Managing Employees' Performance

Throughout 2015 we have encountered a number of Councils who struggle to manage either problems with their Employees' performance or behaviour, or to resolve staff grievances and complaints.

This is perfectly understandable, as most Town and Parish Councils employ small numbers of staff and don't experience these issues on a regular basis. Furthermore, the Council, who make up the 'management team', have not been selected for their managerial skills, but for their interest in the Community / Parish. However, when problems occur, it is they who are ultimately responsible for managing the process.

Mistakes can be costly, potentially resulting in claims for Unfair / Constructive Dismissal which could result in an Employee being awarded up to one years income. Furthermore, discrimination claims can result in unlimited compensation being awarded.

Consequently, it would be prudent for Councillors to ensure that they have a basic grasp of how to manage staff grievance and disciplinary matters, to ensure that they can address these issues when they occur.

Help can be found in the ACAS Grievance and Disciplinary procedures, which provide Employers with basic guidance on how to manage these problems. However, to help Councils we are providing the fundamental steps to take Councils through the basic steps - please open the document for full details.

• Managing Employees' Performance (PDF, 301 Kb)

National Living Wage 2016/17

NALC Briefing Note

• National Living Wage 2016/17 (PDF, 86 Kb)