Vision

A Human Resource function which delivers professional services to enable the delivery of University strategic goals, and sustainable high performance which is achieved through people.

Purpose

• To deliver services and activities which enables all departments in the University to effectively manage and develop staff in an environment which is supportive of excellence and high performance
• To develop and apply HR practices and solutions which produce positive outcomes for staff, managers and students
• To build and ensure capability, commitment and compliance
• To promote change and continuous improvement as a means of achieving departmental and University goals  

Our approach

• Customer focussed – provide services that are accessible and responsive to customer requirements and comments
• Flexible approach to respond to changing priorities – (making clear what can be stopped to make other things happen)
• Efficiency - Deliver what we do as efficiently as possible within a known model of operating service delivery
• Benchmark – Consider best HR practice, measure performance through benchmarking and look externally as well as within to achieve service improvements
• Judgement is informed by understanding the University and what it needs to succeed
• Outcome based approach – Focus on what we deliver  

Services provided

• Recruitment and selection – including authorisation to recruit, recruitment advertising, candidate response and organisation of panels for all groups of staff
• Job Evaluation and review of roles to position correctly within the University pay and grading system
• Advice to managers and staff on full range of employment/HR policy matters
• Management of contracts of employment, termination of staff, HR administration to enable work permits, maternity leave, payroll processing
• Maintenance of effective relations with recognised Trade Unions via JNCC and other working groups
• Provision of management information on fixed-term contract expiry and support to HoDs on this process
• Responsible for the delivery of collective consultation as required by legislation in relation to redundancy
• Pensions operations and payment, trustee governance and the provision of pensions information to managers and staff
• Oversight of the University Disciplinary, Appeals and Grievance procedures ensuring activities happen in line with policy or Statute and Ordinances
• Responding on behalf of University to wide range of government consultation on employment matters
• Delivery of statutory returns relating to staff
• Management of Equal Pay Audits and other pay mechanisms such as Rewarding Excellence, Professorial Pay Review etc
• Case management – harassment, grievances etc
• Development and provision of a range of Learning and Development programmes e.g. training for post graduates and early career researchers, support staff development, Leadership and Management Development and some statutory and compliance training
• Provision of HR KPIs and metrics to various groups/individuals
• Support to a number of staff forums

Summary of staffing

• Director of Human Resources – Rachael Millhouse
• Assistant Director of Human Resources – Iona Rodger
• Assistant Director of Human Resources – Helen Selvidge
• Assistant Director of Human Resources – Susan Kane

Customers / clients

• Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellors
• Directors and Heads of Support Services
• Heads of Academic Department / School
• Deans
• Heads of Faculty Operations
• Pension scheme trustees and administrators
• All staff
• Post Graduate Research Students

Specific pledges on customer service

• Respond to HR Enquiries and Learning and Development Admin enquiries within three working days
• Issue papers for main committees at least three working days in advance
• Respond to customers in a considerate and courteous/friendly manner
• Incorporate customer feedback and evaluation to continually improve our services
• Present data, papers, web pages in a clear and accessible manner
• Operate with minimal bureaucracy/transactional costs