"Burnout happens, not because we're trying to solve problems, but because we're trying to solve the same problem over and over."

Susan Scot

The Stopgap Group
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Case Study 4 - Groundstar

Business Activity: Airport Ground handling activities
Interim Position: HR Project Director
Author: Linda Thorpe

Due to the size of the contract referred to above the client needed a very experienced HR resource to deal with all TUPE issues, union negotiations and a major resourcing and training programme. Groundstar did have a small central HR department however the HR manager did not have sufficient experience in this area. The assignment duration was originally for 3 months but due to additional work needed throughout the organisation was extended to 5 months.

This was a particularly challenging yet fun assignment. I soon discovered that the contract had been negotiated and completed with minimum lead times for conducting TUPE and Resourcing programmes to meet requirements. Therefore it was necessary for me to work closely with the Groundstar Operations Director and take complete control of all Union Negotiations, TUPE and Resourcing/Training issues.

After reviewing the detail of this particular contract and discussions with the Operations Director we agreed to establish another legal entity for this particular contract. It was necessary to establish communications schedules with the various Unions involved and agree the number and positions of those employees to be TUPE’d from the previous contractor. It was also necessary to establish a special project team to deal with all the issues relating to the transfer to include dealing with equipment, health & safety, uniforms, retraining or staff being transferred, payroll etc.

Working on such an intense project and becoming involved in aspects to developing a future HR service, from transactional to business partner concept, and being so closely involved in the business meant inevitably that I have kept in contact with the organisation. They have now moved to number 3 in the market place and have increased the number of the contracts. The most pleasing aspect of this assignment was the MD (who was the Operations Director) now says that the central HR service is not just undertaking the personnel administrative role it was previously, the Company are now funding two of my pervious team through CIPD and the HR Manger now appointed get is fully involved with the pre contract planning and development work.