UK Religious Bodies To Benefit From Free HR Audit

May 5, 2010 - PRLog -- A free Human Resource Policies and Procedures Audit to assist religious voluntary organisations in the UK to avoid costly tribunal claims and be legally compliant has been relaunched by HR4Charities. This audit named “The Prevention is Better Than Cure Review” was first introduced by HR4Charities in 2009 after research published by the Church Urban Fund (CUF) found that religious voluntary organisations were putting themselves and their staff at risk by not complying with key employment legislation.

More than 60 per cent of 200 religious organizations in the survey had not changed their HR policies after the introduction of the Working Time (Annual Leave) Amendment and 54 per cent had ignored the Health Act 2006. Furthermore, 30 per cent had to deal with disputes brought by staff with an increasing prominence in sexual harassment, wrongful termination and discrimination cases.  

Miss Anita Wiafe, Founder of HR4Charities who are providing this free HR audit revealed, “In the last few years the number of tribunal claims against religious voluntary organisations has been in the areas of discrimination and sexual harassment. It is important that religious organisations protect themselves by ensuring that the right policies and practices are in place to avoid litigation and huge financial penalties.”
   
She added, “Between 2008 and 2009, 13 out of 600 cases of Discrimination on the grounds of Sexual Orientation were successful at employment tribunals with an average award of £23,668 awarded in penalties. On Sexual Discrimination 341cases were successful out of 18,637 at tribunals with an average award £11,025. Even more importantly, cases involving sex or sexual orientation discrimination are often covered in the press with its attendant damaging to the organisation's reputation.”

Therefore,”The Prevention is Better than Cure Policy and Procedures Review” is aimed at appraising policies and procedures that voluntary organizations currently have in place. Thereafter, a full report will be written to highlight the religious organization’s current HR status; a recommended action plan for strategic development; the practicalities of implementing any recommended changes; and the support and assistance that can be offered before, during and after implementation.

Miss Wiafe advised,”Religious organisations should investigate complaints properly and consider what constitutes harassment and discrimination. They should take action even if employees are reluctant to complain and be aware that staff can be discriminated against on the basis of their perceived sexuality, regardless of their actual sexuality. Employers may need to challenge prejudices beyond just going through the motions of providing policies and training.”



She further stressed that ‘Some of the benefits to voluntary organizations of the Prevention is Better than Cure Review include an increased assurance that the right policies and systems are in place; an opportunity to receive expert advice at no cost; improving the way the organization manages its HR function and improvements in personnel management consequently impacts on countering lack of funding.’

Miss Wiafe urged organizations in the not-for-profit sector to take advantage of the ‘Prevention is Better than Cure’ HR Policies and Procedures Review. Some of the religious voluntary organisations that have benefited from this HR audit from hr4charities include Initiative of Change, Alulbayt Foundation, Power and Mercy Outreach International Ministry, Open Doors Baptist Church, KSMIC of London (Hujjat Stanmore).

For more information on The Prevention is Better Than Cure Review, visit http://www.hr-oml.co.uk. or email enquiries@hr-oml.co.uk or call 08447362722.

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Occupational Mangement Limited offers bespoke People Management services to charirties and businesses. We provide flexible Human Resource outsourcing services and recruitment support services. For more information please visit http://www.hr-oml.co.uk