Wednesday 29 November 2017

Recruitment & Resourcing Coordinator

Recruitment & Resourcing Coordinator sought for our Fife-based client. To £25k pa, pro-rata and fixed term for two to three months. The role can be undertaken on a full or, possibly, part-time basis and involves direct sourcing of candidates and following the full recruitment & selection cycle to appointment. Two years of recruitment and resourcing experience essential Experience of assessment centres an advantage. Immediate start.
Please get in touch with a copy of your CV if interested by emailing, georgew@OnlineHR.co.uk. Thanks.

Tuesday 21 November 2017

A 'Braw' Event!

Great to attend Biz East Lothian last Friday. Inspiring presentations from John of Braw Beard Oils, James of Foxlake Adventures and Simon of Jebra Campervans. 



Monday 20 November 2017

Book your HR Health-Check!


Please get in touch to book a human resources "health-check" of your business. This is a diagnostic exercise which will consider your employment documentation, policies, procedures and processes. On conclusion, we shall provide you a high-level report highlighting perceived strengths, weaknesses, risks and opportunities. This would be provided completely free of charge and without any obligation to engage us in any follow-up work. The health-check provides an excellent opportunity for a business to have a second and professional opinion upon how you manage your human resources.


Thursday 16 November 2017

Workplace Investigations

At Online HR we are regularly called upon to assist employers with undertaking fair and independent investigations of workplace matters. For example, related to bullying and harassment allegations, employee grievance and potential disciplinary issues. Clearly, making a decision without completing a reasonable investigation can make any subsequent decisions or actions unfair, leaving an employer vulnerable to legal action. We aim to minimise such risk for employers by undertaking fair and objective investigations and providing a comprehensive investigation report in conclusion. An investigation is a fact-finding exercise to collect all the relevant information on a matter. A properly conducted investigation can enable an employer to fully consider the matter and then make an informed decision upon it. Please get in touch in you would like to discuss, in confidence, any potential workplace investigation requirement on 01313412550 or email, georgew@onlinehr.co.uk.


Monday 30 October 2017

Midlothian Women in Business

We were delighted to attend last week's meeting of Midlothian Woman in Business. Jenny Churchill presenting in relation to employee communication and consultation. George Wilson covering workplace mediation.



Tuesday 3 October 2017

"Give to Profit"

Great to attend  the excellent BIZ East Lothian event last Friday with the inspiring Alisoun Mackenzie outlining the benefits of corporate "Give to Profit".


Thursday 14 September 2017

Environmental Placement Programme Awards

Great to attend the Environmental Placement Programme Awards at our Scottish Parliament last week. The programme supports the Scottish Government's climate change and greener Scotland policies. Inspirational presentations from the finalists. Particular congratulations to the runner-up, Lara Fahey and winner,  Rhona Smith for their excellent work! Well done to Bright Green Business and Elaine Brown for organising the whole event as well as supporting this wonderful placement programme.


Friday 25 August 2017

Thrive for Business

Excellent Thrive (Networking) event yesterday at the wonderful Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh with truly inspiring talks from Malcolm Copland, Commercial Director of Greggs and Cait Murray-Green, CEO of CuanTec




Wednesday 26 July 2017

Goodbye Employment Tribunal fees!

Today the Supreme Court reached its decision in Unison’s long running challenge to the Government’s decision to introduce Employment Tribunal fees in 2013.

The Supreme Court were of the unanimous view that the introduction of ET fees was unlawful. This was on the basis that the UK Government acted beyond the scope of its statutory power and that ET fees prevent access to justice and therefore breach common law, EU law and the Equality Act. This is in line with the Scottish Government's existing interpretation of Tribunal fees and their abolition.

The Supreme Court has additionally indicated that all fees paid previously will be reimbursed.  This is a very significant decision.

See, https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2017/07/tribunal-fees-victory


Tuesday 20 June 2017

Are you geared-up to minimise & resolve costly workplace disputes?

