Policy Updates
Scotland - Human Resources - Mental Health
Parental Leave Policy and Procedure
This policy outlines the law on Parental Leave. This is a commonly overlooked
entitlement to leave and should not be confused with Shared Parental Leave, Paternity
Leave, Maternity Leave or other family-related leave. The right is to up to 18-weeks of
unpaid leave until the employee’s child reaches 18 years old. The Procedure section
has been updated to confirm the position in relation to employees’ terms and
conditions when exercising their right to Parental Leave. An additional entitlement letter
has been added to the Forms section and the references have been updated.
Statement of Main Terms and Conditions of Employment – Variation
New: This policy contains template documents for employees’ terms and conditions, as well as variations of terms and conditions. It has been reviewed with all forms updated to ensure they remain current with the Employment Rights Act 1996. References also updated.
Statement of Main Terms and Conditions of Employment – Variation
New: This policy contains template documents for employees’ terms and conditions, as well as variations of terms and conditions. It has been reviewed with all forms updated to ensure they remain current with the Employment Rights Act 1996. References also updated.
Training Policy and Procedure
Policy reviewed with minimal change, references and links checked and remain current. This policy will help to plan the various training courses required for all staff. It includes forms to apply for and record any training attended.
Induction and Onboarding Policy and Procedure
Policy reviewed with minimal change, references and links checked and remain current, a new form has been added to record any allergies the staff member may have. This policy will help the staff responsible for recruitment and the induction of new staff. It includes a sample induction pack which can be adapted to the service requirements, and sample letters and contract.
Shared Parental Leave Policy and Procedure
The policy was reviewed with minimal change, references and links remain current. The uptake of shared parental leave has been incredibly low since its introduction and this is not likely to change in the near future unless there are some severe changes to how the system works. It is therefore unlikely that any client will receive a request for SPL but it is important that they have a policy in place should that happen.
Gender Pay Reporting Policy and Procedure
This policy has been updated to include new forms; a Manager’s Guidance Note on how to prepare a Gender Pay Gap Report, a template Gender Pay Gap Report and a template Memorandum. This policy will not apply to all employers as it is only relevant to those who have 250 or more staff as of 5 April of each year. However, if an employer is captured by this then they must comply with the requirement to report their Gender Pay Gap. This policy provides detailed guidance on how to do this.
Annual Holiday Policy and Procedure
This policy governs both holiday entitlement and the process to book holidays. It sets out the minimum legal requirements in relation to annual leave and also includes specific guidance relating to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and furlough leave. The policy has been amended to update the reference period to calculate holiday entitlement for those with irregular hours of work from 12 weeks to 52 weeks. Amendments have also been made to update the travel restrictions and holiday carry over.
Redundancy Policy and Procedure
This policy has been reviewed and amendments made within the ‘Forms’ section, including a revised individual consultation checklist. References have been reviewed and updated. This policy will guide staff on the process to follow if redundancy is being considered for any staff member.
Alcohol and Drugs Policy and Procedure
This policy has been reviewed with minimal change, references and links checked and remain current. It is unlikely that use of this policy will be commonplace. However, the implications in the event it is necessary for the service to apply this policy can be serious. The policy provides a framework for substance abuse issues and the practical steps are dealt with under the Discipline Policy and Procedure and the Capability Policy and Procedure.