The National Federation of Voluntary Bodies in its human resources work focuses on both employee and volunteer supports. It seeks to ensure that its member organisations are kept abreast of employment and industrial relations related developments and new initiatives related to supporting volunteering.
Employee Supports
Backround
There are many benefits to organisations of having a strong human resource strategy in place – mainly provision of a clear sense of organisational direction, sharing of resources and knowledge amongst employees, better equipped, motivated and developed staff and ultimately the provision of a better quality service to those accessing services.
The National Federation established a Human Resources Sub-Committee in 1998 and it is a key forum for the sharing of information and best practice on key human resources related issues and initiatives. The Sub-Committee is chaired by Liam Murphy, Human Resources Manager, Brothers of Charity Southern Services, and Committee members are involved in a range of activities aimed at promoting the interests of member organisations in the context of new developments and changes occurring within the health sector. The Human Resources Sub-Committee aims to provide a forum through which issues can be discussed, information shared and positions developed in relation to key human resource matters. It is a key consultation forum within the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies through which members can debate and reach agreement on human resource policy related issues. Through the work of the Sub-Committee, and the regular meetings which are held with Corporate Employee Relations Services, HSE (formerly known as the HSE-Employers Agency), organisations are supported to network with fellow human resource professionals and develop common positions on key matters.
The terms of reference of the Human Resources Sub-Committee were reviewed in late 2009 and the Committee aims:
(1) To provide a communication and networking forum for Human Resource practitioners within National Federation member organisations whereby they can meet with colleagues, pursue HR objectives of common interest and share information concerning best practices regarding human resource management.
(2) To gather and disseminate information in relation to key issues of relevance to member organisations and to provide support regarding human resource related developments.
(3) To examine and furnish reports on relevant human resource related issues and legislation and to provide advice to member organisations through National Federation structures.
(4) To provide a strategic decision making forum whereby common positions can be developed where this is considered beneficial.
(5) To represent the views and interests of National Federation of Voluntary Bodies members at national level, in particular in relation to the management of industrial relations matters.
(6) To liaise with the HSE and in particular with the HR Directorate, on human resource related issues.
(7) To advise the Board of the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies on human resource issues.
(8) To ensure that the intellectual disability sector is recognised, connected and has a voice at national level.
Work Activities
Our ability to deliver quality services in the current environment is heavily dependent on the commitment and skills of staff working within services. The human resource development activities of the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies are designed to support service delivery through ensuring that staff have the necessary skills, there are effective employment policies and practices in place within organisations and that organisations are supported in key employment related areas. The changes that are taking place in the operational environment are forcing organisations to review the way they have been providing services and to determine how service levels can be maintained in the context of reduced resources. Employees are vital to the success of organisations in addressing the current pressures.
The following section provides an overview of some of the key human resource related activities that the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies is involved in throughout 2011:
Human Resources Sub-Committee:
To support the Human Resources Sub-Committee in the implementation of its terms of reference.
Key Actions, 2011:
- To implement the agreed aims of the Human Resources Sub-Committee through arranging quarterly meetings during 2011.
- To provide the Sub-Committee with regular inputs regarding upcoming events, funding opportunities, human resource related developments.
- To provide opportunities for members to share information in relation to key human resource related initiatives/ projects that they are engaged in at local level.
- To review the programme of work undertaken by the Human Resouces Sub-Committee.
Industrial Relations Support:
The National Federation of Voluntary Bodies will continue during 2011 to provide support to its member organisations in relation to national deliberations regarding terms / conditions of employment for staff. The National Federation of Voluntary Bodies will also continue to monitor the position in relation to industrial relations matters of relevance to member organisations and to respond as required.
Key Actions, 2011:
Specifically this will include:
• Providing support to representatives who sit on national committees on behalf of the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies member organisations.
• Supporting organisations in relation to key industrial relations issues / national agreements.
• Gathering information from member organisations in relation to key issues under consideration so a national picture / shared position can be developed.
Corporate Employee Relations Services, HSE:
To liaise with the HSE to ensure HR personnel are fully informed on human resource related matters.
Key Actions, 2011:
Throughout 2011 the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies will continue to liaise with the HSE Human Resources Directorate to ensure that all National Federation members are updated on new developments as introduced by the HR Directorate.
• The National Federation of Voluntary Bodies will work closely with Corporate Employee Relations Service, HSE, which is a representative body for health service employers, which aims to promote the development of improved human resource practices within the health service. It also represents and supports employers in the management of industrial relations.
• The National Federation of Voluntary Bodies will arrange bi-annual meetings with key personnel from Corporate Employee Relations Services with the aim of ensuring that human resource practitioners from across member organisations are updated regarding changes in employment legislation and policy related developments.
Health & Safety / Employee Wellbeing:
To support health and safety / employee wellbeing issues within National Federation member organisations.
