my best 

everyday?4. Is my work important? Is the work of my 

organisation important? 5. Are my co‐workers committed to doing quality 

work?

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Management – Tasks and PeopleGallup Survey

• People related6. In the last 7 days have I received recognition for good 

work?7. Does somebody care about me as a person? 8. Is there someone who cares about my development?9. Do my opinions count? 10.Do I have a best friend in the organisation? 11.Have I had feedback about my progress in the last 6 

months?12.In the last year have I had opportunities to learn and 

grow

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So what is they need from you?

• Clarity• SMART targets• Vision• Support• Feedback• Praise• Voice and choice• Opportunities for development

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So where do you go for support?

• Gov.UK• DSC 

– www.dsc.org.uk– London Tel:  020 7391 4800 – Liverpool Tel:  0151 708 0117

• ACAS‐ sign up to their e mail information, updates and advice– www.acas.org.uk– 08457 47 47 47 

• Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

• CIPD ‐www.cipd.co.uk

• Xperthr, Croners etc. ‐www.croner.co.uk

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So where do you go for support?

• National umbrella body –NCVO

Page 81: HR for Non HR specialists - Directory of Social Change · • Test, Presentation, Work sample? • References and Checks –Disclosure and Barring? • Interview –who?, how many?

And now…

• Personal Action plans – what do you need to do?

Thank you… and all the best on

being the best you can be