Hot HR blog and jobs

Hello and welcome to this week's Hot HR blog and jobs update.

A warm welcome to all new members. If you like the group please promote it to all your HR contacts.

This Week:

For live discussions on LinkedIn, Facebook, Data Protection and E learning please join the group and join in with our discussions.

Here's a taster of one of our discussions: "It's all a lie -  An alluring picture, snappy title - come on in and read a very interesting article on LinkedIn profiles and the lies they tell!"

 

To read more join Hot HR


Hot HR jobs:

HR Advisor / Human Resources
Mirfield, West Yorkshire
Maternity Cover (initially for 6 months) 3 days a week
£14,417pa
Click here to read more about this role 


Payroll Officer / Payroll Coordinator / Payroll Administrator
Leeds, West Yorkshire
£20,000 - £23,000 plus benefits including free parking
Click here to read more about this role

For more HR and associated roles please visit the networx website.

Seminars and Networking Events:

Hot HR and networx are offering FREE seminars on 'Social Media - Recruiting The Right Way' in Cheshire and Durham.

The Durham event will take place on 11th October from 9am to 11am and will be held at Durham Marriott Hotel Royal. To book your FREE place go to eventbrite  

The Cheshire event will be held on 18th October from 9am to 11am at the Village Hotel (De Vere) Bury, Manchester. To book your FREE place go to eventbrite 

If you have any comments on the blog or Hot HR please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best Wishes
Hot HR

Free Event: Social Media and Recruitment - "The Right Way"

Following the great success of our previous events, Networx and Hot HR are pleased to announce the following FREE seminar - Social Media and Recruitment - "The Right Way" in Durham on 11th October:

Is there a right way to use Social Media as part of your recruitment process? Or more importantly is there a wrong way?

Are you confused?

Drawing on our knowledge and experience this seminar is designed to provide you with the information you require whilst ensuring that every step of your approach to Social Media is reflective of best practise.


Topics include:

• What is Social media and how does it relate to the world of HR?
• Facebook - How do you turn this social communication tool into a business tool?
• LinkedIn – Defining your strategy & how to implement it for maximum effect
• Google Adwords and Facebook Advertising as candidate attraction tools

Registration and breakfast will commence at 9:00am with presentations starting at 9.30am prompt.
The presentations will be followed by an opportunity to network with other attendees.
Please note: There is limited on-site parking charged at £4 for 4 hours. There is also nearby off-site parking at £1 per hour.

Who is this seminar suitable for?

This seminar is dedicated exclusively for HR professionals and internal recruiters. No requests to attend from recruitment consultants or agencies will be accepted.

We have held a number of events previously which have been hailed a great success and we received the following comments from our attendees:

"Informative, insightful and helpful - well worth 3 hours" , "Informative, useful way to consider the future of recruitment", "Very useful", " Fantastic, Very Informative".

A bit about the organisers:

Networx

Networx is a leading online recruitment specialist who works alongside hundreds of HR professionals throughout the UK. Using cutting edge technology together with the expertise of online sourcing strategies, networx offer complete recruitment solutions that are designed to maximise performance at every stage of the recruitment process.

Hot HR

Hot HR is a Linked In group dedicated exclusively to HR professionals and designed to provide the latest news, employment law updates and share best practice. With over 1500 members throughout the UK Hot HR is a rapidly growing community created to support HR professionals in their daily role.

How to register:

http://socialmediarecruitmentdurham.eventbrite.co.uk/

This is a FREE event. Simply register your details and we will send you acknowledgement by email. All communication and information regarding the event will be sent to your email account prior to the event. If you have any questions please contact Jayne Dobson on 01943 467766.

Hot HR update 2-6 July

Hello and welcome to all members - here is a roundup of what's been happening within the group this week :

DISCUSSION FOCUS:

- Twitter Cuts Off LinkedIn — Who’s Next?
- This looks like a really great (and cheap!) way to collect employer references
- The 'perils' of open networking on LinkedIn

To read more click here

EVENTS:

Next week see the 'How effective is your recruitment process? Is it compliant with the Equality Act?' event take place in association with networx, Ward Hadaway and Hot HR.

For more information CLICK HERE

 

HR JOBS:

Hot HR now has a Hot HR job blog specifically for HR professionals

To view the HR jobs, click here

JOIN US: Hot HR welcomes new contributors and partnerships, if you would like to discuss this further, please contact Alex via Hot HR.

Hot HR Job Blog 2-6 July

Welcome to the second  edition of the weekly Hot HR blog specifically designed for Hot HR members looking for HR roles: Hot HR Job Blog.

This dedicated area brings all the HR jobs advertised in Hot HR directly to you, in one easily accesible place.

If you are interested in any of the roles please follow the direct link to view more information and details of how to apply for the role. Alternatively, please email me and I can assist you further.

