Human Resource Management.
Statistics on Staffing
Including our CEO, we had an average of
26 employees in the year 2007-08, including:
| 4 | In Executive Services Office |
| 4 | In Corporate Services |
| 18 | In Operations comprising: |
| 5 | Lawyers |
| 3 | Paralegals/assistants |
| 3 | Community facilitators |
| 3 | Anthropologists |
| 1 | Historians |
| 3 | Land Tenure and Future Acts Officers |
Workforce Planning Staff Turnover and Retention
NTSCORP management conducts regular strategic planning sessions. These sessions include reviewing the company’s human resource needs and are followed up by on going assessments during the year. The company plans its recruitment looking at a long term relationship and tenure with the potential candidates. This is, unfortunately, not always achievable.
The main constraints are:
Funding. Our level of funding means it is not possible for us to compete with the commercial industries on a dollar per dollar basis;
Professional goals. Most professionals see this industry as a stepping stone to their careers and plan to stay only for a short period;
Industry perception. This industry is recognised as a highly political arena and therefore is perceived as providing unstable employment;
Levels of stress. As this industry does not provide sufficient resources, employees are forced to work very long hours to perform their duties. This eventually impacts on their performance and may mean they want to leave.
NTSCORP makes every effort to minimise the risk of losing corporate knowledge, using both FaHCSIA funds and other sources of income to accomplish this.
NTSCORP offers its employees a substantial set of benefits to compensate them for their long hours and dedication to pursuing the company goals.
Training & Development Undertaken and its Impact
NTSCORP provides extensive training and professional development to its employees as this is of paramount importance to the organization. We make every effort to assist our employees in developing their own capabilities in their respective fields.
NTSCORP provides in-house and external training to its Board members and employees according to their particular needs. We ensure that all employees have access to participate in training activities regardless of seniority or position.
We pay special attention to the needs of our professionally qualified staff to complete their CPD / MCLE compulsory requirements.
NTSCORP also encourages the participation of our employees in the NTRB Annual Conference, which provides substantial professional development opportunities for staff. This event is also useful for networking and to understand what other organisations are doing in native title.
Impact & Features of Certified Agreements & AWAs
NTSCORP does not have certified agreements or AWAs in place. We believe that individual contracts give both the company and the employee an opportunity to negotiate an agreement which accords with an individual’s capacity, skills and performance.
Nevertheless, NTSCORP accepts that employees may be covered under the State Award legislation and as such we apply all the relevant legislation relating to minimum wages and entitlements.
Occupational Health & Safety Performance
NTSCORP has developed an OH&S policy and procedures to reduce its exposure to accidents at work. Though not required by law, the organisation has appointed an OH&S Committee that reports directly to the Board of Directors.
We have had two situations of employees exposed to work injuries. One of them was a recurrent pre-existing back injury and on another occasion one of our staff suffered a street accident when his push bike collided with a car. In both instances the organisation reported the incidents to WorkCover.
Indemnities and Insurance Premiums for Officers
Directors and Company Officers are fully insured for professional indemnity purposes. Similarly, employees are also fully insured for Workers Compensation.
Our lawyers are also covered by compulsory professional indemnity insurance from LawCover including top up insurance. The cover includes all other employees assisting lawyers with their work, namely administration and operations staff.
Consultants & Competitive Tendering and Contracting
Competitive tendering and contracting practices are currently pursued in accordance with Section 29 – General Terms and Conditions for funding agreements relating to Native Title. NTSCORP does not have any tenders or contracts in excess of $80,000 dollars.
