As you will be aware from our regular newsletter updates, we are getting the business processes ready for the implementation of MRS.

A big part of the work you have been involved in to date is the retrospective job matching of employees to the correct job evaluation or JE number.

This MI sheet explains the new process that will be used to match staff at the point of recruitment or re-grading.

This new interim process will take affect from 23 February 2009 and will continue until MRS is implemented into the payroll system and will apply to all appointments of non-teaching staff covered by MRS.

Changes to the Oracle payroll system
The payroll system has been set up to contain reference numbers that allow a person to be linked to their MRS job evaluation (and therefore grade) without going through the MRS job matching process that we have been using since April 2007.

What this means for schools
This means that when you appoint someone you need to inform the Employee Services Centre (ESC) of the 'generic reference' (GR) number and GR job title for the job the person has been appointed to.

How to establish the GR number
There are three possible ways of establishing the relevant GR number:

1.	You will shortly be sent a spreadsheet containing 'baseline data'. This is a list of your current staff along with the existing JE number and job title. It will then show the new GR number and job title that relates to that JE number. So if a member of staff leaves and is replaced in a like for like role, you can take the GR information from your baseline spreadsheet and give this to the ESC with the usual appointment documentation.
2.	Select a GR number using the "Recruitment and Matching Jobs in Schools - guidance for Headteachers". This is published on www.norfolk.gov.uk/schoolsmrs and will be updated regularly to make sure it includes all support staff jobs in schools. Detailed information of the process to follow, from recruitment to appointment, is contained in the guidance. If you are using one of the workforce remodelling job descriptions, the GR number has been added to the list of template job descriptions - found on the above website then go to information about job evaluation.
3.	In the few cases where a brand new job is created and there is no GR number, the job will need to be put through the MRS job evaluation process. Again, full details of the process to follow are contained in the document "Recruitment and Matching Jobs in Schools - guidance for Headteachers".

Benefits of the new process
The new process means that:

	Once the February 2009 job matches are complete you will no longer need to do the monthly matching with the MRS team.
	Until MRS is implemented we will continue to appoint onto the current grading structure, however the appointment documentation will also give an MRS outcome so no further MRS outcome letters will be needed.
	Employees are aware on appointment of their current and proposed MRS grades and of any other relevant details that apply (eg compensation or protection arrangements where appropriate).
	It will help us achieve one of our aims of simplifying processes so they are easier to understand and administer. For example irrespective of job titles used in schools, contract and payroll information will only contain GR numbers and GR job titles.
	A robust system is in place, which will help maintain fairness in our pay and grading structures once MRS is implemented.
	We now have the basis for developing job families, which will assist schools with their organisation development in the longer-term.

Next time you have a vacancy
Please read through and follow the guidance "Recruitment and Matching Jobs in Schools - guidance for Headteachers" when you next wish to fill a non-teaching vacancy.

Please remember - jobs will continue to be advertised at the current grades until the MRS proposal becomes a formality and is implemented.

Continued development
We will continue to develop this process ready for when MRS is implemented and will notify you if any changes that affect you are made. Please access the website each time you have a vacancy to make sure you are using the most up to date guidance.

Support available
If you wish for assistance on this or any other grading matter please contact a member of the MRS team by emailing mrs@norfolk.gov.uk. If you wish to speak to us please request a telephone call and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Thank you for your help on this matter and for your valued support to the MRS project.