 HR MANAGER ROLES

HR Systems Manager / HRIS
Ellesmere Port, Cheshire (commutable from Liverpool, Chester, Warrington, Manchester and Stoke on Trent)
£Competitive salary plus benefits
click here to read more about this role

HR Manager
Preston, Lancashire - commutable Blackburn, Blackpool & Lancaster
£30,000 package with company car
Click here to read more about this role

HR Manager
St Albans, Hertfordshire - Commutable from Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Hatfield, Luton
£33,000 package with company car
click here to read more about this role

HR Manager
Portsmouth, Hampshire– commutable Southampton, Brighton, Bournemouth, Winchester
£30,331.50 package with company car
click here to read more about this role

HR Manager
York, Yorkshire - Commutable from Wetherby, Harrogate, Selby, Leeds
£30,000 package with company car
click here to read more about this role

HR Business Partner / Human Resources Business Partner
Cardiff (commutable from Newport, Barry, Penarth, Marshfield, Caerphilly and surrounding areas)
Salary – Competitive
Fixed term 6 to 12 months
click here to read more about this role

     These jobs are advertised via networx www.networxrecruitment.com.

Please check this blog on a weekly basis for weekly HR job updates.


Other Jobs

Experienced HR Advisor/Officer (Temp/interim - possibly lead to perm) Opportunity -RETAIL

Now looking for an experienced HR Advisor/ Officer on a temp (possible perm) basis based in West Midlands. Ideally have a retail, hospitality or leisure background. If you know of anyone who may be interested or looking for interim or temporary work, please email mhill@storetwentyone.co.uk

If you are a member of Hot HR and would like to advertise specific HR roles within your company in this dedicated space, please contact me directly - alex.murgatroyd@networxrecruitment.com

To find out what is hot in HR right now please join Hot HR and join in discussions with fellow UK based HR professionals.

Hot HR: 14-18 May

Another great week in Hot HR. A warm welcome to all new members and thanks to all 1,558 members. We hope that you are finding the group useful and informative.  

Here is a roundup of what's been happening within the group this week:

WARD HADAWAY SPEED READ:

- Past employment under fixed term contract allowed
- Stringfellows worker held to be an employee
- Employment Law Implications of the Queen's Speech

Read here for more information

For more indepth information on the Quashie v Stringfellows Restaurants please read May's Ward Hadaway Insight. 

DISCUSSION:

-How to express yourself on LinkedIn
-Time to re-think absence managment
-Government moves to abolish law on harassment of staff by third parties
-Why can't I let go of my clutter?

To read more join Hot HR 

EVENTS:

There is still time to book your place on the 'dealing with workshops' running in conjunction with Ward Hadaway and Protostar.

The 'dealing with' workshops are running at the Ward Hadaway offices in Leeds and Newcastle on various dates and cover 'dealing with':

-Difficult people
-Capability and performance
-Political correctness
-Dealing with absence issues

Click here to see more information or email alex.murgatroyd@networxrecruitment.com

UPDATES: Please see the blog for the new HR events schedule for: a summary for busy HR people.

HR JOBS: Please look in the job section for current HR roles

JOIN US: Hot HR welcomes new contributors and partnerships, if you would like to discuss this further, please contact Alex via Hot HR.

TWITTER: Please see the Hot HR blog for other articles and updates. Also follow Hot HR on Twitter @Hot_HR. Not already a member, click here to join Hot HR.

CV UPDATE: Have you thought about giving your CV a spring clean or an update for summer? For more from tips to re-writting please click here.


Feedback and suggestions for the group are always welcome.

Hot HR update for the week 12-16 March

What's happening in Hot HR this week

Welcome to all new members - we now have over 1,425 members and the group is really warming up with some great discussions and activity.

SPEED READ FROM WARD HADAWAY:
* Providing basic information in the redundancy process is sufficient
* Changes to the Employment Tribunal Rules keep on coming
* Court of Appeal rule on remedies for refusing access to pension schemes

To read more join Hot HR

DISCUSSIONS: Lots of great discussions this week, here's a snap shot:

 

* A practical guide to changing/varying terms and conditions of employment - I have a new Checklist  which I'm happy to share. Simply let me have your email and I'll send it to you.                   
* What does your LinkedIn profile say about you?
*  CIPD opposes the changes to qualifying period of unfair dismissal from 1 year to 2 years, what's your thoughts??                                    

To read more, comment or start a discussion join here

EVENTS:

Hot HR and Ward Hadaway are pleased to announce two free Employment Law updates held at the Ward Hadaway offices in Leeds. These will be held on 18th and 19th April. Please click here for more information.

The very popular 'Social Media & Recruitment - The Right Way' seminar, held in association with Hot HR, is being running in Birmingham on 29th March. For more information or to register please click here

UPDATES:
Please see the blog for the new HR events schedule for: a summary for busy HR people.