Key Actions, 2011:
This initiative will seek to support the Working Group which was established in 2009 to focus on the key areas of health, safety and employee wellbeing. Key areas to be included as part of the work plan include:
• Networking and developing links between health & safety personnel across Federation member organisations.
• Compiling a listing of existing health and safety related policies / documents / resource materials within agencies which maybe shared with others.
• Developing links with the Health & Safety Authority - specifically the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies will work with the HSA on the implementation of its Five Year Plan for the Healthcare Sector 2011-2014.
• Evaluation / reviewing the work of the group on an on-going basis.
Vhi Corporate Solutions – EAP:
To liase with Vhi Corporate Solutions in relation to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Group Scheme for National Federation member organisations which was established in 2010. The role of the EAP is to provide a workplace focused programme to assist in the identification and resolution of employee concerns that may affect work performance. It further allows management access to practical and emotional support that is invaluatble at times when the ability of individuals or teams to cope is under strain.+
Key Actions, 2011:
• To ensure that best value is secured for National Federation members who are members of the EAP which has been established with Vhi Corporate Solutions and that the Programme is responsive to the needs of member organisations.
• To review the operation of the EAP on an annual and to liasie with Vhi Corporate Solutions in relation to further developments and enhancements of the EAP.
Guide to Inclusive Recruitment:
To develop a ‘Guide to Inclusive Recruitment’ to assist organisations in adopting inclusive strategies in the recruitment of staff / volunteers.
Key Actions, 2011:
• During 2011 the National Federation will concentrate on finalising an inclusive recruitment guide which will be made available to National Federation member organisations. The guide aims to provide options for organisations as to how they can involve people who are availing of services more actively in the recruitment process and how they can make their recruitment process for staff and volunteers more open.
• Provide training to National Federation member organisations in relation to inlcusive recruitment.
Garda Vetting - Staff & Volunteers
To ensure National Federation member organisations have appropriate procedures in place for Garda vetting of staff and volunteers.
Key Actions, 2011:
• To ensure that all National Federation of Voluntary Bodies members undertake garda vetting for staff and volunteers within their organisation and have the necessary policy and procedures in place.
• To liaise with personnel from the Garda Central Vetting Unit to ensure that National Federation members have access to a timely Garda vetting process.
• To address the issues of concern as identified by National Federation of Voluntary Bodies members in relation to Garda vetting.
Health & Social Care Professionals Council:
The Health & Social Care Professionals Council was established in 2007 with the aim of protecting consumers through promoting high standards of professional conduct, education and competence. The Council was established under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 and will lead to the statutory registration of twelve health and social care professions none of whom were previously subject to statutory registration.
Key Actions, 2011:
Specifically during 2011 the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies will:
• Support the National Federation representative on the Health & Social Care Professionals National Council.
Skill Development
Skill development remains a significant area of work within the overall brief of the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies Secretariat – this brief incorporates a range of initiatives focused on capacity building and professional skills development. The National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, within its overall aims, seeks to support the development of world class services and key to this is ensuring that staff have the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to support those that they are working with. The National Federation aims to provide training and networking opportunities at an inter-organisational level, thus supporting organisations to come together and undertake training on a collective / shared basis.
The Training & Development Sub-Committee will continue to act as a central co-ordination and reference point for a number of the training and development activities undertaken by the National Federation. The Sub-Committee is comprised of highly experienced training and development professionals from across National Federation member organisations.
Background
The training and development initiatives of the National Federation are focused on supporting the on-going development and skill enhancement of personnel employed across National Federation of Voluntary Bodies member organisations. In a time of constant change, a focus on a comprehensive and strategic approach to the development of training, learning and education initiatives is paramount. The National Federation’s Training and Development Sub-Committee acts as the central conduit through which training and development related initiatives are initiated / realized. The National Federation of Voluntary Bodies continues to develop links with the HSE Performance and Development Function which aims to develop a high performance culture and a highly competent and motivated workforce within the HSE to ensure efficiency and excellence in service delivery.
The National Federation’s Training & Development Sub-Committee meets on average 4 times per year with members of the Committee continuing to share their considerable expertise in relation to the promotion of best practice in a range of training and development related areas. The Sub-Committee is chaired by Brendan Broderick, Sisters of Charity of Jesus & Mary, and it acts a co-ordination point for a range of training and development actions that are undertaken by the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies.
Work Activities
Training and development professionals are increasingly under pressure to be innovative, skilled and cost effective in nurturing a learning culture that will result in the development of staff. Skills development remains a significant area of work within the overall brief of the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies secretariat – this brief incorporates a range of initiatives focused on capacity building and professional skills development. The programme of work outlined within Service Plan 2011 aims to build on the work undertaken by the National Federation Secretariat in recent years to support those with a learning and development brief across member organisations. The National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, within its overall aims, seeks to support the development of world class services and key to this is ensuring that staff have the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to support those that they are working with.
The following are the specific training and development actions to be undertaken during 2011:
Training & Development Sub-Committee:
The Training & Development Sub-Committee will continue to act as a central co-ordination and reference point for a number of the training and development activities undertaken by the National Federation. The Sub-Committee is comprised of highly experienced training and development professionals from across National Federation member organisations.
