Human resources

Human resources deals with the recruitment and retention of staff. Larger charities tend to have dedicated HR staff or even whole departments; smaller charities often park the HR function with the finance department.

A person responsible for HR may be expected to:

• promote equality and diversity in the organisation;
• develop policies on issues such as working conditions, performance management, equal opportunities, disciplinary procedures and absence management;
• advise on pay and other remuneration issues, including promotion and benefits;
• undertake regular salary reviews;
• negotiate with staff and their representatives on issues relating to pay and conditions;
• administer payroll and maintain records relating to staff;
• interpret and advise on employment legislation;
• listen to grievances and implement disciplinary procedures;
• develop HR planning strategies with line managers, which consider immediate and long-term staff requirements in terms of numbers and skill levels;
• plan training, including inductions for new staff;
• analyse training.