Is your organisation geared-up to minimise the occurrence of costly workplace disputes? Further, to effectively resolve them when they do arise? http://bit.ly/2sSgf91


Friday 16 June 2017

Scotland-China Trade Links

Jenny Churchill and George Wilson of Online HR attended a very enjoyable joint Chambers of Commerce lunch event yesterday. 

Excellent presentation from David Valentine MBE of Valentine International on Scotland-China trade links. This has been fostered by a pan-Scotland Chambers of Commerce Trade visit to China last year.

Thanks to @wl_chamber and @lothianschamber!


Friday 26 May 2017

Impromtu interview yesterday..

Why Online HR joined the Bright Green Business Network. Thanks to the Network and Nigel Duncan Media for the impromtu interview yesterday.

https://youtu.be/N9dLHzJZ-1s

Thursday 25 May 2017

Business Breakfast, Chamber of Commerce

Thanks to Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce for the enjoyable Business Breakfast meeting yesterday.

Excellent presentations from Patricia Barclay at Bonaccord and Jim Hiddleston of Business Gateway.


Friday 19 May 2017

CIPD AGM & Craft Beer Tasting!

An excellent evening yesterday at the CIPD, South East Scotland Branch, for our AGM along with Craft Beer Tasting with Innis & Gunn. 

Thanks to Rob Moore  for organising the latter and Shepherd & Wedderburn for hosting. A special award provided to Tony Sharkey, part of the Branch Executive team for 10 years - well done!






Thursday 18 May 2017

Green Business

As part of our commitment to sustainability and the environment, Online HR recently joined the Bright Green Business Network Scotland.

It was great to join them yesterday at an excellent event with speakers highlighting how their businesses strive for and promote green issues and operation.


Thursday 27 April 2017

Chamber Networking

Excellent networking with Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce this morning at the fabulous Carberry Tower. Thanks to AM Bid Services for a great presentation!


Friday 24 February 2017

HR Manager, Edinburgh










Monday 20 February 2017

Training Workshops available from Online HR, Spring & Summer 2017


We have the pleasure in announcing our Spring & Summer training workshops, as follows: 
  • “Effective Performance Management & Appraisal”
  • “Effective Disciplinary, Grievance, Bullying & Harassment Investigations"
  • “Successful Absence Management” 
These acclaimed workshops are suitable for all human resources and management staff and provide powerful tools and tips to assist delegates in dealing with such important workplace matters.

Each session is for one day in duration and would be delivered on-site at your premises to a group of up to fifteen delegates by our inspirational trainer and seasoned senior HR professional, Jenny Churchill Chartered Member of the CIPD.
Please see below for details of each workshop. For an informal discussion and/or booking please speak to Jenny on 01313412550 or email on jennyc@OnlineHR.co.uk.

“Effective Performance Management & Appraisal”
This one-day course takes a practical look at managing performance. Experience tells us that performance management tends to be of those essential areas that are often handled badly or not at all.

The very forum that could help people understand their roles within the company, be assessed on the quality of their work and gain support and encouragement; is often ignored or endured simply because the people doing the performance managing find it deeply uncomfortable and difficult to do.
Effective performance management can have a strong positive effect on business performance – by helping individuals contribute to their full potential, enhancing management effectiveness, aligning employees with organisation goals and improving motivation and morale.

This workshop aims to give delegates real and practical skills to help individuals become more effective in carrying out on-going performance management rather than simply carrying out an appraisal at the end of the year.
Session learning objectives:

×         Understand the legal framework relating to performance management

×         Understand the principles of the performance management cycle

×         Know what the key principles are when setting SMART Objectives

×         Be aware of how to conduct an effective performance review meeting

×         Understand the skills and techniques needed when dealing with difficult conversations 

×         Understand how the organisations’ performance management policy/procedure impacts on the role and responsibilities of the Line Manager  
Workshop outline

9:20am – session commences
Welcome, introduction and objectives for the day

Legal framework: in this session we will consider the legal framework surrounding performance management; including Employment Rights Act 2002 (as amended), Employment Rights Act 1996 (as amended) and all equality and anti discrimination legislation.