HR JOBS: Please look in the job section for current HR roles

JOIN US: Hot HR welcomes new contributors and partnerships, if you would like to discuss this further, please contact Alex via Hot HR.

Please see the Hot HR blog for other articles and updates. Also follow Hot HR on Twitter @Hot_HR. Not already a member, click here to join Hot HR.

We look forward to seeing you in Hot HR!

What's happening in Hot HR this week

Welcome to all new members - we now have 1,378 members and the group is really seeing some great discussions and activity.

This week's update from Hot HR, provides you with the Speed Read from employment lawyers Ward Hadaway and a sample of interesting discussions and updates from the group for you to to read, join in and comment on.

WARD HADAWAY SPEED READ 20/2/12:

*Discriminatory comments – is context important?

*Religious beliefs clash with gay rights…again

*TUPE service provision changes cause yet more headaches

DISCUSSIONS: Lots of great discussions this week, here's a snap shot:

*Sleep or lack of it can be a huge source of stress, affecting our ability to focus and function effectively. The historical norm was two periods of sleep. Reassuring and interesting

*How to add value to your networx on LinkedIn

* Should employers insist on proper english?

* One little word                     

To read more, comment or start a discussion join here

EVENT: Employment Law Update 18th and 19th April -  Following the sucess of the employment law update last year, Ward Hadaway in association with Hot HR are pleased to announce free employment law updates on 18th and 19th April at the Ward Hadaway offices in Leeds.

The very popular 'Social Media & Recruitment - The Right Way' seminar, held in association with Hot HR, is being running in Birmingham on 29th March. For more information or to register please click here

HR JOBS - Please look in the job section for current HR roles

JOIN US- Hot HR welcomes new contributors and partnerships, if you would like to discuss this further, please contact Alex via Hot HR.

Please see the Hot HR blog for other articles and updates. Also follow Hot HR on Twitter @Hot_HR. Not already a member, click here to join Hot HR.

We look forward to seeing you in Hot HR!

The need for a good CV

I have just revamped a CV for a friend looking for a new role, whilst the content was there, the format and layout needed a helping hand. It just wasn't the finished article, but they thought that it was ok and hadn't really questioned it. 

Going through this process made me think about the quality of CV's that are out there. I also found myself asking do we still need a great CV these days.  

Do you still need a CV with social media and online applications changing the way employers recruit? 

My opinion was, and still is, that yes you absolutely still need a CV. Not only do you need a CV but it has to be a good one.  

I found these statistics that support why a good CV with maximum impact is so important: 

•almost a third only read a CV for 1 minute before making their decision  

•the main reason for rejecting a CV is irrelevance to the job

•50% say the cover letter is as important as the CV   

So, it's clear that first impressions count, your CV has to do the talking for you in the first instance and presentation is everything. If you don't provoke any initial interest then you won't even get a chance to impress in an interview.  

It goes without saying that the job market is more competitive now than ever before, and this is unlikely to change in 2012. This is why your CV needs to standout! You need to make your CV a must read and sell your skills, make it a document that makes them want to offer you a job. 

It isn't just about listing responsibilities from your last jobs, this alone won't secure you an interview, but focussing on what you have achieved within those duties and responsibilities, and how you can successfully build upon them and deliver in your next role just might.

 You need to think about the format, layout, wording, and fonts and how best to present all your information, it's a hard process to get right, but once you have cracked it, it really just needs a tweak and update when you look for a new role. 

If you do need to write a cover letter ensure that you use this opportunity to make your application specific to the role and highlight why youo are the best person for the role. 

As for social media, I do believe that you must consider social media as part of your CV, utilising LinkedIn profiles etc., just consider how you want to be portrayed.     

Social media an online recruitment is an excellent way of looking and applying for jobs, but the majority of the time you will still be asked to submit a CV. Even you if you don't have to submit your CV, having your CV next to you whilst you complete any application forms makes it so much easier and less time consuming having the information to hand, and at least you have it for next time!

So in response to my initial questions: the CV still lives on; better make it a good one!       

For more tips and assistance with writing your CV click here

Hot HR update 9-13 January 2012

Welcome to this week's upate from Hot HR.

This week we have updates from Ward Hadaway, Hot HR's only employment law specialist along with a sample of interesting discussions and updates for you to to read, join in and comment on.

Ward Hadaway

* TUPE – Similarity of activities in service provision changes
* Working Time Regulations – Opting out of the 48-hour week
* New rates of statutory pay announced

To read more from Ward Hadaway join Hot HR.

Discussions

* A very popular discussion - With social media very much in the news at the moment, I've put together a Checklist of issues to consider which I'm happy to share. Let me know if you want a copy.                     

