Tender Opportunity: HR Support Services
Orchardville is seeking an external person/agency to provide ongoing HR support to the organisation (primarily those staff at manager level and beyond).
Key Details:
Proposal Deadline: 09:00 AM, 26th May 2025
How to Apply: Full details are available in the tender document below.
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HR Support Brief
May 2025
Background on Orchardville
Orchardville is a registered charity based in Northern Ireland, established in 1982. With around 80 members of staff, working across four sites in Belfast, Lisburn, North Down and the North West. Orchardville is dedicated to supporting individuals aged 16-65 with learning disabilities and autism to achieve their full potential through tailored programmes in employment, skills development, and community inclusion. Our services empower participants to live, learn and work by overcoming barriers, gaining meaningful work experience, and developing independence.
Our Vision:
An inclusive society with equal opportunities for all.
Our Mission:
Supporting people with learning disability or autism to live, learn and work.
Our Values (EQUIP):
Empowerment
We have the skills and attitude to make change happen.
Quality
We’re always learning, improving and striving for excellence.
User
At the heart of everything we do, we always put participants first.
Integrity
We always do what’s right even when it’s difficult.
Passion
We truly believe in what we do and it shows in our results.
HR Support Brief
Our Objective
Orchardville requires an external person/agency to provide ongoing HR support to the organisation (primarily those staff at manager level and beyond). It is likely that this support will include but not be limited to:
· General HR queries
· Recruitment queries
· Grievance/Disciplinary Processes/Procedures
· Advice on HR systems (while the organisation currently has a system, we may want to explore alternatives)
· Support with workplace investigations, performance reviews and ill health meetings etc.
· Support with workplace/employee mediation
· Redundancy consultations
· Participation in HR/Employee Meetings
· Support during disciplinary, grievance and dismissal hearings
· Ongoing policy review guidance for those policies related specifically to HR
· Provide a mix of in person and remote advice as and when required
All queries should be responded to within a working day and resolved where possible within 48/72 hours. Orchardville is looking for a partner to help us on an ongoing basis and this list should not be considered exhaustive.
Terms of Contract:
The contract would be for three years with a review each year to ensure efficiency and satisfaction. Where there is a need for longer term support which is outside the terms of the contract the successful applicant would be kept on a retainer at an agreed rate.
Notes:
The successful applicant must have appropriate levels of professional indemnity insurance and should provide details of same.
Submission details
Interested agencies/individuals are requested to submit a proposal that includes an overview of their approach, relevant experience, team structure, timeline, budget and breakdown. Please include relevant portfolio samples and client references.
How the contract will be awarded
The Executive Management team will review all the proposals that meet the below selection criteria:
Specialised knowledge and experience in providing HR support to an organisation
The agency/individual should be able to demonstrate significant experience in delivering HR support to an external organisation. Client/customer case studies would be welcomed as part of submissions.
Orchardville are keen to understand the approach each agency/individual would take in supplying this support.
Demonstrable knowledge/experience of the Charity Sector in NI and the HR challenges faced by same.
Orchardville appreciates and values the expertise of colleagues and partners from outside our organisation. We hope to find an HR partner who can offer insights and ideas that may not have been considered internally, bringing a fresh and innovative approach to HR issues we may face. We would also like to work with a partner who already understands the challenge faced by charities in NI from an HR perspective and could work with us on solutions.
Desirable:
The provider should demonstrate experience in handling cases where employee relations (ER) issues overlap with safeguarding concerns, or the ability to provide informed support and guidance in such situations.
Submitting your proposal
Please submit your written proposal directly to leanne.gouck@orchardville.com on or before 0900hrs on Monday 26th May 2025
If you have any questions or require further information before submitting your proposal, please contact Leanne at the earliest opportunity.
We look forward to receiving your proposal and partnering with an agency or individual who can help us deliver the best HR possible.
