The Collaboration and Connectivity project will support better collaborative working between TSI’s, and between the TSI Network and other voluntary sector intermediary networks.

The Collaboration and Connectivity Project comprises two distinct but complementary sub projects:

• SVA Pathfinder projects
• Shared HR Resource (HR Library)

 

HR Support Service

Ensuring that policies and procedures are legally compliant and appropriate to organisational circumstances is an on-going challenge for all voluntary organisations. The bar for TSI’s is set even higher as the local voluntary sector will look to them as exemplars of policy good practice. This initiative supports TSI’s to meet that challenge collectively. It  commenced with development of a quality assured HR resource library which TSI’s can access online.

Law At Work has been selected to deliver Phase II of the Human Resources Project.  The project is designed to provide HR support to local third sector interface organisations, and those working towards interface status.  The various strands will enable interfaces to incorporate best HR practice into their organisations, provide access to up to date HR advice and build skills and capacity within their teams.

As part of the project we will provide:

Upkeep and Development of HR Library
In response to changes in legislation, developments in case law, and the needs of interface organisations, we will update and add to the resources housed within the on-line HR library.  This will ensure the network has access to legally compliant documentation and best practice guidance in key HR areas.

Health Check Audit
A member of our team will work with each of the interface organisations to carry out an audit of their existing HR policies and working practices. A full report will be provided detailing recommended changes to practices and identifying training needs, with support for implementation.

Awareness Raising Sessions
Over the course of the project we will deliver a number of HR awareness raising sessions.  The sessions will focus on highlighting recent legislative changes, recent case law developments, looking ahead to future legislation and discussing practical steps for organisations to take.

HR Training
We will deliver a series of eight interactive one-day HR training workshops. The workshops will use a combination of presentation, case studies and group work which illustrate key points. The sessions will be held in a number of locations to maximise accessibility to the network.  Topics will be agreed following consultation with the SVA team and the network, but may include such as: absence management; dignity at work; tackling discrimination; and dealing with the problem performer.

Telephone Helpline
Each interface organisation (or body working towards interface status) will have access to our telephone helpline to provide practical advice and guidance in dealing with the entire range of people management and employment law issues. This could range from day-to-day queries through to complex and strategic matters such a TUPE concerns arising from mergers to achieve interface status. The contact details for the helpline are 0844 736 1176 or email advice@lawatwork.co.uk.

HR Toolkit
An on-line self assessment tool will be provided on the common ICT platform. This will enable interfaces to track their progress towards achieving their HR goals.

Pathfinder Projects

The Pathfinder projects involve testing of innovative approaches to local CVS and Volunteer Centre collaboration in two areas, followed by sharing of learning from these projects across both Networks.

Forth Valley Pathfinder
The Forth Valley Partnership, comprised of the CVS and Volunteer Centres in Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire and it aimed to strengthen voluntary sector engagement with the National Health Service.  The project concluded on the 31st March 2011.  An evaluation will follow shortly.

North Lanarkshire Pathfinder
The partnership, comprised of CVS North Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire Volunteer Development Agency, aimed to optimise the contribution of the local voluntary sector to the Community Planning Process through development of thematic and locality networks.   The project concluded on 30th April 2010, the final report can be viewed on the reports section on the information library