* Fact or Fiction. People are more motivated to move away from pain than towards pleasure       

* Best Companies accreditaion             

Comment on these discussions

Join us

Hot HR welcomes new Hot Spot writers, contributors and content partners, if you are interested please contact Alex via Hot HR.

Please see the Hot HR blog for other articles and updates. Also follow Hot HR on Twitter @Hot_HR

Not already a member, click here to join Hot HR.

Thank you for your support over the last year and best wishes for a prosperous year ahead.

Hot HR Review of 2011

It's hard to believe that it's nearly Christmas and another year is fast approaching. I thought I would take this opportunity to share some of the highlights from Hot HR from over the last 12 months.

This has been an exciting year for Hot HR,  we have seen fantastic growth and we now have 1,240 members!

The statistics -  show that the peak months for people joining the group in 2011 were May with 131 new members, November with 166 and 168 in September.

Our members  - are all UK based HR professionals or people that have HR qualifications, a HR background or work in areas directly connected to HR.

In the group 37% of the group are HR Managers; 12% are based in London; 71% work in a HR function and 33% are in the HR industry.

Hot HR Ethos - these statistics really support the ethos behind the group, which is to become one of the UK’s leading HR networking groups by providing HR professionals with the information they require by sharing experiences, communicating directly with others and asking advice from leading specialists. It is important to Hot HR that the group remains a committed group to the HR profession with UK based dedicated HR professional members only. It is essential that the content and quality of the group is not diluted in any way and for this reason we are not numbers driven.

What happened in 2011.......

The first Hot HR Employment Law update in association with Ward Hadaway  took place in Leeds. This will extend into 2012, with all updates being available via Hot HR.

Strategic partners - this year we welcomed relationships with strategic partners including:

-Harmajinder Hayre Employment Lawyer from Ward Hadaway Solicitors
-Stephen Hart owner of Edenchanges training
-Andy Whittle from Genesys Training
-David Taylor from Data Protection Consultancy
-Mark Terry from Edenred Employee Benefits
-Jenny Cooper from Key Steps Coaching for Stress Management

The Hot Spot - we also saw start of the Hot Spot, with articles written by members of Hot HR, inclusing Michael Rabone, HR Manager for The Seafood Restaurant group owned by Rick and Jill Stein, Tim Rawson HR Manager from Travel Jigsaw, Caroline Hackney from Cape, Alison Mulholland from nef and Karl Whittle, a HR Programme Director.

Thank you  - to all the group members for making Hot HR such a great group and to everyone who has contributed throughout the year. I hope that you have found the group useful and informative and that this will continue and grow in 2012.

The Future - there will be some exciting developments to the group in 2012, which will continue to make Hot HR an up to date and useful group for the HR community.

If you would like to join the group or recommend it to any HR professionals you may know please click here.   

All that remains is for me to wish you all a very merry festive season, all the best for the New Year and I hope to see you in Hot HR in 2012!

Welcome to the Hot HR Update for this the last week, here's a roundup of the group activity:

Ward Hadaway Speed Read - W/C 5th December  

1. Sick-workers: clarification regarding the carry-over of holidays

2. Government issues response to consultation on Employment Tribunal reform

3.Gender pay gap narrows

 To read more from Ward Hadaway join Hot HR.

Discussions 

 *Would anyone be willing to share their Anti Bullying and Harassment Policy – I am doing a review of ours and would be interested in any feedback - happy to share the outcome.  

* Am not going to join the lawyer Scrooges who publish the usual "Beware dangers of Christmas  party" every year at this time, but ....

Please share your thoughts and experiences by joining HotHR.  

Training

Hot HR can exclusively offer free training on how to use LinkedIn to recruit successfully. If you are interested please click here andregister.

Hot HR is looking for additional Hot Spot writers and contributors and content partners, if you are interested please contact Alex via Hot HR.

 Please see the Hot HR blog for other articles and updates. Also follow Hot HR on Twitter @Hot_HR

 Not already a member, click here to join Hot HR.

Hot HR Hot Spot - Are we striving for HR MI perfection? by Karl Whittle

I am pleased to welcome Karl Whittle as a guest writter for the Hot HR Hot Spot.

A bit about Karl:  

Karl is a HR Programme Director with broad and successful experience in the management of transformation of process, people and technology programmes in UK and international businesses. A hands-on problem solver with a high rate of achievement to resolve people and business challenges, drive transformation that delivers tangible results in diverse businesses. A proven and motivational team manager, engendering internal consensus and forging solid relationships with teams, senior stakeholders and strategic partners with a successful track record of delivering HR transformation and change programmes.

We hope you enjoy reading Karl's exciting article and blog.

Are we striving for HR MI perfection?

