HR / Staffing

Our support for HR is wide-ranging, focussed and practical; built on a good working relationship with and thorough knowledge of our academies. Nothing is too problematic or insignificant. Support includes the following:

• Strategic HR advice
• Headteacher / Deputy Headteacher recruitment (led by the Trust)
• CEO attendance at Headteacher’s Performance Management
• Negotiations with Unions
• CPD/training opportunities for Local Academy Board members and staff
• Review of HR practice and disseminating best practice
• Advice and support to Headteachers and Local Academy Boards so they can carry out their responsibilities
• Access to specialist HR legal advisers
• Support with day to day HR queries
• Payroll and pension queries
• Staff contracts
• Support with any necessary staff re-structuring
• Support with staffing recruitment processes including attendance at interviews, if desired
• Staff performance management / professional reviews
• Guidance on maternity / paternity leave
• Supporting return to work initiatives
• Allegations against staff
• Whistleblowing
• Managing disputes / capability / redundancies

Legal

The DOWMAT has a working relationship with a nationally recognised law firm who provides a telephone helpline service for each of our academies.