Human Resources Self-Audit
If you would like help to complete the audit please contact NZSTA Employment advisers on 0800782435 (Option 2)
How can a HR Self-audit contribute to school effectiveness?
A self-audit can assist the board of trustees to measure and review the effectiveness of the school's current policies, processes and procedures with regard to people and employment. It enables the board to identify areas of strength and target areas for future improvement and should link to achieving better outcomes for students. It will help the board become familiar with current employment law (NAG3) and employment agreements to ensure you have good HR practices to avoid employment relations problems.
Auditing school HR functions involves
- Communicating the purpose and benefits of the audit to all involved
- Allocating appropriate resources to ensure the necessary skills, budget, tools and materials are available
- Comparing current school practices, procedures and achievements against the board's strategic objectives and policy
- Identifying any gaps between the current and ideal conditions
- Eliminating or reducing gaps to ensure legal compliance and improved school performance
- Making recommendations and suggestions to remedy any identified issues
What is the difference between policies, processes and procedures?
- Policies are the board developed guidelines or rules
- Processes are developed by the principal from the policies
- Procedures are developed by the principal and are the detailed steps required to perform an activity within a process - they are at the daily operational/management level
Who does the self-audit?
The board has overall responsibility. They can delegate the process in writing to a committee which should include the principal and other delegates who have a good knowledge of the relevant employment agreements, HR policies and strategic objectives. The committee reports back to the whole board on progress, required actions or any issues and risks identified.
What the HR Self-audit resources include
- Self-audit process flowchart (pdf) - guidance on how to manage the process of the HR self-audit
- Self-evaluation (pdf) - a guide to help boards identify their current level of effectiveness with HR processes
- Risk assessment flowchart (pdf) - Helps you to identify the level of current risk for your board
- Supporting documentation and resources (pdf) - web links to more information and resources
Self-Audit Booklets
Self-audit process - contain actions that are a legal, Ministry of Education requirement or areas considered to be good HR practice. Includes an action plan to help you manage your progress in completing the audit.
- Checklist 1 General HR policies (docx) - HR policy, EEO, structure, health and safety
- Checklist 2 Recruitment (docx) - principal, teacher and non-teaching staff appointment, inductions
- Checklist 3 Remuneration (docx) - salaries, wages, allowances, concurrence
- Checklist 4 Employee relations (docx) - redundancy, dismissal, resignations, disciplinary, retirement
- Checklist 5 Performance management (docx) - performance reviews agreements, professional development
By following the process, you will ensure good records are kept.