Food Standards Agency replaces HR system

£98,000 software installation to take the place of 'inflexible' technology

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is installing a human resources (HR) information system to replace technology it describes as ageing and inflexible.

The system, from vendor ASR Computers, will replace the HR system that the FSA inherited from the Department of Health, and will be used to maintain an electronic records database covering recruitment, policy, payroll, learning and development.

‘HR staff felt that they did not have ownership of the old system, and found it cumbersome to use for some applications,’ said a spokesman for the agency.

The FSA, which employs 800 staff in the UK, is responsible for protecting the public from food consumption health risks, and protects the interests of consumers where dangers to their well-being arise.

‘Due to the FSA’s size, we decided to choose a system which would be more flexible, user-friendly and adaptable for the future, particularly for enabling employee and manager self-service,’ said the spokesman.

The system, which is costing the FSA £98,000, is scheduled to go live in January.

As well as holding employee records, the system will be fully integrated with payroll applications. It will also be used to advise individual managers about personnel issues, through a calendar system that will trigger the relevant HR process.

Staff who have received training on the new system are enthusiastic and see its potential, says the spokesman.

‘They are particularly impressed by the reporting system, which they feel will enhance their ability to run ad hoc reports, rather than relying on one specialist in the team,’ he said.

‘More accurate sickness reporting, online completion of appraisal reports and easier access to learning and development will also help managers to take better care of their personnel.’