At HR Connect, every interaction we have with our customers is a chance to make a positive impact.
Whether you use one or more of our services, the customer service you can expect from any of our brands will be consistently reliable, approachable, and tailored to your needs.
It is with this in mind that we are proud to launch our Customer Charter.
We’re excited to introduce the brand-new HR Connect Product & Services Catalogue, an extensive, easy-to-navigate 66-page PDF featuring everything you need to support your people and organisation throughout the year.
Packed with our full range of products, services, and solutions, this all-in-one resource is designed to make it easier than ever for you to explore what we offer, plan ahead, and find the right support whenever you need it. Keep it handy and refer to it any time - we’re here to help you make the most of the year ahead!
On Wednesday 4th June, we hosted our biggest Breakfast Briefing yet! Over 170 customers and colleagues joined us for a fantastic face-to-face event at the Ashford International Hotel, providing a perfect opportunity to share valuable insights and updates.
Don't take our word for it though, 100% of delegates said they would attend another Breakfast Briefing, and here are just a few comments from delegates on the day:
"Excellent knowledge, interaction and information."
"Wonderful, very insightful and relevant."
"Absolutely brilliant, so informative."
"An excellent day! Love the interactive presentations and great to meet with the experts."
When was the last time you gave your School’s HR practices a proper health check?
We know how busy life can be in education, which is why we’ve created a quick, free and effective way for School Leaders/Business Managers/HR Managers to review your current HR processes and policies - and get clear, actionable feedback.
Our free HR Health Check helps you stay ahead, ensuring your organisation remains compliant, effective, and well-governed.
How long does it take? Less than 15 minutes (about the time to make a decent cuppa!)
✔️ Identify strengths and potential risk areas ✔️ Receive a comprehensive report by email within minutes ✔️ Get relevant guidance to help you make improvements ✔️ Keep up with statutory changes and best practice.
The removal of mandatory performance-related pay (PRP) for teachers marks a significant shift in education policy and school management.
As of September 2024, schools in England are no longer required to link teacher pay progression to performance outcomes, a change formalised in the latest School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) and supported by non-statutory guidance from the Department for Education.
Essential Resources Exploring Changes to Neonatal Care Leave and Pay
In this month's issue of Stay Connected, we bring our customers a range of resources covering the recent changes in Neonatal Care Leave and Pay, which took effect from 6th April 2025.
Podcast Episode First up we have a brand new episode of our podcast, Sound HR Advice, where host and Head of HR Advisory, Lirette Mill, discusses the key changes with special guest Hayley Titchner, Senior Legal Advisor at Legal Connect.
Accompanying the Podcast, we have a free On Demand webinar recording, also hosted by Hayley Titchner, that delves into the legal implications and offers crucial guidance.
Our expert HR Advisory Team have also published a new policy for our customers (Premium, Enhanced and Access Package), which is available now to download from your portals here >>
Register free to watch this special On Demand webinar, recorded on 14th May 2025. Hosted by Hayley Titchner, Senior Legal Advisor at Legal Connect the recording explores:
Recent changes in legislation - Changes to Statutory Pay Rates - Changes to Employment Tribunal Limits - Neonatal Care Leave and Pay
Case Updates - For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers - Higgs and Farmors School
Our strategic specialists can provide advice and support tailored to your specific needs, providing insight and guidance to assist you in developing, assessing or monitoring your People Strategy.
On 12 May 2025, the UK government released it’s White Paper titled Restoring Control Over the Immigration System, outlining sweeping changes to immigration policy. While these proposals are not yet law, they signal a significant shift that organisations should be aware of, including:
KCC have recently released updated guidance for Schools on cash awards. Education HR and Payroll customers have the facility to submit this payment via self-service.
On 6 June 2025, Kent County Council (KCC) issued an addendum on Kelsi as a follow-up to the Kent Schools Newsletter 2025. This addendum outlines updates to the Kent Scheme Annual Leave Provision, which were agreed through recent pay negotiations. We encourage all schools to review the update to ensure they’re aware of the changes.
To successfully deliver sustained, measurable, positive change within your organisation, you first need to understand the position you are starting from. All too often we fall into the trap of assuming we know how our employees are feeling and the support they require.
Our PULSE survey has been designed to get a true and honest reflection of what your employees think.
What do we answer?
✅ How well supported your employees feel ✅ What areas you already support well ✅ Do you already have the right support in place? ✅ What areas need improving? ✅ How your Employees Wellbeing Pulse is linked to your policies, processes and support mechanisms.
In just 3 days, the Big Summer Book Swap registration will end (Friday 20th June).
For the second year running, we are proud to be facilitating a pan-Kent book swap amongst schools our schools in Kent. All you have to do is collect 50 books to donate to the swap and we will do the rest. Every participating school is also entered into a raffle to win a set of new books from Bloomsbury Education.
Join the swap today to replenish your library and be in with a chance of winning a set of brand new books courtesy of our partner
Canterbury Road participated in the Big Summer Book Swap last year and here are their thoughts:
"It was a fantastic experience! The event was well-coordinated, with clear instructions and a wonderful selection of books. It was great to give books that our pupils have become bored with a new home and share our love for reading. We received a variety of books, and most of them were on AR too. The swap was a perfect way for pupils new authors and genres and have stocked our shelves in our before and after school club building. We are already looking forward to the next one!"
Kent-Teach are always looking for ways to bring the best candidates possible to our Kent schools. With this in mind, we have partnered with Point to Point to highlight the range of candidates that exist overseas who are looking for positions within Kent.
The Point to Point team work with schools to help them with their recruitment needs. Carly, Kate and Emma connect UK schools with exceptional international educators—ready to inspire and qualified to teach.
The team has 20 years’ experience in senior positions within UK schools and are familiar with the UK requirements for teachers. They interview the candidates themselves, collate references and DBS before interview and secure QTS so candidates are ready to teach.
If you are interested in hearing about overseas recruitment, sign up for more details here >>
Our Duty to Prevent Sexual Harassment training is here to help you create a safe, respectful, and legally compliant environment for your School or Academy. Tailored for every level of staff, this training is essential for fostering a culture of respect and understanding; to support compliance with the new legal duty
Our Safer Recruitment courses equip your school staff with the essential skills and knowledge to make informed recruitment decisions, ultimately creating a secure environment for children. Click on the dates below to book your course!
HR Connect is a trading style of both Commercial Services Trading Ltd (Reg No. 5858178) and Commercial Services Kent Ltd (Reg No. 5858177) - companies wholly owned by Kent County Council. Registered in England and Wales. Registered Office: 1 Abbey Wood Road, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4YT.
HR Connect, 1 Abbey Wood Road, West Malling, Kings Hill, Maidstone, Kent ME19 4YT, United Kingdom
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