We have just released a series of updates to our HR Policies and Procedures Manual, Employee Induction Manual, NDIS Self Managers Direct Employment HR Manual and the NDIS Support Worker Agency HR Manual.
It has been a significant time between updates. The reason is that in the lead-up to an election, most governments choose not to make any dramatic workplace relations legislative changes. We are now starting to see the first of the changes by the new Albanese Government make their way through Parliament.
The first of the changes came from the passing of the Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence) Act 2022. This Act created the entitlement to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave, along with a number of provisions to operationalise that entitlement.
We have reflected this new Act in our manuals, along with a number of changes we have received through feedback on our products to make them clearer or easier to understand.
We expect there will be a number of updates to our products in the coming months, as the following Bills make their way through Parliament: Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022; Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Bill 2022; Fair Work amendment (Equal Pay for Equal Work) Bill 2022.
As always, we will track the changes and update our products as soon as legislation is passed.
Quick links to the updates we have just released:
- HR Policies and Procedures Manual
- NDIS Support Worker Agency HR Manual
- NDIS Self Managers Direct Employment HR Manual
- Employee Induction Manual
We are always open to feedback and suggestions on inclusions. Drop us a line if you would like to see something in a future edition.
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Instant HR Policies & Procedures
V9.11 – 3 November 2022
HR Policies – New Policies
- Nil
HR Policies – Updated Sections
- Chapter 1 – Recruitment and Selection (Changes based on feedback)
- Reference Checking moved from Selection to a new section and expanded to give additional guidance on references.
- Referee Checks by Other Companies Section expanded to enhance privacy protection and give additional guidance on references.
- Chapter 2 – Casual to Permanent Conversion
- Reference to transitional arrangements was removed as these transitional arrangements have now ceased.
- Chapter 2 – Overtime (New section based on feedback)
- Addition of a new section reminding employees that paid overtime needs to be approved by the manager before being worked.
- Chapter 2 – Pays & Pay Records – Superannuation Payments (New section based on feedback)
- New options to explain how you pay your superannuation payments.
- Chapter 2 – Pays & Pay Records – Accessing Your Award (New section based on feedback)
- Award access now has its own section to make it easier to find by employees.
- Chapter 2 – Pays & Pay Records – Taxation (New section based on feedback)
- New section highlighting to employees that you have to deduct PAYG.
- Chapter 2 – Pays & Pay Records (From Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2022
- In the What is Included in your Payslip section, a note that if someone takes domestic or family violence leave, this will not be recorded on the payslip to ensure employee safety in compliance with the Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2022.
- Chapter 2 – Privacy & Confidentiality (Changes based on feedback)
- Updated with more info to explain why certain information is confidential.
- Chapter 2 – Annual Leave (Changes based on feedback)
- Added reference to the Direction to Take Excess Leave form.
- Chapter 2 – Termination of Employment – Redundancy or Retrenchment (Changes based on feedback)
- Substantially revised the section.
- Chapter 4 – Code of Conduct (Changes based on feedback)
- A new paragraph was added to reinforce that the Code applies on or off-site.
- Chapter 4 – Anti Discrimination (Changes based on feedback)
- Amended the word equal in the first paragraph to “fair and equitable”.
- Chapter 4 – Workplace Bullying and Harassment (Changes based on feedback)
- Added in a new paragraph reinforcing that the policy applies in any work-related context,
- Added a new section – Complaints procedure.
- Updated the Commitment to promptly investigate section with different methods used to resolve a case.
- Chapter 4 – Anti-Bribery and Corruption
- Updated the reference link to AUSTRAC
- Chapter 5 – First Aid (Changes based on feedback)
- Updated the first few paragraphs to clarify the First Aid policy and provide more guidance on signage.
- New Heading added, “If You, a Client or Visitor is Injured.”
- New sections: First Aid Kit and First Aid Treatment added.
- Chapter 5 – Domestic & Family Violence. (From Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2022
- Section revised to take into account new legislation allowing for 10 days paid domestic violence leave for all employees from 1 February 2023 for all businesses with more than 15 employees, and from 1 August 2023 for all small businesses with less than 15 employees.
- Added in reference to the Fair Work Australia website as it includes a handy downloadable Employer Guide.
- Amended the intro section to include the definition of domestic and family violence.
- Amended the paragraph in Safety and Support relating to information disclosure to comply with new legislation.
- Added in requirements in the Confidentiality Section that Domestic Violence leave is not included on payslips to comply with the new legislation.
