Advanced Role and Skills of a Valuable HR Assistant

Sample Programme

The Contribution of HR

• The changing role of HR
• Corporate strategy and objectives
• Strategic human resources management
• HR as a strategic business partner
• Impact on HR careers

Managing Sickness Absence

• Identifying the size of the problem
• Some causes of absence
• External statistics

CASE STUDY-EXERCISE 1
Participants will investigate high levels of sickness and absence in a division and propose how to manage this

• A sickness absence policy
• The responsibility for managing sickness absence
• ‘Fit notes’
• Return to work interviews
• Trigger points
• Sickness as a ‘fair’ reason for dismissal
• Statutory Sick Pay
• Occupational sick pay

Understanding Pay and Benefits

CASE STUDY-EXERCISE 2
Participants will examine and respond to a claim for equal pay

Legislation and pay

• The National Minimum Wage
• Equal pay

Determining pay levels

• Internal relativities – job evaluation
• The external market place
• Drawing up the reward policy
• Deciding how to pay

Performance related pay

• Bonuses and incentives

Lawful deductions from pay – Main employment benefits

• Company cars
• Private medical insurance
• Pensions
• Permanent health insurance
• Flexible benefits
• Voluntary benefits

Managing Performance

CASE STUDY-EXERCISE 3
Participants consider how to manage the performance of someone whose performance is unsatisfactory

• The use of the probationary period
• The benefits of a formal staff appraisal system
• The need for a capability procedure
• Linking pay and performance

Managing Redundancy

CASE STUDY-EXERCISE 4
Participants consider the criteria to be used in determining redundancies

• Definition of ‘redundant’
• The legal requirements for consultation
• Deciding the criteria
• The rights of those made redundant
• Motivating those who remain

More Employee Time Off Rights

CASE STUDY-EXERCISE 5
Participants consider the right to time off in several different scenarios

• Time off for public duties
• Time off for training
• Time off for union duties and activities
• Time off to act as a ‘companion’
• Time off as a health and safety representative
• Time off to act as a representative for European Works Councils or as part of the Information and Consultation agreement

Accounting For People

Useful HR statistics

• Staff turnover
• Sickness absence
• Equal opportunities monitoring
• Human capital accounting

Employee records

• The Employment Practices Code
• Employee files and access
• Sensitive information
• Sick certificates and medical reports

Sources of Help and Advice

• Jobcentre Plus
• ACAS
• BIS
• BusinessLink
• Professional bodies