Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust Governors' Briefing Pack

20 6. Human Resources frequently asked questions and answers a. What happens to all of the staff? All staff are entitled to transfer, under TUPE regulations, to the Academy with their same terms and conditions as at present. b. Can academies alter the pay and conditions of employees? When a school converts to a new academy, employees are entitled to transfer under the same employment terms and conditions. There is a legal process to go through, which is called TUPE, whereby staff maintain existing pay, conditions and length of service. Any alterations can only be made as they would have been by the Council (for example, changes to pay and annual leave negotiated with employee’s representatives). This position will continue unless and until the contract of employment is varied with the agreement of the employee. It is important to note that there are no plans to alter the pay and conditions of staff. Of course, any changes made nationally would apply. c. How will union membership (NUT, NASUWT, Unison, etc) work? Union recognition would remain as it currently stands; all employees are entitled to be part of a union. d. Can you advise on any changes to pensions and employment details for staff? Current employees undergo a TUPE process which protects their pay and conditions at the point of transfer – this applies to both teaching and non-teaching staff. The ODBST is a member of the TPA and LGPS and has chosen to maintain the Teachers pay andConditions as set out in the latest STPCD. Non-teaching staff continue to be paid using Green Book and local salary scales (whereapplicable). e. Can you advise on the training and support for our school admin/bursar with regard to monthly budgeting/finance system? All our bursars get extensive training and the finance team provides half-termly meetings/briefings for finance managers to come together to discuss their work. We have finance team members who will work in schools where there are particular needs. f. What support is there for schools with recruitment? Our HR team will support schools with day-to-day recruitment queries. In terms of selection processes the ODBST would support any leadership recruitment but we tend to find that schools want to manage other roles internally. g. Will the school need to employ additional support staff to cope with the change of status? Many of the additional tasks associated with conversion and academy status are met by the ODBST or School Business Manager, Headteacher or Chair of Governors. It is not anticipated that further support staff would be required. However, the Governing Body would need to keep this under review.