- There are now two leave sections: Unpaid leave applies until the legislation kicks in, depending on the size of your organisation, and the paid leave section kicks in either on 1 February 2023 or 1 August 2023, depending on the size of your organisation.
- Amended the Managers Guide to Domestic Violence section with additional points.
- Chapter 6 – Information Technology (IT). (Changes based on feedback)
- Title was revised to become the Acceptable Use of Information Technology policy (based on feedback).
- Policy extended with more guidance on what is covered and what is reasonable private and extended private use.
- Chapter 6 – Company Supplied Computers, Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Wearables & PDAs (Changes based on feedback)
- Password Protection section was revised and strengthened.
- Leaving smartphones, laptops, tablets etc section extended to include cables and padlocks.
- Limitations and Warnings Section updated to refer to Acceptable Use Policy
- Chapter 6 – BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) – Private Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Wearables & PDAs–
- Limitations and Warnings Section updated to refer to Acceptable Use Policy
- Chapter 6 – Internet & Social Media (Changes based on feedback)
- Clarified that the policy applies to both business and private use of social media.
- Added Vimeo and Tik Tok as examples.
- Chat forum examples extended.
- Added that only approved people should be given access to the company’s social media accounts.
- Added guidelines for employees who post on behalf of the company.
- Clarified things that shouldn’t be done outside work hours.
- Added not to use a work email address to register a personal social media account.
- Chapter 6 – Emails (Changes based on feedback)
- Email security extended to include what to do if someone clicks on a link.
- Chapter 7 – Media (Changes based on feedback)
- Substantially expanded and rewritten.
- Chapter 7 – Expenditure and Purchasing – Corporate Credit Cards (Changes based on feedback)
- Enhanced guidelines.
- Replaced “team member” with “employee” throughout the manual based on feedback for consistency.
- Replaced “&” with “and” for consistency.
- Multiple minor spelling and grammar corrections throughout the document.
Induction Manual
Contents updated to match the main HR Manual.
HR Forms
- New Form: Job Advertisement Template
- New Form: Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance.
- New Form: Response to Request for Flexible Working Arrangements
- New Form: Performance Improvement Plan
- New Form: Record of Meeting with Employee
- Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave Form updated to take into account legislative changes.
- Direction to Take Excess Leave Form updated to take into account legislative changes.
- Christmas Closedown Notice Amended to take into account different notice requirements under different awards.
- Parental Leave Notification Form Amended to include Flexible Parental Leave.
- Payslip Form Amended to reflect the latest example by Fair Work Australia.
- Replaced “team member” with “employee” throughout the manual based on feedback for consistency.
- Multiple minor spelling and grammar corrections throughout the document.
NDIS Support Worker Agency
V1.8 – 3 November 2022
HR Policies – New Policies
- Nil
HR Policies – Updated Sections
- Chapter 1 – Recruitment and Selection (Changes based on feedback)
- Reference Checking moved from Selection to a new section and expanded to give additional guidance on references.
- Referee Checks by Other Companies Section expanded to enhance privacy protection and give additional guidance on references.
- Pre-employment NDIS Worker Screening links updated for NT and ACT
- Chapter 2 – Casual to Permanent Conversion
- Reference to transitional arrangements was removed as these transitional arrangements have now ceased.
- Chapter 2 – Overtime (New section based on feedback)
- Addition of a new section reminding employees that paid overtime needs to be approved by the manager before being worked.
- Chapter 2 – Pays & Pay Records (From Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2022
- In the What is Included in your Payslip section, a note that if someone takes domestic or family violence leave, this will not be recorded on the payslip to ensure employee safety in compliance with the Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2022.
- Chapter 2 – Privacy & Confidentiality (Changes based on feedback)
- Updated with more info to explain why certain information is confidential.
- Chapter 2 – Annual Leave (Changes based on feedback)
- Added reference to the Direction to Take Excess Leave form.
- Chapter 2 – Termination of Employment – Redundancy or Retrenchment (Changes based on feedback)
- Substantially revised the section.
- Chapter 4 – Code of Conduct (Changes based on feedback)
- A new paragraph was added to reinforce that the Code applies on or off-site.
- Chapter 4 – Anti Discrimination (Changes based on feedback)
- Amended the word equal in the first paragraph to “fair and equitable”.
- Chapter 4 – Workplace Bullying and Harassment (Changes based on feedback)
- Added in a new paragraph reinforcing that the policy applies in any work-related context,
- Added a new section – Complaints procedure.
