Perth and Kinross Council has launched a new recruitment system in line with current e?government initiatives. HR Director, the on-line recruitment software package provided by Edinburgh based XPT Solutions Limited is the basis for the project, and has been deployed in conjunction with the councilís HR and IS/T departments.
Quoting from the ìInformation Age Government In Scotlandî document released by the Scottish Executive in May 2002, Karen Donaldson, Personnel Manager at Perth and Kinross Council stated that ìThe Council is keen to implement the aims of the framework in the area of recruitment. The report listed among its key objectives - to deliver public services and public information with a choice of means of access; with convenience, effectiveness; and continuous improvement.î
The new system is being launched in conjunction with a new advertising style encouraging online applications. The decision to encourage online applications was taken by Perth & Kinross Council in an undertaking to streamline its recruitment processes. This will also complement the recent successful bid for 262,000 from the New Opportunities Fund Peopleís Network initiative to provide free public internet access at all Perth & Kinross libraries by March 2003 enabling increased online access to all Council Services
XPT Solutions carried out research on Local Government websites across the country and found that while many Local Authorities listed their current vacancies, only 30% had any database to back this facility, and only 2 sites had the ability to receive online job applications. Due to the success of HR Director and related products, in addition to the private sectorís extensive use of the XPT Solutionsí software, a number of Local Authorities and other public sector organisations throughout the UK are actively pursuing the implementation of HR Director.
The Scottish Executive report (which mirrored a report by the National Audit Office) also advised that ìnew technology is exploited where it delivers improved services.î In line with this, David Longstaff, CEO of XPT Solutions said ìOur market leading on-line recruitment software is already in use by a number of major clients, including Scottish Courage and Lothian and Borders Police. In conjunction with PKC we have adapted our software solution considerably to meet their needs. They had identified that there was a need not only to allow people to view and apply for vacancies securely, but also to streamline the communication processes with the candidates and generate the necessary performance reports. Our HR Director product is now tailor-made for local authorities throughout the UK.î
The new recruitment system which is being implemented throughout all Council departments was launched last week. The overall recruitment strategy is expected not only to provide significant improvements in recruitment administration but to produce overall savings for Perth and Kinross Council.
www.pkc.gov.uk
www.xptsolutions.com
www.hr-director-software.com
Council leads e-government initiative with XPT.
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