Performance management cycle: we will consider the continuous cycle of managing performance, in which meetings are held to set, agree expectations and the steps needed to raise performance standard.

Setting SMART Objectives: we will use a case study to cover the steps within the process, enabling delegates to think about how the organisational vision, values and strategy link into departmental goals, job roles and individual aspirations, strengths and weaknesses; methods of tracking and assessing performance will also be covered.
 
Assessment of development needs: we will explore the organisational and individual needs and the options available; as part, considering:

×         What does the individual need to do to do their job

×         How effective they are, especially in key areas

×         What are the skills gaps

×         Development plans, action required – by whom, by when

×         How success will be measured
12:30 Lunch break

Undertake effective performance meeting: we will explore the skills and techniques needed to deliver effective meetings, including:
×         Meeting structure and setting 

×         Preparation and types of information required

×         What a good review looks like

×         Giving feedback 
Managing difficult conversations: combining objectives setting and feedback on performance can be very effective in improving motivation and performance levels; in part we will look at how to manage difficult conversations. Being able to tackle contentious issues in a balanced, calm and consistent way is a valued skill in all areas of working life. Role plays will provide an opportunity to apply learning and get hands on experience of how to manage discussions around performance, conduct and communication issues.

Policies and Procedures: we will review relevant organisational policies and procedures associated with performance management and consider how these policies and procedures impact on the role and responsibility of the Line Manager.
Lastly, we shall consider were the learning objectives for the day and the extent to which they were met.

Tool-Kits issued on the day.
4.30pm Close

FEE: £2,295 + VAT
VENUE and DATE: Your workplace. Dates are available during Spring and Summer 2017. Details upon request.
Due to the interactive nature of the workshop, delegate numbers are limited to fifteen.

 

 
“Effective Disciplinary, Grievance, Bullying & Harassment Investigations”

This one-day course takes a practical look at managing workplace investigations, whether relating to disciplinary, grievance, harassment or bullying issues.
As part, we shall consider the legal framework to workplace investigations, disciplinary, grievance, bullying and harassment; explore the kind of challenges that managers face in practice in an ever changing work place environment. Further, provide the tools and techniques to support the development of knowledge and confidence when managing teams.
The workshop is participative and interactive as we limit the number of delegates attending to fifteen. Hence, you will have the opportunity to practice learning throughout the day in order that you may confidently deliver the learning outcomes highlighted below.  
Session learning objectives:
×         Understand the legal framework relating to disciplinary, grievance, bullying and harassment

×          Have a full understanding of the procedures related to the above

×         Be aware of skills and techniques needed to effectively manage disciplinary and grievance issues

×         Be aware of the stages and the techniques needed to effectively manage and resolve conflict informally  

×         Design and construct a robust and professional investigation report 

 Workshop outline

9:20am – session commences
Welcome, introduction and objectives for the day 
The legal framework: in this session we will consider the most important UK legislation governing discipline and grievances at work; the Employment Act 2008 and the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2008.
Disciplinary procedures: within this session we will review the disciplinary process and procedures and explore how they are being applied within the delegate’s organisation – a group interactive session will support the learning here.  The difference between capability / performance and conduct will be covered. Other areas that will be covered; misconduct, bullying and harassment, misuse of social media, wrongful, unfair and constructive dismissal, potentially fair reasons for dismissal and procedural flaws.
12:30 Lunch break
Undertake effective investigation meetings: this interactive session we will explore techniques to support the delivery of effective and efficient investigation meetings; in part including: 

×         Meeting structure and setting

×         How to get to the information you need

×         Dealing with challenging witness behaviours

×         Knowing when to stop and bring an investigation meeting to a close

×         Witness statements and sharing

Considering findings and reaching conclusions: here the group will organise the facts, evidence and information gathered into a focussed and concise investigation outcome.

