Case study
Clean Quarter Ltd, a burgeoning startup set to unveil its offerings to the public in two months, emerges from the visionary minds of friends Jaspreet and Caroline. Recognising a void in the market, they envision a retail space dedicated to plastic-free food products, many of which boast organic credentials. Their venture extends beyond edibles, encompassing a selection of eco-conscious cleaning and cosmetic items.
In a bid to minimise environmental impact, the store will encourage customers to bring their containers for filling with their preferred products. Complementing this in-store experience, an online delivery service will cater to the convenience of a broader clientele.
With sustainability at the core, Jaspreet and Caroline prioritise local sourcing to slash carbon emissions wherever feasible. While their business acumen is robust and their grasp of the market and products comprehensive, they acknowledge a need for guidance in managing the human aspect of operations.
Aware of your pursuit of the CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice, they seek your assistance in navigating this aspect. Given your friendship and shared interest in professional development, you willingly lend your expertise, offering advice and support to fortify their enterprise.
Task 1
Written advice (recruitment and selection)
- You feel you can contribute and offer advice about different stages of the employee lifecycle. You decide to explain the stages of the employee lifecycle and how a people practitioner could contribute to each stage. (AC 1.1)
Since Clean Quarter Ltd is currently devoid of staff, your initial focus is on guiding Jaspreet and Caroline through the recruitment and selection process for their future workforce. After evaluating their needs, it’s evident that they will require three sales assistants to kickstart operations.
- Explain the purpose and key content of a job description and person specification. Explain how job analysis can be used to decide on the content of these documents. (AC 1.2)
- Explain two different recruitment methods that Jaspreet and Caroline could use for the sales assistant vacancies and why the two methods are appropriate for the role. (AC 1.3)
- Explain factors to consider when deciding on the content of copy used in the recruitment methods you have explained above. You could consider factors such as budget, balance between providing an accurate and positive image, space available, and corporate image. (AC 1.4)
- Explain two different selection methods that Jaspreet and Caroline could use for the sales assistant vacancies and why the two methods are appropriate for the role. (AC 2.1)
- Explain what selection records Clean Quarter Ltd should retain and why they should retain these records. (AC 2.4)
Recognising its utility, you opt to provide Jaspreet and Caroline with template letters of appointment and non-appointment tailored specifically for the sales assistant positions.
- Write letters of appointment and non-appointment for the sales assistant role. (AC 2.5) There is no requirement to include evidence of the use of references to wider reading to achieve a high pass for AC 2.5
Task 2
Simulated interview
To support Jaspreet and Caroline, and develop your own knowledge and skills, you
- Devise selection criteria for the post of Sales Assistant using the job description already written (Appendix A). Use the selection shortlisting matrix (Appendix B) to shortlist applications against the selection criteria to determine candidates to be interviewed. Your assessor will provide you with completed, sample application forms. (AC 2.2) There is no requirement to include evidence of the use of references to wider reading to achieve a high pass for AC 2.2
- Interview one applicant and decide whether they meet the criteria for the post. The interview could be a panel or one-to-one interview (as determined by your centre). The interview could be conducted face-to-face or by web conferencing. (AC 2.3) There is no requirement to include evidence of the use of references to wider reading to achieve a high pass for AC 2.3
Task 3
Guidance document (legislation and employment relations)
In addition to their commitment to environmental responsibility, Jaspreet and Caroline are eager to uphold exemplary standards as employers. They seek your guidance on navigating the intricacies of employment relations concerning legislation and organisational practices. In response, you opt to craft a comprehensive guidance document to address their inquiries.
The guidance document must include
- An explanation of the importance of achieving work-life balance within the employment relationship with an overview of the legislation relevant to work-life balance (AC 3.1)
- An explanation of what is meant by, and the importance of, well-being in the workplace (AC 3.2)
- A summary of the main points of discrimination legislation (AC 3.3)
- An explanation of what diversity and inclusion mean and why they are important (AC 3.4)
- An explanation of the difference between fair and unfair dismissal (AC 3.5)
Task 4
Briefing paper (performance management and reward)
To equip Jaspreet and Caroline with the indispensable knowledge and comprehension of performance management and reward, draft a briefing paper as they prepare to assume the role of employer for three sales assistants. Ensure your explanation encompasses the following points:
- The purpose and components of performance management (AC 4.1)
- The main factors that need to be considered when managing performance (AC 4.2)
- Different methods of performance review (AC 4.3)
- Key components (financial and non-financial) that are required to achieve an effective total reward system (AC 5.1)
- The relationship between reward and performance, and the links to motivation (AC 5.2)
- At least two reasons for treating employees fairly in relation to pay (AC 5.3)
Task 5
Factsheet (learning and development)
Jaspreet and Caroline envision offering comprehensive induction and continuous learning opportunities for their employees. Recognising the value of enhancing their understanding of learning and development practices, they seek your assistance. In response, you opt to create a succinct factsheet tailored to their needs.
Your factsheet should:
- Explain why learning and development activities are of benefit to the sales assistants and Clean Quarter Ltd (AC 6.1)
- Describe different types of learning needs and reasons why they arise for the sales assistants and Clean Quarter Ltd (AC 6.2)
- Summarise different face-to-face and blended learning and development approaches, including facilitation; training; coaching; and mentoring (AC 6.3)
- Explain how, in the design and delivery of learning and development initiatives, individual requirements and preferences must be accommodated (AC 6.4)
- Discuss at least two methods of evaluating learning and development and its impact (AC 6.5)
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