Client Profile 

Location:          Surrey

Employees:      30

HR Services:

• Employment Advice & Support
• Contracts of Employment
• HR Policies & Procedures
• HR Consultancy Services
• On-site Support 

Following a project to undertake a review of a water service company's HR policies, procedures and employment contracts, this Company entered into an agreement in July 2003 for OPS's Gold Service - an annual service agreement within which our HR Managers provide employment advice and support to the Managing Director and his management team. Our HR Managers have supported this Company with a diverse range of requirements including:

1. Provision of an unlimited telephone and e-mail support service which provides the management team with advice and support in the provision of 'routine' employment activities relating to statutory rights and employees' contractual entitlements.  We also support managers in the handling of employment issues such as disciplinary events and poor performance ensuring that contractual and statutory rights are understood; options and their risks are evaluated where appropriate and practical guidance is provided to managers including the production of correspondence as appropriate

The management team is also supported with the provision of an on-site presence when required to address more complex issues; examples include managing poor performance issues, attending disciplinary and appeal hearings, producing responses to employment tribunal claims, understanding and developing commission scheme rules for sales staff, and supporting the management team with restructuring and redundancy plans.

2. Development of contract of employment templates and offer letters for management, engineering, sales and administration staff as well as temporary employees and fixed term contracts.

3. Revision of the Company's disciplinary and grievance procedures to ensure their compliance with the ACAS Code of Practice.

4. Production of customised HR policies and procedures including maternity, paternity and parental leave, vehicle provision, IT usage, alcohol and substance abuse policies.

5. Development of an electronic Staff Handbook.

6. Development of a staff appraisal system.

In consultation with the Company, new and revised policies and procedures have been introduced over time to comply with legislation as it has arisen such as age discrimination regulations and retirement in 2006; in addition OPS is charged with updating the staff handbook and employment contracts to reflect changes in legislation as they arise as well as the Company's requirements.  The Company is also kept informed of new and proposed changes to employment legislation through subscription to our electronic Employment Guide and Employment Briefing Services.