CIPD cuts through TUPE complexities with practical guidance for people managers

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) today launches practical guidance on the people management requirements of organisations involved in business transfers and service provision changes.

Whilst there is guidance already published on TUPE (Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) – the law underpinning business transfers for staff), there is currently a lack of practical guidance for people managers.

The guide has been written by members of the national HR Group for Substance Misuse Services, however its content is not exclusive to employers working in that field and most public sector and voluntary sector employers in the UK can use this to guide to inform their own work.

It provides an agreed minimum set of standards for all involved parties to aid understanding and business transactions during the preparation and transfer of staff. It also provides practical help through tools that can be directly applied.

Elizabeth Flegg, co-author of the guide and a member of the national HR Group for Sunstance Misuse Services, comments:

ìWe hope many employers and people management experts can use this guide to inform their work. It is often expected that there is a core expertise regarding the people management aspects of preparing and transferring services, but this is often not the case due to the complex legal and practical requirements.

ìThese guidelines can be applied directly for anyone involved in writing tenders for services, assessing bids received for services, and guiding income and outgoing service providers on the transfer of staff.î

Ben Willmott, senior public policy adviser and editor of the guide, CIPD, says:

ìWe hope to offer people managers involved in business transfers and service provision changes much-needed guidance. In too many instances managers have to rely on trial and error which creates real risks that service delivery will be compromised as a result of the transfer of service from one provider to another. This guide sets out some step by step advice on how to manage this process effectively.î