MEMBER TAKEOVER
Publications Publications are a great way of staying up to date over a coffee break. Well laid out and structured, they can also be eye catching and visually stimulating. They contain a combination of short and long reads, written by industry recognised professionals with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Articles within a publication will often be around a topic that’s relevant at the time of writing and will contain a good overview of the subject, with additional signposting to further information. Printed publications are perfect for sharing around a staff room or department, broadening awareness and allowing others to gain further knowledge through a quick read. Publications are a great way of staying up to date over a coffee break Social media platforms We all use these platforms to keep in contact and up to date with our friends and family. But there are also professional platforms like LinkedIn, with many content creators (professional bodies and individuals) to keep us up to date within our profession. The updates may not be detailed, but they do raise our awareness and often signpost to more detailed information. This was evidenced recently with the content during, and immediately following, the (not so) mini-budget on 23 September 2022, and the subsequent reversals announced by current chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, on 17 October 2022. Conferences Conferences provide a combination of update channels, both directly and indirectly, including: ● hearing from industry specialists ● panel discussions on the key points of new and current legislation ● opportunities to meet software providers, professional bodies and organisations who provide qualifications, training and update courses. They create an opportunity for professionals to network and make key
Podcasts Podcasts are increasing in popularity. They normally feature guests who have specialist knowledge and skills in a specific area or subject and are great tools for gaining updates while on the go. Whether listening to when commuting or exercising, there’s always a key point or consideration to be gained for further research. Websites Websites will always be a good source of information. They’re easy, instant points of reference when checking on new or current legislation. I always have key websites saved to my favourites on my browser, so I can double check something I’m not quite sure of. GOV.UK provides a wealth of information on statutory payments and deductions, along with employer guides. The Pensions Regulator website contains information on workplace pension schemes and employers’ obligations for automatic enrolment and re-enrolment. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service website is a source of employment law advice for employees and employers and offers an impartial advisory service. Network groups These groups involve ongoing updates and discussions, sharing knowledge and experiences of how legislation has been implemented in our organisations, what went well, what didn’t go well and what could have been done better. I’ve recently created a network group of payroll managers in the social housing sector, following my move from manufacturing in January of this year. It has been invaluable in building my knowledge of this sector, and well received by my peers who are also part of this group. We meet regularly for a virtual coffee and chat and keep the format informal, while still having a theme for each call. I would like to see more network groups being created as part of the payroll community. n I would like to see more network groups being created as part of the payroll community
contacts and friendships that will provide ongoing support through their career. Discussing scenarios we’ve experienced with our peers reaffirms our knowledge while passing this to others who may not yet be aware. They create an opportunity for professionals to network and make key contacts and friendships that will provide ongoing support through their career These courses are designed to provide an overview of changes for the new tax year, including employment law (such as holiday pay) and are offered by a range of organisations, as well as software providers and financial auditors. The design of an update course is usually to identify the key points that will affect us and our organisations. They are valuable tools as we don’t need to spend time sifting through legislation for the detail we require. Virtual and face-to-face update courses In addition to update courses, there are specific legislative courses that cover new legislation coming into force in greater detail. They’re an effective way of gaining a detailed understanding of a piece of legislation and often come with comprehensive reference material. Many will remember the off payroll working courses before the legislation came into effect. They are valuable tools as we don’t need to spend time sifting through legislation for the detail we require
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| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |
Issue 86 | December 2022 – January 2023
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