WELCOME BACK - Jumping into the Autumn term

Hello colleague,

It doesn't seem long ago that we were emailing you with a reminder of jobs to do during the school summer break or in the Autumn term, including the updated policies and procedures (click here for a link if you missed this); the Autumn term has come around very quickly (again!). As we dive into the new academic year, which feels more like a fresh start than a change in seasons, we want to help you navigate the inevitable hustle and bustle.

We hope you've had a chance to read our welcome back email from earlier this week, featuring our CEO Jen Elliott and COO Andy Mackey, sharing important updates and upcoming events. To get you started on the right foot, we've prepared a selection of resources and reminders to help you navigate the Autumn term. 

Governors and trustees

If you have new or existing governors needing support, we offer a range of services. Your first governing body or board meeting is likely to have a long agenda, so we've put together a checklist of HR specific actions to ensure nothing gets overlooked. Click here to download the document and share with your Chair of the Resources Committee before they meet.

Whilst the role of a governor should usually be strategic rather than operational, there are times when a more hands on approach is needed – for example, when it comes to attending formal meetings as part of their responsibilities on your scheme of delegation. For those who would benefit from additional guidance about attending formal meetings as hearing Chair and decision-maker, we've created a webinar to guide governors, trustees, and headteachers on their roles and responsibilities. Contact your EPM People Adviser for specific case and meeting guidance. 

We also have a fantastic Governance service which offers training, advice, and support for your governing board, including reviewing the scheme of delegation, setting terms of reference, developing strategic plans, and conducting external reviews. Let us know if we can help you in any of these areas. 

Coming soon... our "New to HR" toolkit

Do you have new staff joining your HR team or school office in September? We've developed a toolkit to help them navigate the HR basics, an essential. Stay tuned for brief, five-minute training sessions on essential topics like contract types, salaries, holiday and sick pay, notice periods and allowances. Perfect for new recruits or as a quick refresher! Keep an eye out for the launch on our Customer Hub in the coming weeks. Watch this space!

Supporting employees

New starters

September is peak time for new hires in your School or Trust. Equip your line managers with our resources to manage probation periods effectively, including our quick HIT session for time-pressed managers.

If you have new joiners specific to finance, we can provide training and support for SBMs and CFOs new to their roles, offering expert guidance to navigate the demands of the coming term.

Existing employees

With the 2024 STPCD draft indicating the removal of performance-related pay (PRP) for teachers, check out our article for hints and tips on the appraisal process and how to implement this for teaching staff once confirmed, plus take a look at our draft appraisal and capability policy.

Stay informed on the latest teacher pay award through our most recent bulletin - but do check the Customer Hub regularly as the situation is likely to soon be confirmed. You can also follow us on social media for real-time updates.

All employees

If you missed it, read our recent blog about the changes under the Labour Party's proposed Employment Rights Bill - aiming to reshape the UK's employment landscape and strengthen workers' rights.

Following its release on 2 September, there are a number of minor changes to the draft version of KCSIE. You can learn about these in our latest bulletin on the Customer Hub.

Accurate data is crucial, but are your staff aware of their responsibilities towards this? To support employees with their financial wellbeing, remind them to check their data regularly, including their pay and pension details to avoid issues. The sooner a pensions-related problem is identified, the faster and more easily it's resolved. As employees have a personal accountability for this, share or display this poster to remind them of their responsibilities. 

Access to Case Management on EPM Connect

Our Advisory customers using EPM Connect can now access and oversee any employee relations matters that we are supporting you with, such as sickness absence, grievance, disciplinary or restructure. Anyone who is set up with access to EPM Connect can be assigned to cases that are relevant to them, so that they can track the progress of the case. Super Users are able to set up new users at the School/Trust directly within the platform, if required. If you are yet to have a Super User set up at your School/Trust, please contact one of your HR Advisory Team contacts who will be able to help you.

Staying connected

With significant legislative changes expected under the new Labour government, stay ahead by joining our termly, live-streamed People Update on 24 September at 2pm. Register now if you haven't already done so.

For strategic insights from our leadership team, including the CEO and COO, attend one of our in-person Education Updates with your internal strategic leaders. Book a place at our in-person Newton Aycliffe or Huntingdon event. Dates don't work or too far to travel? We've got you covered - we'll be recording a version for you to watch at your leisure. 

In the meantime, with the upcoming strengthening of legislation around protection from harassment, check out our short HIT session on the perils of banter in the workplace.  

We have a busy calendar of free events and chargeable training to support you this academic year, so do make the most of these opportunities. We're looking forward to continuing to work with you, so please reach out with any HR queries - whether operational or strategic. We're here to help!

Best regards, 

Alex Hawkins

Director of HR Services