- Updated the Commitment to promptly investigate section with different methods used to resolve a case.
- Chapter 4 – Anti-Bribery and Corruption
- Updated the reference link to AUSTRAC
- Chapter 5 – Manual Handling (Changes based on feedback)
- Separated out section for Support Workers
- Chapter 5 – Fire (Changes based on feedback)
- Updated for clarity
- Chapter 5 – First Aid (Changes based on feedback)
- Updated the first few paragraphs to clarify the First Aid policy and provide more guidance on signage.
- New Heading added, “If You, a Client or Visitor is Injured.”
- New sections: First Aid Kit added.
- Chapter 5 – Domestic & Family Violence. (From Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2022
- Section revised to take into account new legislation allowing for 10 days paid domestic violence leave for all employees from 1 February 2023 for all businesses with more than 15 employees, and from 1 August 2023 for all small businesses with less than 15 employees.
- Added in reference to the Fair Work Australia website as it includes a handy downloadable Employer Guide.
- Amended the intro section to include the definition of domestic and family violence.
- Amended the paragraph in Safety and Support relating to information disclosure to comply with new legislation.
- Added in requirements in the Confidentiality Section that Domestic Violence leave is not included on payslips to comply with the new legislation.
- There are now two leave sections: Unpaid leave applies until the legislation kicks in, depending on the size of your organisation, and the paid leave section kicks in either on 1 February 2023 or 1 August 2023, depending on the size of your organisation.
- Amended the Managers Guide to Domestic Violence section with additional points.
- Chapter 6 – Information Technology (IT). (Changes based on feedback)
- Title was revised to become the Acceptable Use of Information Technology policy (based on feedback).
- Policy extended with more guidance on what is covered and what is reasonable private and extended private use.
- Chapter 6 – Company Supplied Computers, Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Wearables & PDAs (Changes based on feedback)
- Password Protection section was revised and strengthened.
- Leaving smartphones, laptops, tablets etc section extended to include cables and padlocks.
- Limitations and Warnings Section updated to refer to Acceptable Use Policy
- Chapter 6 – BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) – Private Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Wearables & PDAs–
- Limitations and Warnings Section updated to refer to Acceptable Use Policy
- Chapter 6 – Internet & Social Media (Changes based on feedback)
- Clarified that the policy applies to both business and private use of social media.
- Added Vimeo and Tik Tok as examples.
- Chat forum examples extended.
- Added that only approved people should be given access to the company’s social media accounts.
- Added guidelines for employees who post on behalf of the company.
- Clarified things that shouldn’t be done outside work hours.
- Added not to use a work email address to register a personal social media account.
- Chapter 6 – Emails (Changes based on feedback)
- Email security extended to include what to do if someone clicks on a link.
- Chapter 7 – Media (Changes based on feedback)
- Substantially expanded and rewritten.
- Chapter 7 – Expenditure and Purchasing – Corporate Credit Cards (Changes based on feedback)
- Enhanced guidelines.
- Replaced “team member” with “employee” throughout the manual based on feedback for consistency.
- Replaced “&” with “and” for consistency.
- Where there is a Support Worker specific policy, this has been added to the title of the policy to make it easier to identify.
- Multiple minor spelling and grammar corrections throughout the document.
Induction Manual
- Contents updated to match the main HR Manual.
- Replaced “team member” with “employee” throughout the manual based on feedback.
HR Forms
- New Form: Job Advertisement Template
- New Form: Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance.
- New Form: Response to Request for Flexible Working Arrangements
- New Form: Performance Improvement Plan
- New Form: Record of Meeting with Employee
- Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave Form updated to take into account legislative changes.
- Direction to Take Excess Leave Form updated to take into account legislative changes.
- Christmas Closedown Notice Amended to take into account different notice requirements under different awards.
- Parental Leave Notification Form Amended to include Flexible Parental Leave.
- Payslip Form Amended to reflect the latest example by Fair Work Australia.
- Replaced “team member” with “employee” throughout the manual based on feedback.
- Multiple minor spelling and grammar corrections throughout the document.
NDIS Self Managers Direct Employment HR Manual
V1.10 – 4 November 2022
HR Policies – New Policies
- Chapter 5 – Domestic & Family Violence. (From Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2022
- Included a new policy that covers the legislative requirements as well as gives advice on what forms domestic violence can take in a workplace.
HR Policies – Updated Sections
- Before Engaging Employees
- Link to NDIS guide on engaging your own employees updated.
