Appendix 3: Merger Proposal - Corporate Services
21
Merger Proposal Document - Corporate Services
9
4.14. The merger will require the development of effective communication channels
to inform staff and students of the College's new policies and procedures linked
to student records, data protection and freedom of information.
5. HR Administration
Objectives
5.1. The new College shall provide an efficient and effective HR administrative
function by:
• Providing efficient underpinning operational support and guidance to
managers and staff which reflects best practice;
• Ensuring a comprehensive and up-to-date range of HR policies and
procedures;
• Improving the effectiveness of Personnel MIS systems e.g. in terms of
regular budget monitoring, skills need analysis, succession planning,
sick/absence and turnover monitoring;
• Developing an HR System to incorporate staff self service and flexible
working systems and on-line recruitment
Appendix 14.10 provides an inventory of HR related policies that will be in place
when the new College is formed. If an existing policy is changed significantly,
then the change will be subject to consultation with the elected representatives
of staff. Staff, students and other stakeholders will be involved to ensure that
equality impact assessments are integrated into policy development and review.
Merger Benefits/Opportunities
5.2. The HR functions of three colleges will be one of the first support services to be
brought together. These employees will then be in a position to support and
advise all other employees. This move will also enable the early development
of effective policies, systems & procedures. In addition it is likely that additional
external HR support & advice will be needed during the merger process. This
will allow existing members of staff to be freed up from some operational duties
to allow then to take forward merger integration issues.
5.3. The merger will assist with the development of integrated HR/payroll/training
and development computerised systems. This should improve efficiency and
benefit members of staff e.g. more efficient on-line recruitment, staff self
service, flexitime system, and more informed reportage to aid decision making
and meet statutory equalities obligations. Economies of scale should also be
made e.g. one system rather than three will release resources to improve
service to job applicants and staff.
5.4. The merger should engender better sharing of best practice in terms of
employee engagement.