This section provides information about Perth College UHI's policies and practices of human resources (HR), rather than information relating to individual members of staff that is exempt from disclosure as personal information.
Employment terms
Terms and conditions for College staff are negotiated and agreed with relevant trade unions for specific staff groups. For academic staff, with the Educational Institute of Scotland, and for support staff, with UNISON.
Information about both sets of terms and conditions is available from the HR Department. Current salary scales for support and academic staff are available on request.
On appointment, all members of staff are issued with a letter and detailed terms and conditions of service applicable to their employment. On occasion, terms and conditions of service may be modified following local negotiations and staff are informed, in writing, of any agreed alterations to their conditions of service or salaries.
Performance management and promotion
A Professional Review process is in operation at Perth College UHI. It is designed to encourage individual staff members to perform to the best of their ability and thus contribute to the overall health and success of the College. The purpose of the review is to look back at targets reached and standards met and provide an assessment of and record of performance.
Looking forward it enables us to focus on individual, team and college improvement.
It's an opportunity to recognise achievements and celebrate successes, strengthen relationships and improve teamwork, and know what is expected in the future, and how to succeed.
As part of the process, individual staff need to: prepare for it and be positive about it;
compare ones own performance against targets and competences; and take an active part in it by sharing comments, ideas and suggestions.
The Professional Review is carried out for all staff during the period October to December each year. This fits into the College planning cycle and also enables processing of any major external staff development implications which result from the reviews. An interim check of progress occurs normally within six months. Regular evaluation of the process is undertaken and it is also subject to internal audit.
A copy of the guidance booklet used by staff is available on request. Procedures, policies and practices relating to promotion, re-grading and salaries are also available on request.
Pensions
Academic staff can join the Scottish Teachers' Pension Scheme (SPPA). For further information on the Scottish Public Pensions Agency please visit their website.
Managers and support staff are automatically included in the Local Government Pension Scheme. The scheme is operated by Dundee City Council for the College. Staff who do not wish to join the Scheme must opt out. Full details of the Local Government Pension Scheme, are distributed to members of support staff on appointment. For further information, please visit the Dundee City Council Pension website.
Discipline and grievances
The College's Disciplinary Procedure and Complaints and Grievance Procedure follows best practice as determined by the ACAS Code of Practice.
Equality Schemes
Perth College UHI believes there is no place for racial, sex, disability or any other form of discrimination in any of its services or activities. It is fully committed to the principles embodied in the Equality Act 2010 and to encouraging and supporting all staff and students to reach their potential. Perth College UHI aims to ensure that all of its policies, procedures and practices are non-discriminating and that positive action is taken to redress any inequalities in employment practices, provision of services to students or the way in which the College manages its business. More information can be found in our equality schemes.
Employee relations
Information on collective bargaining and consultation procedures with Trades Unions and professional organisations is available on request.
Public interest disclosure
Perth College UHI has a policy on Whistleblowing, which is contained within our Governance Manual.
Staff development
Perth College UHI's Continuing Professional Development strategy and policy recognise the importance of staff development in equipping staff with the skills and capabilities to perform their job to a high standard. We offer staff a comprehensive programme of staff development which will support staff in the improvement of job-related competence, professional development and personal growth, including the opportunity to increase their level of qualification.
Formulation of the Operational Plan followed by the Professional Review for all staff will ensure the appropriateness of the yearly cycle of professional development. It is also recognised that realisation of this policy will largely depend on the strength of the teams established across College.
Staff records
All personal information about staff is stored securely and processed in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
Staff facilities
Staff have access to hot and cold food outlets on campus and to facilities for breaks from work. An independent and confidential counselling scheme, operated by Rowan Counselling, is available to staff free of charge.