TUPE
Transferring to Work for Northgate Managed Services
Northgate Managed Services has extensive experience of the TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings - Protection of Employment process and has worked with numerous school based technicians within the BSF and Academies program to make the transition a smooth one.
A measure of our successful transfer is that many TUPE transferred staff volunteer to discuss the process openly with potential clients and future transferring technicians.
Northgate has extensive experience of transferring staff into the company under the TUPE Regulations, from both the private and the public sector. We have successfully transferred over 2266 people (primary and secondary TUPE) into the company through acquisitions and new contracts since 2003 with 32 staff coming into the organisation through BSF transfers since 2008 and a further 50+ due to transfer in the North West of England in February 2010.
Northgate offers:
- Experienced HR and Operational staff who undertake consultation with employees, Trade Unions and Local Authorities
- Extensive support to those transferring to Northgate including regular meetings throughout the process
- Published FAQ's
- Training opportunities and huge potential to develop your career in one of the UK's leading ICT companies
- Local inductions and continuous reviews
- The opportunity to collaborate and share experiences with a wider group of colleagues in other schools
- Reassurance to each individual transferring that their existing terms and conditions will be honoured, in accordance with TUPE regulations. This commitment includes recognition of continuous service for both statutory employment rights purposes and in relation to contractual entitlements
- Pensions are a particularly important area of concern for staff and Northgate have a successful track record in providing staff pensions through the Admitted Body route to ensure TUPE staff continue to benefit from any Local Government pension benefits
Open and Ongoing Communications
Key to the success of our approach is the implementation of a comprehensive communications programme. This involves establishing an open and consultative approach with all stakeholders including trade unions, business managers, and employee representatives. We also agree a detailed communication plan with all parties at the start of the selected bidder stage. This ensures that transferring staff are kept informed at all stages as well as enabling all parties to discharge their obligations to those employees who are eligible to transfer.
Soon after contract award, inter school group presentations will be arranged for employees to attend. These presentations provide employees with information about Northgate and with details about the transfer and their rights and entitlements under the TUPE provisions. Representatives from the Northgate's management and HR teams attend the presentations along with representatives from the Local Authority, Schools, Trade Union and Staff Groups.
In addition Northgate will conduct at least 2 detailed one to one discussions with every employee scheduled to transfer. This enables us to answer any questions that the employee may have and also provides an opportunity to verify the employee liability information provided for the purposes of due diligence and commence checking and take-on procedures including safeguarding.
All employees in scope to transfer are invited to attend a hosted site visit to a live BSF School to appreciate the operational aspects of the new ICT service and ask detailed questions of existing ICT Staff. In the case of an interim transfer of staff, this visit will usually occur after transfer.
With Northgate, TUPE is not just a faceless process. We ensure that all those involved feel part of a supportive organisation and that the change comes with opportunities to develop skills and knowledge in a large organisation.
Your Experience
Speaking at BETT 2009, Steve Clifford, a member of the recently transferred ICT team at Kent shared his experiences of the TUPE process with Northgate and Mariusz Brzoza, an ICT Technician at Brislington Enterprise College in Bristol also comments on his experience after transferring to Northgate in 2008.
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Mariusz Brzoza, ICT Technician, Brislington Enterprise College, Bristol
"The process of transferring from the Council to Northgate was easy. Although I was worried when I first learned about the transfer as I didn't know what to expect or what would happen to my job; Northgate consulted with both employees and Trade Unions for several months before transfer and I always felt I could approach Northgate Managers and HR Representatives directly with any questions. When questions were raised, Northgate provided written feedback and were always happy to discuss issues further. Since the transfer, I feel valued and well supported by both the immediate and virtual team and have fitted in well".
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Steve Clifford, Kent School ICT Technician
"When I found out I was being transferred to Northgate, I was very worried about job security, working for a very large company, among other concerns, but having a period of consultation before actually being transferred gave me time to get to know the company and forge relationships. The Northgate employees I met showed empathy and answered all my questions either face to face, phone or by email. Since the transfer I feel valued and very well supported by the both the immediate and virtual team."
