• to give delegates a basic understanding of employment law for college staff
• to outline the principles of terms and conditions for teachers and support staff in schools
• to examine the employer-employee relationship and mutual obligations
• to provide a framework within which to manage the balance between being fair to staff and providing a high quality education to students.
• to raise awareness of fair processes to follow if dismissal is necessary and ensure that delegates understand how to minimise the risks of unfair dismissal being pursued through the legal systems
• to update delegates on recent employment law changes and the impact on contracts of employment.
• to update delegates on the impact of the Human Rights Act and the Employment Act 2002 - particularly legislation protecting those on fixed term contracts (in force from1st October 2002) and changes to parental rights.
  

10.00 The employment contract

• the basis of the employer/employee relationship
• contracts of employment – the essential ingredients
• drafting other basic documents – job descriptions and person specifications.

11.00 Coffee

11.15 The terms and conditions of employment

• appropriate terms and conditions
• support staff – including the design of performance payment systems
• grading of jobs to avoid equal pay claims

12.00 Essential policies and procedures

• what makes a good policy?
• essential procedures to minimise risks and help staff and senior managers to understand their obligations to each other and the college

12.30 Lunch

13.00 Employment law in schools

• fair processes to use when dismissal is unavoidable
• recent case law – dismissals and appeals through tribunal.

14.00 The impact of recent employment legislation

• the Human Rights Act and access to information
• the Employment Act 2001
• fixed term contracts
• parental leave and legislation to support work-life balance
• dispute resolution – new requirements for disciplinary and grievance procedures
• other recent changes, which may impact on colleges

15.30 Next steps, summary and close

15.45 Tea and depart