The forum has been awash recently with threads concerning the management of staff in their probationary period. Why do we have probationary periods? Because with employment you don’t really get to try before you buy! This is the best option you have in that respect. Many people are fantastic at interviews but when they start…

In 2011 the compulsory retirement age of 65 was abolished in the UK, following the implementation of the Equality Act 2010. Age is listed as one of the ‘protected characteristics’ and it was deemed to be discriminatory to force a person to retire purely because they’d reached the age of 65. Nowadays employees can continue…

There have been a number of threads on the forum recently about PM salaries, terms and conditions, benefits and entitlements. Some of us have been astonished at how little some of our compatriots are being paid, or what pitiful T&Cs some partners are offering. So, I’ve created a little guide on how to negotiate; think…

A collective groan is heard around the UK! How frustrating is it when you have a member of staff who just can’t seem to turn up on time? Or one who’s always late back from breaks? Or one who always seems to disappear early? Disciplinary proceedings for lateness used to be my everyday ‘bread and…

By Robyn Jackson I’m sure most practice managers have come across some hilarious HR cases in their time, and I’ve certainly had my fair share! Having worked in HR departments in large hospital trusts as well as community providers (and a brief stint in the education sector which had me running for the hills!), I’m…

There have been a few forum threads recently about staff not getting on, ‘he-said-she-said’, treating each other unprofessionally and so on. As managers, how do we deal effectively with these situations, and is there anything we can do to prevent them from happening? So let’s get reactive before we get proactive… Sadly, you can’t sit…

A topic that’s been popping up on the forums recently is what the ideal practice manager appraisal looks like. A number of contributors – myself included – have recommended 360-degree appraisals, and some have even recommended that partners should undergo the same process! So what is a 360-degree appraisal? Rather than a standard appraisal where…