When I was HR Director for the National Trust for Scotland I was afforded the opportunity to train as a Workplace Mediator. The training with ACAS was both challenging and rewarding and I learnt much about the power of mediation to resolve certain workplace disputes between colleagues. Further, that unlike other methods which attempt resolution Mediation could deliver a “win” for both parties as well as the organisation itself.

Needless to say, workplace disputes can be costly. The emotional toll on the individuals themselves can be high and the damage to wider team and organisation can be significant. Formal processes, such as discipline and grievance may be appropriate to use dependant on the circumstances, however, they invariably deliver a “Win-Lose” or “Lose-Lose” scenario. Where a positive and ongoing working relationship is required between colleagues at dispute, then Mediation can prove a valuable option to find a realistic and practical way forward.

Since successfully completing my Mediation training, I have gained substantial practical experience across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. For example, most recently, I have had the privilege to work with both Glasgow University and Victim Support Scotland to resolve workplace disputes via Mediation. I take pleasure in providing below one of the testimonials received in relation to the service provided.

Should you have a damaging dispute between colleagues in your organisation and seek a positive way forward, then please give me a buzz to discuss on 0131 341 2550. We can then consider, in confidence, whether or not Mediation might be appropriate in an effort to resolve.

Kind regards,
George

Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and Oxford Cambridge & RSA Accredited Workplace Mediator.


“We used the services of George Wilson from Online HR to help deal with the aftermath of a grievance situation that involved a line manager and one of her team.

George provided mediation support which involved one to one meetings and a subsequent group meeting, with the consent of the parties.
George secured a way forward with both parties committing to a written agreement. This in turn has had a positive impact on the working environment.

Online HR provided a professional and cost effective solution that met our need, within the required timeframe. Follow up support was very good both in terms of the HR team and the individuals involved.”

Andy Heapy, Director, People Development, Victim Support Scotland. www.victimsupportsco.org.uk

August e-Newsletter

Attached is a link to our "August e-Newsletter" providing details of a selection of HR Professionals actively seeking new roles.

If you would like to be considered for inclusion in a future edition, please let us know. 

Many thanks!

http://bit.ly/1EcTIin

HR Business Partner, Edinburgh (part-time, fixed term). To £46k pro-rata

We are delighted to be assisting our well respected public sector client to find an exceptional HR Business Partner to join their team on a part-time and fixed term basis to mid-December 2015. Part-time hours would be the equivalent of two day per week, however, with the exact pattern to be agreed with the successful candidate.

Providing a dedicated, proactive and strategic expert HR support and advice service, the successful candidate would work with nominated business areas to develop and implement their key strategic priorities under the organisation’s Human Resources and Development strategy

An individual is sought with strong interpersonal skills who is able to communicate effectively and with confidence at a senior level to positively influence, initiate and manage change.

To be considered for the role you will be a graduate or equivalent and be a Chartered Member of the CIPD. An experienced HR generalist at HR Business Partner level, you will have previously taken a lead role in development of creative organisation- wide HR solutions in at least one HR area, such as, performance, reward or organisational change. Needless to say, your knowledge of employment law and HR operations will be extensive and up to date, enabling you develop policies and deliver training as and when required. A confident user of at least one integrated HR/payroll system as well as MS Office software, you will be able to produce and analyse management information. Further, to understand the business and financial implications of the solutions you propose.

This is an excellent and rare opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced HR professional to join a progressive HR team at crucial time for the organisation! If you would like to be considered for the role, in the first instance, please provide a copy of your curriculum vitae along with covering letter explaining your interest in the role to georgew@onlinehr.co.uk. Thank you.

Essential skills for HR professionals – reserve your place now!

We have the pleasure in announcing the return of two popular public workshops aimed at honing essential skills for the HR professional in relation to “mediation” and “coaching”.

Essential skills for the HR professional (I) - “Workplace Coaching & Mentoring”

Benefits of attending:

By the end of the course delegates will be able to - Identify situations in which the use coaching and mentoring may be appropriate; Use a range of coaching and mentoring tools and techniques; Be familiar with a recognised coaching model. An ideal introduction to coaching and mentoring in the workplace!