Undertake effective disciplinary meetings: this session, we will look at skills, techniques and good practices to deliver effective meetings, in part including;

×         Meeting structure, setting

×         Notice, the right to be accompanied (and by whom), witnesses, acting fairly and reasonably, adjournments potential outcomes

×         Communication, dismissal and appeal procedure
Managing conflict: here we will look at the skills and techniques to manage day to day issues informally and alternative approaches and best practice to dispute resolution. A case study will support the learning. 

Handling grievances: within this session we will cover all stages of the Acas Code and any further elements of the delegated organisations own procedures, in part including; with whom to raise the complaint, appropriate sources of support, timescales, the right to be accompanied (and by whom), structure and format of meeting. 
Lastly, we shall consider were the learning objectives for the day and the extent to which they were met. 

Tool-Kits issued on the day.
4.30pm Close

FEE: £2,295 + VAT
VENUE and DATE: Your workplace. Dates are available during Spring and Summer 2017. Details upon request.

Due to the interactive nature of the workshop, delegate numbers are limited to fifteen.
 

“Successful Absence Management”
Absence management is a key priority for most organisations due to the costs involved and the impact it can have. It is estimated that absence currently costs over £900 per employee per year in direct costs. For a small business with 30 employees this means an average cost of more than £27,000 per year, which is a significant outgoing. This calculation does not include less tangible costs, which can be just as significant, such as: lower levels of customer service and productivity, increase workload for staff and managers, which could impact on staff morale.

The vital role of line managers is a common theme throughout all best practice guidance on managing absence. However, there are few resources designed specifically to support line managers in order for them to be able to carry out their roles effectively. This one day workshop aims to bridge that gap and give delegates real and practical skills to develop knowledge, and confidence so that they are equipped to deal with the situation they find themselves in when managing absence.

Session learning objectives:
 
×         Understand the legal framework relating to absence management

×         Gain a holistic view on how to manage absence effectively

×         Understand the different approaches, techniques and interventions that can be used to minimise short and long term absences 

×         Understand how organisations policy and procedures impacts on the delegates role and responsibility 
Workshop outline
9:20am – session commences

Welcome, introduction and objectives for the day
Why managing absence is important: within this session we will consider the importance of managing absence, the benefits of attendance and the legal framework associated with absence.

Understanding and getting to grips with absence: we will look at, current levels of absence and reasons, how absence is measured, data obtained and the roles and responsibilities of the employee and manager within the absence management process.

Managing short-term absences:  this session looks at:

×         Methods of managing short-term absences

×         Return-to-work interviews

×         Dealing with common problems

×         Embedding policies and best practices

×         Working in small groups we will review the organisation policy and see how many best-practices are being met and where improvements can be made

12:30 Lunch break 

Managing long-term absences: this session looks at: 

×         Different strategies and interventions that can be used to minimise long-term absences

×         How to deal with the issues when managing long term absence

×         The types of support that can be provided when employees are returning to the workplace

×         Role-plays to practise carrying out a conversation with an individual who is currently absent from work

×         Utilise a case study to explore knowledge and understanding of the legal framework covering disability employment

Practical skills for managers: we will look at; dealing with difficult conversations, listening skills and communicating with employees about absence.

Policies and Procedures: we will review and consider how these policies and procedures impact on the role and responsibility of the Line Manager.
Lastly, we shall consider were the learning objectives for the day and the extent to which they were met.
Tool-Kits issued on the day.
4.30pm Close
FEE: £2,295 + VAT
VENUE and DATE: Your workplace. Dates are available during Spring and Summer 2017. Details upon request.
Due to the interactive nature of the workshop, delegate numbers are limited to fifteen.


------------------------------------------------------------
For an informal discussion and/or booking of any of these workshops you can speak to Jenny Churchill on 01313412550 or email on jennyc@OnlineHR.co.uk.

 



Thursday 19 January 2017

Thrive for Business

Many thanks to Amanda Kremer and "Thrive for Business" for the wonderful event yesterday!

Inspiring speakers and valuable business networking as well as a first class lunch at the Sheraton, Edinburgh.