Criterion GMA204#

Suitable human resource management processes are implemented for educators and staff. Processes include:

• induction procedures into the service;
• provision for professional development;
• a definition of serious misconduct; and
• discipline/dismissal procedures.

Guidance#

How to show you are complying#

You must make sure that suitable human resource management processes are implemented to support educator and staff induction, ongoing professional development, and clear expectations around conduct and performance.
Information which may also meet this requirement, may be as part of your hiring, engagement and employment processes. 

Suitable human resource management processes#

Implementing suitable human resource management processes includes meeting your obligations under employment law, such as those set out in the Employment Relations Act 2000.

This criterion does not replace or override your legal responsibilities under employment laws.

The Labour Inspectorate, part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), is responsible for investigating breaches of minimum employment standards.

You will also need to satisfy the gain or reward requirement to meet the definition of a home-based education and care service under the Education and Training Act 2020.

Induction procedures into the service#

The purpose of induction is to provide new educators and staff with an understanding of how your service operates and the expectations of their role. 

Your induction procedures could include:

• information about health and safety procedures
• information about how to escalate concerns about child protection or health and safety risks
• information about emergency procedures
• information about how to access operational policies and procedures
• clarification around work hours, duties and breaks.

Provision for professional development#

You will need to take reasonable steps to provide educators and staff with opportunities which are relevant to the provision of early childhood education and care. For example, this may include first aid training or child protection training. 

Professional development for teachers registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand will include, but is not limited to the following areas:

• an induction and mentoring programme which supports teachers to move from a Tōmua | Provisional Practising Certificates to a full practising certificate
• a Professional Growth Cycle which supports teachers to renew their practising certificates.

Definition of serious misconduct and discipline/dismissal procedures#

Your will need a definition of serious misconduct along with discipline/dismissal procedures, and ensure staff have access to this information.

For teachers registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, the definition will be consistent with the criteria for reporting serious misconduct set out in the Teaching Council Rules 2016.

The Education and Training Act 2020 (sections 489 and 491) also requires you to report to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand if you have reason to believe a registered teacher has engaged in serious misconduct, or you have dismissed a registered teacher for any reason. A link to the reporting requirement can be found in the tools and resources section. 

Refer to HS227 for guidance on when you will need to also notify the Ministry of Education.

HS227 Notification to the Ministry of Education