To ask the Minister of Finance how members of the Northern Ireland Civil Service are supported in familiarising themselves, understanding and accessing up to date workplace policies.

All NICS HR policies are contained in the NICS Handbook with which line managers in all departments should be familiar. The Civil Service provides direct employee access to workplace policies through the Employee Services and the People Management portal icons on their desktop computer and / or laptop. NICS staff can search for up to date policy documents with supporting guidance.

Where a member of staff does not have direct access to a computer their line manager can provide information on NICS policies and procedures. Staff can also contact NICSHR and HR Connect to seek support and advice in their understanding of an HR policy/process and line managers can provide their officers with the necessary contact details. Staff who are a member of a recognised trade union can also seek information from their representatives.

Caseworkers in Employee Relations (NICS HR) ensure staff with whom they come in contact know and understand how policies such as absence management, discipline, performance management and Dignity at Work operate. Welfare Officers provide advice and support to officers as part of the Welfare Service provided by the NICS; they also provide copies of policies and processes to officers. I would further advise Employee Relations is working closely with end users, and the Behavioural Science Unit (Department of Finance) to ensure policy and process matters are both user friendly and fully accessible for all staff.

The NICSHR Learning and Development (L&D) team provides further support in HR policy areas through training services. These training interventions are developed and maintained with the policy area and delivered through a mixture of face to face training and digital learning. Where an officer does not have access to a computer then line management provides information on what is available. Line managers complete mandatory training in such areas as performance management, and sickness absence management, so are well placed to inform their teams on key HR policies and processes.

NICSHR Resourcing polices are contained within the HR Handbook. Relevant polices or terms are highlighted in individual external and internal recruitment exercises and links are provided on the NICS recruitment website and in the Weekly Opportunities Bulletins (WOB) issued to all staff. Hard copies of the WOB and resourcing policies can be provided, on request.