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In
Acord
Newsletter
Issue 1: February 2001 Article 12: ACORD to adopt code for good people management ACORD is adopting a new "People in Aid" code for good people management practice and clear management standards within the organisation. A workshop was held in Addis Ababa from 29 January-3 February to plan its implementation of the code. The code of practice, developed in emergency agencies, is being piloted in ACORD programmes in Burundi, Chad, Ethiopia, Rwanda and in London. It is being introduced for a number of reasons. Molly Kane, Chair of ACORD's Board of Trustees says, "I see the Code as integral to the change that we are seeking to achieve at ACORD. I believe it will provide a tool in setting management and HR standards and measuring progress as well as providing an external benchmark. I also believe it will benefit all ACORD staff because it will provide an environment where we have clear personnel policies and HR systems." "The People in Aid Code," she added, "provides the means for ACORD to be able to look at its practices and see how they can be improved so that staff are able to contribute fully towards ACORD’s mission and objectives." The broad objectives of the workshop were to gather base line information about current HR practice and to identify the gaps, to tailor the seven People in Aid Code indicators to ACORD, to gain a shared understanding and commitment to good management and HR practice in ACORD, to identify and define a process for resolving key HR issues and to develop minimum standards of management and HR practice in ACORD. It was agreed that the Code was a useful tool to help the organisation develop management standards and support the change process. Early on in the workshop it was apparent that further clear information was needed on how ACORD's new area teams will be set up, what criteria will determine an area team and up-to-date information about the progress so far. The workshop, while aimed at planning the implementation of the People in Aid Code, also focused on the values and principles underpinning people management at ACORD. The participants looked at ACORD’s values, and drew up some specific principles, indicators and activities that formed the basis of a draft HR strategic plan. Other work was carried out around the reorganisation, how ACORD should structure its salaries in the future, and a number of important policies, which need to be in place. The workshop report, available from ACORD's HR Department, includes the proposed HR strategic plan, some initial work done on the restructuring, salaries, some policy work as well as an action plan for implementing the People in Aid Code. During the workshop it was agreed that the two HR groups should merge into one "HR Advisory Group" and that those implementing the People in Aid Code in their countries should also join. The HR Advisory Group is committed to ensuring this important work is carried through and will need feedback and support on an on-going basis, particularly from SMT. The participants included members of the Africa based and London based HR Groups, the Regional Programme Officers and the Country Co-ordinators of where the Code is being introduced. The sessions were facilitated by Maggie Pankhurst, ACORD's Treasurer and member of the Board of Trustees. Seven Principles of the People in Aid Code
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