Community Resolve Staff Handbook policy summaries

Health & Safety Policy
An outline of Community Resolve's principles and organisational structure ensuring the health, safety and welfare of its employees, in line with the aim of all relevant legislation. The policy clearly states the Health & Safety (H&S) procedures to be followed and the allocated responsibilities of all staff and CR.  It covers the role of the H&S working group (including designated Directors), as well as administrative arrangements and all aspects of H&S management including first aid, fire regulations, maintenance, the use of contractors, training information, risk assessment, personal awareness & more.

Equal Opportunities Policy
The aim of this policy is to communicate the commitment to the promotion of equality of opportunity within the company.  It is the company’s policy to provide employment equality to all irrespective of:

• gender, marital or family status;
• religious belief or political opinion;
• physical ability;
• race or ethnic origin or nationality; OR
• sexual orientation.

All directors and employees are expected to abide by the policy and create the equality environment which is its objective. There are details on how we implement this policy, monitor and review it, and a clear complaints procedure.

Child Protection Policy
This policy has been developed to ensure that all staff (freelance or contracted), trainers and volunteers have a clear understanding of the action to take if they suspect, observe or have abuse reported to them. They are required by Community Resolve to make formal notification of any abuse or suspected abuse, which they may become aware of in pursuit of their work for Community Resolve. It is the responsibility of all those working with Community Resolve to read the procedures and become acquainted with them.

Development, Appraisal & Training Policy
Community Resolve aims to provide trained and experienced staff throughout the organisation by developing and strengthening individual skills. The policy covers training for staff & Directors in appraisals, covering how to get the best out of the procedure.

Discipline Procedure
The disciplinary procedure is to help employees maintain satisfactory standards of conduct, attendance and job performance, with the aim of corrective rather than disciplinary action, and consistent and fair treatment for all employees. The policy includes details of procedures to follow and who you can turn to for support in light of a written warning, final warning, dismissal, gross misconduct and appeal.

Grievance Procedure
The purpose of this procedure is to allow any employees who may have a complaint / concern regarding any action the company has taken/is contemplating to be settled fairly and promptly. The company will always try to resolve any disciplinary /performance issues informally (through 3rd party discussions) before proceeding to a formal level.  If this is unattainable there are detailed instructions on how to raise a formal grievance and who to turn to in such circumstances.

Communications & IT systems policy
Everyone who uses the organisation’s IT and/or phone needs to understand and comply with this policy, including employees, consultants, casual workers, and temporary staff. The policy provides guidance about the acceptable use of email, internet and computer systems, and the consequences of failing to follow it. Information is provided on business & personal use, monitoring use of emails & the internet, use of hardware/ software, personal printing & photocopying, and use of telephone and mobile phones.

Data Protection & Privacy policy – Employee personal data
This Data Protection & Privacy Policy relates to the handling and processing ofall employee's personal data, whether held manually or electronically.  It sets out the minimum standards of conduct and procedure the Company expects for the handling of personal data. The core principles of this policy include respect for privacy of employees, collection and use of sensitive & personal data, rights of the individual and data security.

Environmental Policy
This policy covers all aspects of Community Resolves operations, including good housekeeping measures eg. using both sides of paper prior to recycling. The policy also commits us to promoting suppliers and services who operate in environmentally sound ways. It covers reducing, reusing & recycling waste, buying recycled products, the purchase of fair-trade and environmentally sound goods, the promotion of cycling, walking and public transport and minimising the use of energy including electricity and water.

Family Leave / Parental Leave Policies
The Policy outlines in general terms employees' rights to take time off to deal with emergencies involving their dependants.  Guidelines are provided on the definitions of a dependant, in what circumstances you can take time off and the right to time off. An additional Parental Leave Policy outlines in general terms the rights, entitlements and obligations of employees who wish to be absent from work on parental leave for the purposes of caring for a child. The policy covers qualifying requirements, terms of parental leave and starting leave, returning to work & contractual benefits.

Paternity / Maternity Policies outline in very general terms the rights, entitlements and obligations of employees who wish to avail themselves of paternity and maternity benefits provided under employment legislation.