- Chapter 1 – Recruitment and Selection (Changes based on feedback)
- Referee Checks by Other Companies Section expanded to enhance privacy protection and give additional guidance on references.
- Pre-employment NDIS Worker Screening links updated for NT and ACT
- Chapter 2 – Casual to Permanent Conversion
- Reference to transitional arrangements was removed as these transitional arrangements have now ceased.
- Removed reference to over 15 employees as this was included by mistake in this pack.
- Chapter 2 – Overtime (New section based on feedback)
- Addition of a new section reminding employees that paid overtime needs to be approved by the manager before being worked.
- Chapter 2 – Pays & Pay Records (From Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2022
- In the What is Included in your Payslip section, a note that if someone takes domestic or family violence leave, this will not be recorded on the payslip to ensure employee safety in compliance with the Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2022.
- Chapter 2 – Privacy & Confidentiality (Changes based on feedback)
- Updated with more info to explain why certain information is confidential.
- Chapter 2 – Annual Leave (Changes based on feedback)
- Added reference to the Direction to Take Excess Leave form.
- Chapter 4 – Code of Conduct (Changes based on feedback)
- A new paragraph was added to reinforce that the Code applies on or off-site.
- Chapter 4 – Anti Discrimination (Changes based on feedback)
- Amended the word equal in the first paragraph to “fair and equitable”.
- Chapter 4 – Workplace Bullying and Harassment (Changes based on feedback)
- Added in a new paragraph reinforcing that the policy applies in any work-related context,
- Added a new section – Complaints procedure.
- Updated the Commitment to promptly investigate section with different methods used to resolve a case.
- Chapter 6 – Information Technology (IT). (Changes based on feedback)
- Title was revised to become the Acceptable Use of Information Technology policy (based on feedback).
- Chapter 6 – Internet & Social Media (Changes based on feedback)
- Clarified that the policy applies to both business and private use of social media.
- Added Vimeo and Tik Tok as examples.
- Chat forum examples extended.
- Clarified things that shouldn’t be done outside work hours.
- Added not to use a work email address to register a personal social media account.
- Chapter 6 – Emails (Changes based on feedback)
- Email security extended to include what to do if someone clicks on a link.
- Replaced “staff member” with “employee” throughout the manual based on feedback for consistency.
- Replaced “&” with “and” for consistency.
- Multiple minor spelling and grammar corrections throughout the document.
Induction Manual
- Contents updated to match the main HR Manual.
- Replaced “team member” with “employee” throughout the manual based on feedback.
HR Forms
- New Form: Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance.
- New Form: Response to Request for Flexible Working Arrangements
- New Form: Performance Improvement Plan
- New Form: Record of Meeting with Employee
- Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave Form updated to take into account legislative changes.
- Direction to Take Excess Leave Form updated to take into account legislative changes.
- Parental Leave Notification Form Amended to include Flexible Parental Leave.
- Payslip Form Amended to reflect the latest example by Fair Work Australia.
- Replaced “team member” with “employee” throughout the manual based on feedback.
- Multiple minor spelling and grammar corrections throughout the document.
New Employee Inductions
V1.1.4 – 3 November 2022
New Employee Induction Book
- Multiple minor spelling and grammar corrections throughout the document.
Induction Manual – Updated Sections
- Code of Conduct. A new paragraph was added to reinforce that the Code applies on or off-site.
- Anti Discrimination. Amended the word equal in the first paragraph to “fair and equitable”.
- Workplace Bullying and Harassment
- Added in a new paragraph reinforcing that the policy applies in any work-related context,
- Added a new section – Complaints procedure.
- Updated the Commitment to promptly investigate section with different methods used to resolve a case.
- First Aid. Updated to clarify the First Aid policy and provide more guidance on signage.
- Information Technology (IT)
- Title was revised to become the Acceptable Use of Information Technology
- Policy extended with more guidance on what is covered
- Internet & Social Media
- Clarified that the policy applies to both business and private use of social media.
- Added Vimeo and Tik Tok as an example.
- Chat forum examples extended.
- Added that only approved people should be given access to the company’s social media accounts.
- Added guidelines for employees who post on behalf of the company.
- Clarified that things that shouldn’t be done include outside work hours.
- Added not to use a work email address to register a personal social media account.
- Emails
- Email security extended to include what to do if someone clicks on a link.
- Multiple minor spelling and grammar corrections throughout the document.
Induction Forms
- New Form: Unsuccessful Probation Letter
- Minor spelling and grammar corrections throughout the forms.
