Free human resources help for community sector

The online human resources hub is a collaboration between social enterprise Our Community and health and community sector industry superannuation fund HESTA. The site brings together the experience and knowledge of both organisations to create free resources aimed at easing the burden for smaller organisations unable to afford their own HR departments.

Good Jobs Great HR significantly bolsters resources available through the existing site, adding extensive tools for community organisations wanting to improve their human resource practices. Its development and launch follows repeated requests to Our Community for more help in this area.

“We know many community organisations don’t have their own human resources staff, and that’s where Good Jobs Great HR can assist with these free resources. We’re hoping to lighten the load for the many busy staff in the sector, so they can focus on the main game – increasing their impact,” Our Community’s group managing director, Denis Moriarty, said.

“These resources – including our comprehensive manual – could cost organisations tens of thousands if they wanted them to be developed in the private sector,” he said.

HESTA chief executive Debby Blakey said the superannuation fund’s support of the initiative continues its strong support for the community sector, where 165,000 members of its members work.

“As supporters of the strong and vibrant community sector in Australia, we’re proud to work with Our Community in the development of the Good Jobs: Great HR initiative,” HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said.

“These resources will help equip organisations with the tools they need to improve and streamline the selection, induction and ongoing development of their employees, as well as connect those working in the sector to new job opportunities.”

The site guides organisations throughout the job life cycle: from attracting and recruiting candidates, to ensuring staff departures are as painless as possible. Tools are available to assist with staff selection, induction, training, and development.

A 71-page manual available for download from the site brings much of that guidance together for both senior staff and board members, with the booklet easily modified for any organisation’s needs.

(L-R) Our Community chair Carol Schwartz, HESTA CEO Debby Blakey and Our Community group managing director Denis Moriarty with the new employee manual. Picture: Matthew Schulz.