Sunyata Retreat CentreEmployee Recruitment Policy

Policy statement

As a charity, people are our most important asset. We therefore recognise that it is crucial to recruit people with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to help us achieve our charitable purpose and associated goals. 

We provide appropriate support to allow employees to realise their full potential in the workplace. We value the contributions that employees make to the aims and objectives of Sunyata Retreat Centre.

Recruitment and Selection

We are committed to compliance with all relevant legislative obligations, which apply to the workplace.

Selection criteria are based on the relevant skills, qualifications, experience and potential of candidates. We provide equality of opportunity and we ensure a recruitment process free from any form of unlawful discrimination under the Employment Equality Acts 1998 – 2015. 

Depending on the role to be filled, our recruitment and selection process may include the following stages:

• Preparing/reviewing/revising a Job Description and terms and conditions of employment;

• Agreeing selection criteria;

• Preparing and placing a recruitment advertisement;

• Shortlisting applicants against agreed selection criteria;

• Notifying interview candidates and unsuccessful applicants;

• Interviewing of candidates by a suitable interview panel;

• Assessing candidates against agreed selection criteria;

• Making an offer of employment  to successful candidate(s) (on a provisional basis subject to checking of references and verification of educational qualifications);

• Verifying relevant educational qualifications/licences of the successful candidate(s); 

• Completion of Garda vetting (if applicable);

• Ratification of appointments by the board of charity trustees;

• Notifying unsuccessful interview candidates;

• Issuing a contract of employment for the employee’s signature;

• Providing interview feedback to unsuccessful candidates who request it.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Sunyata Retreat Centre respects the right to privacy and confidentiality of our employees and prospective employees. Sunyata Retreat Centre may from time to time in the course of administering its business, and exercising its legal rights and performing its legal obligations in connection with the recruitment of employees, need to process both personal data and special categories of personal data (including, for example, information relating to health). Sunyata Retreat Centre will process such data in accordance with the applicable data protection legislation including the General Data Protection Regulation and implementing legislation. Further details in relation to what personal data is collected in relation to employees or prospective employees, and the purposes for which such data may be used are set out in Sunyata Retreat Centre’s data protection policy, (which may be amended or updated from time to time).

Training and Development

Employees undergo an induction that provides information appropriate to their role. Every employee will be provided with:

• A  job description;

• Information about the vision, mission and organisational structure of Sunyata Retreat Centre;

• Information about how the employee’s role fits within the broader purpose of Synyata Retreat Centre;

• Information about the employee’s key contacts within the organisation;

• Details of working conditions;

• A copy of Synyata Retreat Centre’s Employee Code of Conduct;

• Details of Sunyata Retreat Centre’s grievance and disciplinary procedures;

• All other relevant policies and procedures of Sunyata Retreat Cenre;

• An opportunity to ask any queries that they may have about their role.

An appropriate level of training is provided to all employees to assist them to work in a safe and effective manner.

Probationary Period

A probationary period is normally arranged for new employees and existing employees who have taken on new roles within Sunyata Retreat Centre. The relevant period is outlined in an employee’s contract of employment. 

Support, supervision and appraisal

Employees have access to appropriate support during the probationary period and throughout their employment period. Difficulties that arise will be dealt with in a fair, open and efficient way and in line with Sunyata Retreat Centre’s grievance and disciplinary procedures.

Remuneration 

Remuneration for employees is outlined in their contract of employment. 

Expenses

Employees may be reimbursed for expenses incurred, in line with Sunyata Retreat Centre’s policies and procedures and by prior arrangement only.

Review of Policy

The board of charity trustees will review this policy at 3-year intervals or as appropriate. The Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented effectively. All other staff and volunteers, including charity trustees, are expected to facilitate this process.