Workshop overview:

• What is coaching and mentoring?
• How does it relate to other learning and development approaches?
• The role, conduct, standards and responsibilities of effective coaches and mentors
• Key coaching and mentoring skills including establishing rapport, questioning, listening and effective feedback
• Using the “GROW” coaching model
• An opportunity to have a go at putting the skills into practice

Duration: one day

Dates and locations:

• Tuesday 18th August, Glasgow
• Friday 21st August, Aberdeen
• Tuesday 25th August, Manchester
• Friday 28th August, London

Course fee per delegate: £295 plus vat

Essential skills for the HR professional (II) – “Workplace Mediation and dispute resolution”

Benefits of attending:

By the end of the course delegates will be able to - Identify situations in which the use workplace mediation may be appropriate; Use a range of mediation skills and techniques; Be familiar with a recognised mediation model. An ideal introduction to mediation in the workplace!

Workshop overview:

• What is workplace mediation?
• How does mediation differ from other types of dispute resolution and when is it appropriate to use?
• The role, conduct, standards and responsibilities of effective mediators
• Key skills of the mediator including, questioning, listening, facilitating and re-framing
• The Facilitative model of mediation
• An opportunity to have a go at putting the skills into practice

Duration: one day

Dates and locations:

• Thursday 3rd September, Glasgow
• Tuesday 8th September, Aberdeen
• Friday 11th September, Manchester
• Tuesday 15th September, London

Course fee per delegate: £295 plus vat

Are these courses for you?

Both courses are suitable for HR professionals or experienced managers that wish to hone coaching and mediation skills in the workplace. Further, for those new to people management wishing an introduction and foundation in relation to these skills.

We limit the number of delegates attending each workshop to 15 so our events are engaging and participative. Workshop venues are in appropriate city centre locations accessible by public transport and with full disabled access and facilities.

Please note that either course may be run in-house for your organisation.

To book your place(s) or if you have any queries, please contact Catriona on 0131 341 2550 or email her at ask@onlinehr.co.uk. Thank you!

June e-Newsletter

Attached is a link to our "June e-Newsletter" providing details of a selection of HR Professionals actively seeking new roles.

If you would like to be considered for inclusion in a future edition, please let us know. 

Many thanks!

http://bit.ly/1JT2QOD

HR Business Partner, Glasgow based, Permanent, full-time. To £35k pa

Due to continued growth, our Client is now looking for an HR Business Partner to work with their Service Delivery team who manage the successful delivery of customer orders, providing a leading customer service experience.

As the lead HR generalist for the Service Delivery team onsite, you will play a key role with managers in ensuring all HR processes and policies are implemented and followed, the organisation’s culture and values are instilled throughout and employees are engaged and enabled.

So what does this mean?

• Providing a complete HR generalist service to the site alongside robust HR strategic plans to enable delivery. Work closely with key customers to empower managers to understand and effectively implement HR policies, procedures and best practices
• Manage and facilitate transformation in terms of working practices and management style, coaching our management team on people issues such as absence management, disciplinary, etc
• Be hands on, the role will entail supporting management in disciplinary, grievance and appeal meetings
• Develop people strategies with senior management to address both immediate and long term objectives for the site

What are we looking for?

• Proven knowledge and experience of delivering HR generalist and strategic support. Associate CIPD as a minimum.
• Strong people skills, you will need to develop relationships with the management team as well as being available to support our clients' employees
• Problem solving and analytical ability, we are a data rich company and you will need to be comfortable analysing information, identifying trends and advise on solutions
• Ability to influence others, with strong mediation, facilitation and negotiation skills
• Be organised, there will be times where you will find a heavy ER case load along with project that need to be delivered, so being able to plan and prioritise will be key
• Flexibility in approach to working, our client has a 24/7 operation so the HR team has to be flexible to work outside of core hours when required. This is also the case when it comes to supporting other sites, so a current driving licence is also required.

Please email us on ask@onlinehr.co.uk with a copy of your curriculum vitae if interested. in this position. Many thanks!

Scotland's Best Employer Awards 2015!

We are delighted once again to have been invited to join the judging panel of Scotland's Best Employer Awards 2015! http://bit.ly/1Hc7FDc