GTP21: Recruitment and succession
HR Dept North East & South West Birmingham
This blog post has been produced for the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce as part of the 2021 Growth Through People campaign.
Growth Through People is the Chamber’s annual campaign aiming to help local firms boost productivity and grow through improved leadership and people management skills. In 2021 this involves 8 free online workshops taking place throughout March, and a virtual Growth Through People conference on 30th March. In addition, throughout the campaign the Chambers will be publishing thought leadership podcasts, videos and blog content such as this.
Thanks to our Headline Sponsors – Aston University, BMet College and the University of Birmingham’s Work Inclusivity Research Centre - all workshops are free to attend. Interested readers can find out more and register to attend Growth Through People workshops here, and the Growth Through People conference here.
As an SME, recruitment and succession are critical so that you have the right people with the right skills and attitudes to keep your business flying. With being in the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic, you may have missed that Brexit eventually happened. Here are some tips on what to think about when recruiting this year:
Recruiting outside the UK after Brexit
EU, EEA or Swiss citizens and their family members who lived in the UK by 31 December 2020 need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021.
Ensure your employees affected by this they are aware of this deadline and that they do apply to the Scheme.
Until 30 June 2021, you will need to check a job applicant’s right to work in the UK in the same way as you do now.
A new immigration system applies from 1 January 2021. All non-UK citizens moving to the UK to work need to get a visa in advance. This means you will need to sponsor applicants via the points-based system.
- Tip - ensure all your right to work checks are in place and up to date, and also ensure you have robust recruitment and checking process should you require to recruit foreign nationals.
Apprenticeships & Kickstart Programmes
Would taking on trainees benefit your business? You can mould them to deliver what you need, and you are supporting those who may need a helping hand to gain the benefits of working too. You can focus on recruiting those with the right attitude to work and you may find that they become your stars of the future.
- Tip – look at government funding for new job creation as this is likely to remain a feature throughout 2021.
Diversity & Inclusion
Having a diverse workforce brings more success to a business as you can harness lots of different perspectives, so your recruitment processes should be geared to tapping into the very best talents.
But make sure you are not pushing an idealised image of diversity. You don’t want to risk making your current staff feel they do not fit the mould of your new ‘diverse’ workforce. Be open to harnessing new ideas from your existing staff members.
- Tip - Create a diversity and inclusion strategy which goes beyond merely focusing upon legal compliance. This can add value to your organisation by boosting employee well-being and engagement. It also allows you to improve business performance through a broader focus.
Development & Succession
Alongside your business planning, it might be an idea to have a development and succession mindset too. Who within your business needs training and development to do their current job better – and prepare for their next role for you too? After all, no-one knows your business and its strengths and weaknesses better than your current team.
In addition, after the long period of stop/start for many businesses, you may find that staff are eager for a change of scene. Talking to them about developing their skills in preparation for your future growth or change might be just the thing to keep your talent with you.
- Tip – consider running appraisals for your team, looking at what they do well and what they could do better. This sits alongside a conversation about their development needs and plans for the future.
At the HR Dept we are specialists in HR support for SMEs across all these areas and more. Do get in touch if any of this has struck a chord with you, or indeed, any other aspect of managing your team.
Omar Rashid
Director
HR Dept North East & South West Birmingham
E omar.rashid@hrdept.co.uk
M 07881 206596
T 01212 178049