What is the role of the manager in the VR process
What is the role of the manager in the VR process
The role of the manager in the process is to:
- action the ‘email’ they get from ServiceNow in accordance with the guidance
- offer to meet with the employee for a one-to-one consultation meeting to discuss their expression of interest, the employee can be accompanied by a recognised Trade Union Representative or work colleague. If the employee does not want to meet with their manager or another Senior Manager, they must be asked to provide written confirmation that they have been offered a meeting and declined.
complete the one-to-one consultation form as part of the meeting with the employee.
complete the Manager Assessment form using the link provided. Note, you must complete all sections of the form.
- discuss with their Assistant Director (AD) or nominee the expression of interest, using the Manager Assessment form as a guide;
- ensure that during this discussion with the Assistant Director they complete their rationale, and sign the form to declare they have reviewed this;
- attach the completed assessment form by clicking the ticket number in the email you received, and once uploaded press save which will submit the ticket to the ServiceNow system.
- sign post / direct employees to available information / support on the VR process which can be found within Wellbeing and support.
How will a manager know that a member of their team has expressed an interest in VR
The manager will receive an email from ServiceNow advising that an employee has expressed an interest in Voluntary Redundancy. They should follow the instruction in the email notification.
What happens once the manager assessment form has been submitted to ServiceNow
The expression of interest is shared with the Director and Strategic HR Business Partner who will review it and make their recommendation for consideration by a panel who are considering all applications across the Council and making a recommendation to the Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service - HoPS).
The expression of interest is considered by the Chief Executive (HoPS), in line with the Discretionary Voluntary Redundancy Scheme (DOCX, 678KB) Criteria. The final decision will be taken by the Chief Executive (HoPS) The Council does not offer a right of appeal against voluntary redundancy decisions made under this policy.
What happens once an expression of interest is approved by the Chief Executive
The employee will be notified in writing, confirmation of the acceptance of their application for voluntary redundancy. The employee will be required to accept in writing, the offer of voluntary redundancy, within 14 days of receipt of confirmation, or the offer will be withdrawn.
Nothing is final until an employee has received the VR offer and returned their signed acceptance of the offer.
The manager will receive notification of approvals once the signed acceptance has been received. They will arrange to meet with the employee to agree leaving arrangements such as handover of work, return of property.
What happens if an expression of interest is not approved by the Chief Executive
The employee will receive written notification that their expression of interest for VR has not been approved.
The manager will also be notified and will meet with the employee to discuss any support, development or potential alternative options including flexible or early retirement.
What support is available for employees
There is guidance and support available throughout the process.
The manager can sign post employees to the VR FAQs and Guidance on the intranet and they can use the Redundancy Calculator (XLS, 64.5KB) to get a broad indication of their figures.
The manager can also advise employees to contact HR or their trade union, should they want to talk things through.
If an employee is acting up, or seconded to another post is the VR based on their temporary or substantive post
Where an employee is acting up or seconded to another post their VR application is based on their substantive post. It would also be their substantive post that would need to be deleted to ensure the value for money criteria is met.
How do managers identify an alternative role to allow an employee to leave on VR when their role cannot be deleted
Managers can review if they consider there may be vacancies in their service area that can be deleted as an alternative, or if there is an opportunity to rearrange functions within the service to allow for an employee to leave on VR.
Manager Process
- Employee submits expression of interest (ServiceNow)
- Manager receives automated email notification from Service Now
- Manager reviews request
- Manager Offers one-to-one discussion with employee
If declined: written confirmation obtained - Manager Completes One-to-One Consultation Form
- Manager Complete Manager Assessment Form
- Discuss recommendation with Assistant Director and Obtain Sign off
- Submit forms back to Pay and Reward via the link in the automated email from ServiceNow