In today’s ever changing HR landscape are we investing sufficient time, thought and planning into how data can assist in making timely, effective and beneficial business decisions? Surely, long gone are the days where the extraction of data from our HR and Payroll systems are analysed and People decisions are made in isolation from the operational needs of a business?

However, no matter what surveys inform us about the importance of intelligently interrogating our People data and integrating this data to support business decisions it appears that we find ourselves in the “middle” ground of knowing and wanting to intelligently use our data, without providing ourselves with the “head-space” to fully understand how this data can be an ally. Should we be considering data as a valuable asset and not just a means to produce a collection of reports?

We have become proficient at reviewing and evolving our HR operating models so that we are able to adapt and change to support our business needs and demands; we are more knowledgeable and intelligent in sourcing and selecting ‘best of breed’ HR solutions to support and complement transformation programmes; but are we taking a ‘fit-for-purpose’ approach when it comes to accurately understanding data that we have in our business?

All too often I feel that we fall into a safety zone of analysing our People data in isolation, rather than reaching out and understanding what other data exists across our business. We wouldn’t bake a cake without all the ingredients, so why would we want to provide our business leaders with only part of the picture?  

Should we not be taking a step back and working with our business leaders and partners in not only understanding the People challenges, but how data across the whole of the organisation can be combined to provide a holistic picture. We need to ask ourselves; what do we need from our data, where does our data exist, and how can this valuable asset help drive more informed and quantifiable decisions? Therefore, the ‘data’ discussion needs to be at the forefront of our minds when HR helps drive positive change across a business, and not as an after thought.

The direct correlation of different data sources can provide us with a full picture that we can easily and intelligently interrogate, and then for this, to provide us with the platform to complete “what-if” (predictive) models. Let’s understand what our data is telling us and not be afraid ask the questions; if we take route A compared to route B what are the advantages, what are the disadvantages; what underlying risks do we have and what options do we have to build in contingency; what are the impacts to the top & bottom line? As we become ever more sophisticated in delivering HR services to our business we should in turn become more demanding of how to use our data assets.

We need to be in a position to answer more business and commercial orientated questions and in turn provide intelligent analysed options. HR MI should not just be about People data (attracting & retaining Talent) but how do we as HR professionals contribute at the top table and lead change.

To comment on this article join Hot HR.

Hot HR Update 21-25 November

Welcome to the Hot HR Update.

Not a member? Click here to join Hot HR. 

Here's a round  up of what happened in the group over the last week:

Ward Hadaway Speed Read - W/C 21st November

1. Whistleblowing – Grounds on which a dismissal is unfair

2. Racism – The consequences of a 'continuing act'

3.Government to consult on 'protected conversations'

To read more from Ward Hadaway join Hot HR.

Discussions

1. Does anyone have experience in employing EU candidates who will be based abroad? Can the standard employment contract apply? What will the TAX or NI implications be?

2.I am revamping our induction process by pulling everything that we do into a handbook. I am nearly there but does anyone have an induction handbook that they are willing to share for comparison? 

3.  Hello all. Could anyone advise on how capability policy can effectively be used within a small organisation (600+) to tackle long term sickness?

Could individual's contract of employment be terminated due to incapability to their perform job tasks outlined in job description without facing an unfair dismissal?

Please share your thoughts and experiences by joining Hot HR.

Hot HR content members:

This week content partner Jenny Cooper posted an article on stress at this time of year:

"Adding value to Christmas and reducing the cost of personal stress. " (part 1).

What does Christmas mean to you, and how can you "add value" to your experience this year?  http://bit.ly/rO4uKc

Please use Hot HR as a forum to ask the content members any questions you might have in their fields of expertise, no matter how big or small the question, our experts can help!

Hot HR continues to endeavour to add to the portfolio of content members who can add value to the group and to Hot HR members and to compliment each other's skills and expertise. If you have any suggestions for the group please contact me.

Hot HR is looking for additional Hot Spot writers and contributers and content partners, if you are interested please contact Alex via Hot HR.

Please see our blog for other articles and updates. Also follow Hot HR on Twitter @Hot_HR

Alex

Hot HR Update 14-18 November

Hello and welcome to this week's Hot HR update.

The group is welcoming new members daily and there is some great discussions happening. If you aren't a member of Hot HR already click here to join  Hot HR .

Here's a round of what happened in the group this week:

Ward Hadaway Speed Read - W/C 14th November
1. Breach of contract: Failure to follow procedure
2. Inconsistent treatment of employees
3. Payment for holidays: A sick employee's obligation to make a request

To read more join Hot HR.

Discussions:
1. I am setting up a Training Academy to support the growth of our people to include exam support and coaching opportunities. Does anyone have any guidelines or materials in this area?    
2. With toolkits, online help and the call centre approach are HR Advisors more like administrators?     
                      
Please share your thoughts and experiences by joining Hot HR.

