We are pleased to announce that our SLA offer to schools has had a complete refresh for 2018/19, please find attached a copy for your information, and I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the key changes to the SLA. Having listened carefully to feedback from schools, we are now providing a much more detailed and transparent service offer, enabling you to see at a glance exactly what services we provide and how we can add value. We have retained the key aspects of the previous SLA which you told us you liked, including offering a flexible service, and providing you with a dedicated HR Business Partner who understands your school’s specific requirements. The SLA for 2018/19 also has a number of exciting additions including; · Termly HR briefings on a range of topics including fixed term contracts, management of sickness absence, holding difficult conversations and general employment law updates. These will be held at convenient times such as early morning or after school, and across different locations throughout Trafford. · An improved service standard, committing to responding to any email or telephone calls within 24 hours (previously 2 days) · A new HR Consultancy helpline and email address (in addition to existing emails/numbers for HR Business Partners) · Development of additional HR policies/procedures for schools to adopt, including a Career Break Policy, Assisted Fertility Policy and a Drug and Alcohol Policy Our service is unique in that we are locally based, with specific knowledge of the demands on schools in the area. In addition, we have close working relationships with other Trafford Support Services, including Safeguarding, School Improvement, Health and Safety, Occupational Health, Governor Services, Schools Finance and Greater Manchester Shared Service (payroll, HR transactions, pensions and recruitment). These close relationships assist with resolving issues efficiently and effectively. We maintain important local, regional and national links that enhance our service to you, including active involvement with the North West Regional HR Schools Network and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority HR Project group (currently working on projects including Health and Wellbeing) We also have well established working relationships with Professional Associations and Trade Unions, enabling open dialogue and effective and sustained resolution of issues.

Report of common audit findings. Useful information to identify improvements to processes and procedures for your school.

Please find attached updated Critical Incident Flowchart for schools (updated April 2018)

Information and Records Management Society - toolkit for schools attached, or available via their website

NQT Induction Programme Training