HR shared service pays dividends for East Kent councils

Four local authorities in Kent have developed an innovative HR shared-services model that aims to increase efficiency and develop the HR professionals involved. 

  • Kent local authorities share HR services The project, which aims to save £1.8 million within five years, includes efficiency savings, increased service resilience, and improving the career opportunities and the retention of experienced and qualified HR professionals. 
  • Negotiations are currently taking place between the GMB and Unison and the three boroughs of Dover and Thanet District Councils and Canterbury City Council following the proposed harmonisation of some employment policies as part of the next steps of the HR shared-services project. 

Also

The public sector's use of HR shared services in recruitment A number of public sector organisations have developed innovative HR shared services centres for their recruitment administration that are delivering substantial benefits. This article outlines the processes required and gives examples of some projects. 

Partnerships in recruitment: using a shared-services model The London Borough of Sutton worked in partnership with several other London boroughs to develop an innovative shared-services model for recruitment. This article outlines how the project came to fruition. 

Shared services: the benefits of working together Adopting a shared-services model is about more than cost-cutting. This Personnel Today feature explains how HR can benefit strategically from the move. 

HR strategy forum: shared services in the public sector Personnel Today's panel of HR strategy experts advise a public sector HR director on ensuring that a shared-service provider delivers consistent service levels to customer organisations.