Hot HR content members:
• Harmajinder Hayre Employment Lawyer from Ward Hadaway Solicitors
• Stephen Hart owner of Edenchanges training
• Andy Whittle from Genesys Training
• David Taylor from Data Protection Consultancy
• Mark Terry from Edenred Employee Benefits
. Jenny Cooper from Key Steps Coaching for Stress Management

Please use Hot HR as a forum to ask the content members any questions you might have in their fields of expertise, no matter how big or small the question, our experts can help!

Hot HR continues to endeavour to add to the portfolio of content members who can add value to the group and to Hot HR members and to compliment each other's skills and expertise. If you have any suggestions for the group please contact me.

Hot HR Hot Spot:
We have 4 regular writers for the Hot Spot - Michael Rabone, HR Manager for The Seafood Restaurant group owned by Rick and Jill Stein, Tim Rawson HR Manager from Travel Jigsaw, Caroline Hackney from Cape and Alison Mulholland from nef.

Thank you to Michael, Tim, Caroline and Alison for their contributions.

Please support their articles and dedcation to the group and feel free to respond, ask any questions.

Hot HR is looking for additional Hot Spot writers and contributers and content partners, if you are interested please contact Alex via Hot HR.

Please see our blog for other articles and updates:

http://hothr.blogspot.com/2011/11/hr-services-and-crb-checking.html

Follow Hot HR on Twitter @Hot_HR

Have a great weekend.
Alex

Hot HR Update 7-11 November

Hello and welcome to this week's Hot HR update.

This week we welcome our 1060th member to the group. A warm welcome to all new members, we hope to see you joining in discussions and utilising the group to it's full potential.

Hot HR is looking for additional Hot Spot writers and contributers and content partners, if you are interested please contact Alex via Hot HR.

Here's a round of what happened in the group this week:

Ward Hadaway Speed Read - W/C 7th November
1. Statutory holiday rights for sick workers
2. Blowing the whistle on liability and causation
3. Fact v Opinion – An employer's obligation

To read more join Hot HR.

Discussions:
1. I'm looking into finding a provider of online Right to Work in the UK checks  
    and have had mixed responses on the availability of this
2. HR Forums

Please share your thoughts and experiences by joining Hot HR.

Hot HR content members:
• Harmajinder Hayre Employment Lawyer from Ward Hadaway Solicitors
• Stephen Hart owner of Edenchanges training
• Andy Whittle from Genesys Training
• David Taylor from Data Protection Consultancy
• Mark Terry from Edenred Employee Benefits
. Jenny Cooper from Key Steps Coaching for Stress Management

Please use Hot HR as a forum to ask the content members any questions you might have in their fields of expertise, no matter how big or small the question, our experts can help!

Hot HR continues to endeavour to add to the portfolio of content members who can add value to the group and to Hot HR members and to compliment each other's skills and expertise. If you have any suggestions for the group please contact me.

Hot HR Hot Spot:
This week's Hot Spot is 'Why can’t we all just get along? (or the art of being nice)' by Alison Mulholland from nef.

We have 4 regular writers for the Hot Spot - Michael Rabone, HR Manager for The Seafood Restaurant group owned by Rick and Jill Stein, Tim Rawson HR Manager from Travel Jigsaw, Caroline Hackney from Cape and Alison Mulholland from nef.

Thank you to Michael, Tim, Caroline and Alison for their contributions.

Please support their articles and dedcation to the group and feel free to respond, ask any questions.

Please see our blog for other articles and updates: http://hothr.blogspot.com/2011/11/hr-services-and-crb-checking.html

Have a great weekend.  
Alex

Hot HR Hot Spot 'Why can’t we all just get along? (or the art of being nice)' by Alison Mulholland from nef

Why can’t we all just get along? (or the art of being nice)

I work with two of the loveliest people (hi Lois and Laura) and they always make you feel that nothing is a bother for them. This, in turn, makes me want to help them. Simple. So why is this so hard for people to understand? In the course of most people’s working life they will be hassled. Shouted at and belittled and, for some customer- facing staff, there are even more serious situations. Unbelievably, at Transport for London there were 1,400 assaults on staff in 2010/11 and this is a reduction from the amount the year before!

Although most of us won’t face anything as bad as being physically assaulted it can be easy to remember that, in HR, we are dealing with real people with real problems. For example, I have often seen managers complain that people are getting stroppy over the fact that their pay is wrong, forgetting that is how people pay their bills and, of course, you can never really know people’s financial situation. One particular time sticks out for me where I had one senior HR manager mess up on someone’s pay which saw them get only half of what they should be getting. The manager’s feeling was that the member of staff should be able to cope on half pay which would mean the manager not having to confess her mistake and instead just adjusting next month’s payroll. Had she spoken to the person concerned (as I did) they would have discovered that the staff member had just moved house, was flat broke after stumping up a large deposit and really needed the pay she was owed.

