Web-based HR and payroll

Derbyshire Probation Trust is transforming its HR and payroll services to help drive efficiency and improve workforce planning.

The Probation Service is going through a period of fundamental change in the way it provides services, prompted by the need for efficiency savings across the public sector. This transformation is particularly relevant to back-office functions, which are increasingly partnering with external service providers in order to better focus on core goals.

Gary Radford, finance manager at Derbyshire Probation Trust, said the technology would enable them to respond faster and more accurately to internal and external demands for information, and also redirect resources and make cost savings. “We needed a solution that was both flexible and accurate and which would enable us to plan our workforce resources more effectively, he said.

“We were looking for a tried-and-tested web-based solution from a supplier with a proven track record of working within criminal justice.”

Derbyshire has signed a five-year contract with HR software and services specialists NorthgateArinso that will enable the Trust to reduce the resources required for routine administration through the use of workflow and improved processes.

These processes will give the HR team the information they need at their fingertips and free up staff time to concentrate on improving the quality and efficiency of the HR service.

The ResourceLink Aurora system will also support the Trust’s goals of reducing re-offending and protecting the public from serious or prolific offenders.

ResourceLink Aurora will reduce the duplication of data and improve processes and will also provide a capability to deploy specific responsibilities to line managers and staff using intranet and browser technology, for example online payslips, personal details and performance management.”

Derbyshire Probation is one of 35 Probation Trusts, which together form the Probation Service for England and Wales, a law enforcement agency that supervises offenders in the community. During 2009/10, Derbyshire Probation supervised around 4,000 offenders on both community orders and on release from custody.