Special interest groups
We have three special interest groups:
- Self Employed - for independent practioners of HR in our region.
- Herefordshire Group
- Learning and Development Group.
See our events listings for details of all special interest group meetings.
Chair's Message - January 2010
Happy New Year to all branch members across the shires of Hereford and Worcester where the weather, whilst awkward, is certainly seasonal and is perhaps signalling the start of a challenging year to come.
I do believe that for the branch 2009 was a good year, with a strong events programme and plenty of opportunities for networking and supporting each other during the economic downturn. Huge thanks are due to the branch team that have worked so hard to achieve this, and also to those who turned out in support and pursuit of HR development.
We have a fairly unique opportunity now to take the HR profession to the next level as we support businesses in their first tentative steps out of the recession. It is our chance to show how we can apply our skills and provide services to add value as we work in partnership with business and society across the two counties.
There are key employment law changes in the offing this year: the right to request time off work for training, extension of paternity leave, the 'fit note' system and the Single Equality Act, as well as a consultation on the default retirement age.
But there will be a general election in 2010, and if a new Government comes into power, that could well have an impact on exaclty which employment law changes are introduced. Of course it's not just about legislation - it's also about applying some common sense into the world of business and local communities,
So, there are many challenges and uncertainties ahead - but also a great opportunity for us to put our mark on 2010, both as individuals and as a profession. I look forward to working with as many of you as possible in the year ahead.
Andy Falconer, Branch Chair