I try to work with a customer service mindset, not just treating others how I would like to be treated but using the phrase “what sort of person do I want to be” to influence how I work. In HR we often have to deal with difficult and sometimes heartbreaking situations and dealing with these issues in a sensitive manner can make all the difference to the employees involved and often results in a better outcome all round.

The other side of being a nice person is that people will want to work with you – we all know horror stories about people who have had bad service in shops and won’t go back to them – we in HR must make sure we give the customer service to all our customers (and that includes those that are off with bad backs but posting pictures of themselves on Facebook doing somersaults, those caught stealing red handed).

So try and be a Ms or Mr Do-As-You-Would-Be-Done-By and see what happens.

Hot HR Update

Amazing news - Hot HR has now reached the 1000 mark - with over 1000 members the group is going from strength to strength. Thank you to all those that have contributed and are using the group, I hope you continue to find the group of use.

Welcome to all new members, we hope to see you joining in discussions and utilising the group to it's full potential.

If anyone has any ideas or recommendations for the group, please do not hesitate to contact me.

On 20th October Hot HR ran an event in Leeds 'Social Media - The Right Way' in partnership with Ward Hadaway law firm covering using social media for recruitment and legal and legislative aspects of social media. This was a great success, many thanks to all those that attended. If you would like any information please do not hesitate to contact me.   

A round of what happened in the group this week:

Ward Hadaway Speed Read - W/C 17th October
1.TUPE – When is it effective to vary contracts?
2.The cost of accommodating employees
3.Foreign doctors will be required to meet minimum standards of English

To read more join Hot HR.

Discussions:
1. Hi all, I have been tasked with drafting an Absence Policy & don't know where to start. Does anybody have any ideas or suggestions?
2.HR Software
Hello, i am currently looking to introduce a new HR Software package does anybody have any recommendations or are using a good piece of kit. We have circa 300 staff and are using Sage at the moment. All info gratefully received!
 
Please share your thoughts and experiences by joining Hot HR.

Hot HR content members:
• Harmajinder Hayre Employment Lawyer from Ward Hadaway Solicitors
• Stephen Hart owner of Edenchanges training
• Andy Whittle from Genesys Training
• David Taylor from Data Protection Consultancy
• Mark Terry from Edenred Employee Benefits
 . Jenny Cooper from Key Steps Coaching for Stress Management

Please use Hot HR as a forum to ask the content members any questions you might have in their fields of expertise, no matter how big or small the question, our experts can help!

Hot HR continues to endeavour to add to the portfolio of content members who can add value to the group and to Hot HR members and to compliment each other's skills and expertise. If you have any suggestions for the group please contact me.

Hot HR Hot Spot:
We have 4 regular writers for the Hot Spot - Michael Rabone, HR Manager for The Seafood Restaurant group owned by Rick and Jill Stein, Tim Rawson HR Manager from Travel Jigsaw, Caroline Hackney from Cape and Alison Mulholland from nef.

Thank you to Michael, Tim, Caroline and Alison for their contributions. Please support their articles and dedcation to the group and feel free to respond, ask any questions or if you would like join the exciting Hot Spot writers please contact Alex via Hot HR.

Hot HR Update 10-14 October

With 980 members the group is going from strength to strength. Thank you to all those that have contributed and are using the group, I hope you continue to find the group of use.

We welcome all new members, please recommend the group to all HR Professionals you may know and who are in your network.

Here is a round of what happened in the group this week:

Ward Hadaway Speed Read - W/C 10.10.2011

1. Disability discrimination - making adjustments for employees.
2. Dismissing with notice - what employers should be aware of.
3. The importance of keeping in touch with absent employees.
4. New legislation.

To read more join Hot HR.

Discussions:

1. Public and private sector, is there a difference to a good HR professional? People are people wherever you go, but the business infrastructures and cultures can undoubtedly be different. Thoughts?

2. Rewarding full attendance - a good move for positive reinforcement, or is it just throwing extra at those who've simply earned their salary by turning up as they're supposed to?

3. I'm looking at carrying out some in depth profiling for our sales team. Can anyone recommend ways of doing this?

Please share your thoughts and experiences by joining Hot HR.

Hot HR content members:

• Harmajinder Hayre Employment Lawyer from Ward Hadaway Solicitors

• Stephen Hart owner of Edenchanges training

• Andy Whittle from Genesys Training

• David Taylor from Data Protection Consultancy

• Mark Terry from Edenred Employee Benefits
. Jenny Cooper from Key Steps Coaching for Stress Management

Please use Hot HR as a forum to ask the content members any questions you might have in their fields of expertise, no matter how big or small the question, our experts can help!

