This section provides information about Perth College UHI's strategy and management of human resources (HR), rather than information relating to individual members of staff that is exempt from disclosure as personal information.
The information available covers HR policies and procedures (including terms and conditions of service including all current versions of the information specified in each class. In some instances information will be exempt from disclosure where it contains personal information, or information which, if released, may endanger the physical or mental health or the safety of an individual, substantially prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs, or constitute an actionable breach of confidence.
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.
Copies of both sets of terms and conditions are available to download on this page. Current salary scales for management, support and academic 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 either national or 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.
Its 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 March to end April 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 during September or October of the same year. 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 and policies relating to promotion, re-grading and salaries are also available on request.
Pensions
All full-time academic staff will automatically enter the Scottish Teachers' Pension Scheme (SPPA) unless they indicate that they prefer not to join. For further information on the Scottish Public Pensions Agency please visit their website.
All support staff are automatically included in the Local Government Pension Scheme, providing that they are under the age of 65, regardless of hours or weeks worked. 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.
Discipline and grievances
The College's Disciplinary Procedure and Complaints and Grievance Procedure follows best practice as determined by the ACAS Code of Practice.
Race relations
Perth College UHI believes there is no place for racial discrimination in any of its services or activities. It is fully committed to the principles embodied in the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 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 the Race Equality Policy.
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 policy recognises the inter-relationship between institutional aspirations and commitments and the consequent requirement for both curriculum development and the development of staff as individuals and as part of teams. To meet this complexity of need and to take informed and pro-active decisions it is College policy to carry out regular audits of skills and to offer a comprehensive programme of staff development which will support staff in the improvement of job-related competence, professional development and personal growth.
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.