RSC raises curtain on HR revamp

Theatre group centralise employee data

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has installed an integrated human resources and payroll system and centralised all employee information to enable improved reporting processes.

Until now the theatre group has relied on employee information held in several databases, but has now installed the Trent software from vendor MidlandHR, making it easier to compile management reports.

‘The old system did not provide us with any decent reporting,’ said Mike White, financial services manager at the RSC.

‘We wanted to be able to compile reports on a routine, as well as an ad hoc basis, which meant having all data accessible to both the HR and payroll departments,’ he added.

‘We have improved and increased levels of business information through better system integration and reporting.’

The software includes a recruitment model to oversee the entire hiring process – key to the RSC’s plans to recruit online.

It has also been tailored to RSC specifications, such as dealing with a regular turnover of actors, who are self-employed.

‘We have a high turnover of actors to whom different tax regulations apply. ‘Now we can easily maintain financial records for seven years. We are keeping backup copies of our old system for compliance,’ said White.

He says the new system means that the RSC can offer a more prompt and efficient service to its staff, while reducing the administration process.

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