Key Actions, 2011:
• To work with members of the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies Training & Development Sub-Committee to implement the groups terms of reference through arranging quarterly meetings of the group during 2011.
• To agree priority training and development actions to be undertaken during 2011.
• To provide the training & development sub-committee with regular inputs relating to upcoming events, funding opportunities, training events.
• To provide opportunities for members to share information in relation to developments in the training & learning field that they are engaged in at a local level.
• To act as a network, to share information and resources regarding staff training and associated human resource related matters.
• To review programmes of work undertaken by the Training & Development Sub-Committee on a regular basis.
• To review the Sub-Committees agreed programme of work on a quarterly basis.
Learning-on-Line Working Group:
As a follow-on to the eLearning workshop that was organised by the Training & Development Sub-Committee in March 2009 a Learning-on-Line Working Group was established in late 2009 to pursue the main recommendations arising from the event.
Key Actions, 2011:
- To encourage organisations to engage in eLearning/ on-line learning through identifying common training programmes required by Federation members and seeking to determine what programmes are already available on-line that can be shared with other organisations.
- To promote HSELand (HSE website for learning & development) and seek to ensure that NFVB members arer
Front Line Managers Training Programme - ‘Managing for the Future: Building your Skills as a Front Line Manager in a Person Centred Environment’:
To enhance the capacity of Front Line Managers in intellectual disability services to effectively carry out their role and to contribute to the human resource function within their organisation in partnership with key stakeholders.
Key Actions, 2011:
During 2011 the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies will run a fourth cycle of the front line managers training programme - ‘Managing for the Future: Building your Skills as a Front Line Manager in a Person Centred Environment’. The programme will be delivered in conjunction with personnel from The Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick (UL). The programme will be accredited as a Certificate in Management (Intellectual Disability), Level 6, National Framework of Qualifications.
Specifically the Programme will aim:
• To enhance and clarify learners’ understanding of their role as a front line manager.
• To develop a specific set of skills and competencies required by front line managers and to build their confidence in their role.
• To develop learners' people management skills and knowledge of relevent human resource policies and procedures and employment law.
• To develop managers’ people management skills and ability to lead a team.
• To develop knowledge and practical skills in managing change.
• To provide a basis from which participants can progress onto further (accredited) training programmes.
Training Courses:
To organise a range of training and development related programmes for National Federation members.
Key Actions, 2011:
• During 2011 the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies will co-ordinate a series of short-term training and development programmes which have been identified as priority areas by National Federation members. These programmes wil be aimed at developing specific skills sets for staff working within National Federation member organisations.
SKILL Programme:
During 2011 the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies will continue to support the operation of the SKILL Programme in intellectual disability services. The overall aim of the SKILL Programme is to "…educate, develop and train support staff in the health services to the optimum of their abilities in order to enhance their role in the quality of service provision."
Key Actions, 2011:
Specifically the National Federation will:
• Co-ordinate the allocation of SKILL Programme quota places to National Federation member organisations for 2011/12.
• Continue to liaise with the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) in relation to the operation of the SKILL Programme within disability services and the customisation/ development of SKILL Programme Modules to meet the needs of the personnel from disability services that are involved in SKILL Programme training.
• Co-ordinate the draw down of funding which organisations can access to cover a portion of the costs associated with learner's participation in the SKILL Programme
• Complete regular reviews with organisations in relation to their experience of the SKILL Programme and to support any national evaluation undertaken by the SKILL Programme Steering Committee.
HSE - Performance & Development:
To liaise with the HSE Performance & Development section on key training and development related actions.
Key Actions, 2011:
• To continue to liaise with personnel from the HSE Performance & Development Function in the implementation of training and learning initiatives aimed at supporting employee development within National Federation member organisations.
• To support the expansion of the HSE Learning Centre and to encourage National Federation member organisations to utilize the Learning Centre as a blended approach to learning and to complement other forms of learning occurring within organisations.
Student Learning / Placements:
To explore opportunities for shared learning by supporting student development and education.
Key Actions, 2011:
• The National Federation of Voluntary Bodies will continue to support and develop student placement and professional development through student placement and mentoring.
Volunteering Supports
Volunteering is an integral part of community activity within the member organisations of the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, reducing the levels of social isolation and exclusion often experienced by people with intellectual disabilities within their own community. The National Federation Volunteering Sub-Committee expertly supports the planning and prioritisation of volunteering needs identified by member organisations, whilst informing the Board of Directors on priority issues, key challenges and recommendations in respect of volunteering at a local & national level.
The National Federation carried out a survey on volunteerism across member organisations - click here to download the report
Further Information
You will find links to relevant legislation here. For further information on the work of the Training & Development Sub-Committee, please contact our Human Resource Training & Development Co-Ordinator, Jillian Sexton, Tel: 091-792316.