Hot HR continues to endeavour to add to the portfolio of content members who can add value to the group and to Hot HR members and to compliment each other's skills and expertise. If you have any suggestions for the group please contact me.

Hot HR Hot Spot:

We have 4 regular writers for the Hot Spot - Michael Rabone, HR Manager for The Seafood Restaurant group owned by Rick and Jill Stein, Tim Rawson HR Manager from Travel Jigsaw, Caroline Hackney from Cape and Alison Mulholland from nef.

Thank you to Michael, Tim, Caroline and Alison for their contributions. Please support their articles and dedcation to the group and feel free to respond, ask any questions or if you would like join the exciting Hot Spot writers please contact Alex via Hot HR.

Hot HR Update 3rd-7th October 2011

With over 960 members the group is going from strength to strength. Thank you to all those that have contributed and are using the group, I hope you continue to find the group of use.

We welcome all new members, please recommend the group to all HR Professionals you may know and who are in your network.
Here is a round of what happened in the group this week:

Speed Read from Ward Hadaway:
1. Discrimination - making those at fault accountable for their actions.
2. Government Proposals for Employment Law Reform.
3. New legislation set to promote transparency in the public sector.

 To read more join Hot HR.

 Discussions:
1. Social Media - help needed
2. Has anyone got a social networking policy they are willing to share? we are just working on our and would value other view points
3. What's wrong with the C word? 
4.Hi, I'm looking to speak to people who deal with induction training or other forms of staff training at their company.  
          
Hot HR content members:

• Harmajinder Hayre Employment Lawyer from Ward Hadaway Solicitors

• Stephen Hart owner of Edenchanges training

• Andy Whittle from Genesys Training

• David Taylor from Data Protection Consultancy

• Mark Terry from Edenred Employee Benefits

. Jenny Cooper from Key Steps Coaching for Stress Management

Please use Hot HR as a forum to ask the content members any questions you might have in their fields of expertise, no matter how big or small the question, our experts can help!

Hot HR continues to endeavour to add to the portfolio of content members who can add value to the group and to Hot HR members and to compliment each other's skills and expertise. If you have any suggestions for the group please contact me.

Hot HR Hot Spot:

This week's hot spot was written by Michael Rabone on Graduate Recruitment.

Please let us know what your thoughts are on this article and share your experiences f graduate recruitment.

We have 4 regular writers for the Hot Spot - Michael Rabone, HR Manager for The Seafood Restaurant group owned by Rick and Jill Stein, Tim Rawson HR Manager from Travel Jigsaw, Caroline Hackney from Cape and Alison Mulholland from nef.

Thank you to Michael, Tim, Caroline and Alison for their contributions. Please support their articles and dedcation to the group and feel free to respond, ask any questions or if you would like join the exciting Hot Spot writers please contact Alex via Hot HR.

Hot HR Update 26th -30th September

With over 900 members the group is going from strength to strength. Thank you to all those that have contributed and are using the group, I hope you continue to find the group of use.

We welcome all new members, please recommend the group to all HR Professionals you may know and who are in your network.

Here is a round of what happened in the group this week:

Speed Read from Ward Hadaway: 1. References: What employers need to know.
 2. Facebook: What employers should consider with regard to their employees

 To read more join Hot HR.

 Discussions:
1. I'd love your thoughts on how to motivate a large team who are doing a routine task. Ideas on friendly competition and free ways to encourage production and job satisfaction would be very welcome.     
2.   Has anyone got a social networking policy they are willing to share? we are just working on our and would value other view points   
3.     I'm putting together an employee communications survey - does anyone have any tips on how best to approach this? I'd like to achieve a good response rate if possible. Thanks                                                 

Hot HR content members: 
• Harmajinder Hayre Employment Lawyer from Ward Hadaway Solicitors
   • Stephen Hart owner of Edenchanges training
   • Andy Whittle from Genesys Training
   • David Taylor from Data Protection Consultancy
   • Mark Terry from Edenred Employee Benefits

• Jenny Cooper from Key Steps Coaching for Stress Management

 
Please use Hot HR as a forum to ask the content members any questions you might have in their fields of expertise, no matter how big or small the question, our experts can help!
 
Hot HR continues to endeavour to add to the portfolio of content members who can add value to the group and to Hot HR members and to compliment each other's skills and expertise. If you have any suggestions for the group please contact me.
 
 Hot HR Hot Spot: We have 4 regular writers for the Hot Spot - Michael Rabone, HR Manager for The Seafood Restaurant group owned by Rick and Jill Stein, Tim Rawson HR Manager from Travel Jigsaw, Caroline Hackney from Cape and Alison Mulholland from nef.

Thank you to Michael, Tim, Caroline and Alison for their contributions. Please support their articles and dedcation to the group and feel free to respond, ask any questions or if you would like join the exciting Hot Spot writers please contact Alex via Hot HR.