What does next generation/civil service HR mean for HR and learning workers

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What does next generation/civil service HR mean for HR and learning workers

What does Next Generation Civil Service Human Resources mean for HR and learning workers?

Members in HR and learning will be the first to be affected by NGHR/CSER as functions, work and staff are reallocated between departmental HR and the new shared expert centres. Learning specialists face a very uncertain future as posts and organisations, in particular the National School for Government, are replaced with e-learning and bought-in products.

In departments, HR will take on a “business partner” role supporting departmental priorities. They will be responsible for “commissioning” from the shared expert centres – for example work on specific policy topics, generic learning products or advertising through central systems.

The location of the new centres was decided at the end of 2010:

· Employee Policy: London, Leeds and initially Sheffield

· CS Learning: London

· CS Resourcing: Leeds; London; satellite teams in Newcastle, Manchester, Bristol/South Wales

Recruitment to new posts in the shared expert centres began in February. Posts were advertised on CS Jobs and initially open to civil servants working in HR and learning posts, and, after union negotiation, to people identified at risk because of staff surpluses. PCS has been engaged in discussions with the NGHR Programme team and the Cabinet Office to ensure fairness in the recruitment process.

Members working in these areas face difficult decisions about whether to apply for the new expert centre posts, possibly in a different location, or to seek to remain in their department, which may not yet have decided on its future HR structure or location. An added complication is that the structure of the expert centres is planned to change over time which affects perceptions of the security of the posts and the work on offer.

Circumstances will be different for each member affected, so PCS cannot give definite advice about what individuals should do. Briefings for members and representatives have been issued to provide as much information as possible and members are advised to talk through their options and concerns with local representatives.