Who: WayAhead | Industry: NFP – Mental Health Advocacy | Headcount: 15
WayAhead is a community based organisation and registered charity that supports people across New South Wales and beyond through education, services and resources that promote mental health and wellbeing.
The Challenge
Following the departure of their People and Culture Advisor, the organisation no longer had HR capability.WayAhead required support with day-to-day HR advice, guidance on performance management matters, and assistance developing and strengthening key people policies and procedures.
The Solution
Employee Matters stepped in to provide ongoing HR support, effectively replacing the internal HR function. Our Expert worked closely with the CEO and leadership team to provide day-to-day HR advice, mentoring and guidance on complex employee matters. We developed bespoke, fit-for-purpose HR policies and procedures, delivered training for managers and staff, and supported compliance initiatives. A structured Performance Planning and Review program was also designed and implemented, with further people and governance projects continuing.
The Results
WayAhead now has a clear HR framework, compliant policies and structured people processes in place. Leadership has access to trusted HR advice, and employee relations matters are managed consistently and in line with current employment legislation. The organisation benefits from an embedded HR expert, improved governance and stronger capability in performance management. In addition, Employee Matters successfully supported recruitment through our Recruitment Partner Service, helping WayAhead secure key talent to support its mission.
Furthermore, Wayahead has successfully achieved accreditation against the QIC Health and Community Services Standards, demonstrating our commitment to quality, safety, governance and continuous improvement. The accreditation process involved a comprehensive review of their governance systems, policies, risk management practices, service delivery, stakeholder engagement and organisational culture including Human Resources policies, procedures and practice. The successful accreditation recognised the significant work undertaken to strengthen governance, formalise systems and processes, improve documentation and accountability and embed a culture of quality across the organisation. This included extensive work with Employee Matters, which supported Wayahead to successfully meet all 113 QIC indicators with no corrective actions required.
Client’s Own Words
“Our Expert is very responsive, knowledgeable and very supportive with staffing issues that had been around for a long time and was able to advise us when we needed legal advice. It was reassuring that we didn’t need to replace our HR Business Partner when she left, as we could rely on our Employee Expert”
Sharon Grocott, CEO, WayAhea