Browne Jacobson launches new HR service for schools and academies

March 9, 2012 - PRLog -- Law firm Browne Jacobson is launching a new national human resources (HR) advice service this month aimed specifically at schools and academies that need support with their HR needs.

‘HR Services’ will be delivered through a new team of experienced HR practitioners from the education sector, supported by the firm’s national network of 18 employment lawyers.

The new service follows on from the firm’s success in advising more than 260 schools nationally on conversion to academy status.

To coincide with the new service the firm has also launched a dedicated web site for schools at www.education-advisors.com.

Academy schools have the freedom to buy-in HR services from independent providers as opposed to many local authority controlled schools who opt to use a local authority’s HR department.

Schools will be offered locally tailored HR advice through each of the firm’s four offices on a range of areas including disciplinary and grievances, sickness absences, trade union relations, performance management and contractual terms and conditions including maternity, paternity and redundancy rights.

Participating schools and academies will receive helpline support and bespoke hands-on advice  on all day to day HR issues as well as support with more complex matters including policies , tribunal representation, restructurings, Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations and immigration.

The team is working with a schools payroll provider and a leading insurance broker who can assist schools to find an insurance package to cover employment claims.

Education services manager and team leader Debbie Stanley commented:

“This is an exciting and innovative development both for the firm and the education sector.

“By successfully blending highly experienced education sector HR professionals with some of the best employment lawyers in each region we are offering schools a unique partnership that will deliver all their human resource needs, both legal and non-legal.

“All our services are priced transparently so schools and academies know exactly what they are paying for which is really important in these days when budgets can be severely stretched.

“We have ambitious plans for growth of the service.  We believe that our team of HR and legal specialists complimented by our relationship with payroll and occupational health providers will provide schools with a high quality and unique service.”

According to Chambers UK Browne Jacobson is one of the top five education law firms in the country. It advises over 500 education sector organisations of all sizes, including independent and maintained schools, boarding schools, academies and their sponsors, diocesan boards of education, local authorities, regulatory bodies, educational charities and professional associations.

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