Religious Institutions
Religious institutions, including churches, religious schools and other faith-based organisations, have unique characteristics that require specialist employment law advice.
Religious institutions, including churches, religious schools and other faith-based organisations, have unique characteristics that require specialist employment law advice.
Religious institutions are also values-based organisations, so it is vital to build a workplace culture with their employees which honours and supports the shared values and goals of the institution.
As with any other national system employer, faith-based organisations are bound to comply with employment legislation like the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), anti-discrimination legislation (subject to applicable exemptions for religious organisations), and workplace instruments such as modern awards and enterprise agreements. Compliance can be complex and the consequences for not getting it right can include significant cost and reputational damage.
Many faith-based organisations are also reliant upon the valuable contribution of volunteers. It is critical that an organisation can optimise its volunteer workforce to support its vision and mission.
WilliamsonBarwick understands the challenges that faith-based employers face, and is committed to supporting them to achieve fair and lawful outcomes.
A Critical Risk Assessment For Your Business
In recent years there has been a sharp, public focus on employers who have underpaid staff or engaged in other unlawful behaviour. Employers large and small have been required to compensate employees and pay significant penalties as a result of enforcement action. The trend in Employment Law is one of ever-growing complexity and rapid change. Most compliance problems arise out of inadvertence and are not deliberate, but nonetheless pose significant legal, financial and reputational risk to an organisation.
Advice
Employment Law can be complicated. A sound understanding is required of how the law of contract and employment statutes intersect and inform your rights and duties. So our goal is to provide legal advice that is clear, timely and concise. As specialists, we understand and can explain how the law applies to your situation and what your legal options are.
Workplace Investigation
When a serious allegation is made in the workplace, it may be necessary to appoint an external investigator to determine the facts so you know what action to take. WilliamsonBarwick can appoint an investigator for you and oversee the investigation process, so as to provide you with confidential legal advice on the investigator’s findings.
Employment Disputes
Disputes with employees can be costly, distracting and stressful for management and employees alike. You can’t always avoid a dispute arising, but with our help you can implement a strategy to resolve the problem in a timely manner and minimise disruption to your business.
PERSONAL CONSULTATION & SUPPORT
EXCLUSIVE TO EMPLOYERS & SENIOR EXECUTIVES
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
ACCREDITED SPECIALIST, EMPLOYMENT & INDUSTRIAL LAW
Accredited Specialist, Employment & Industrial Law – One Easy-to-Read Report – Confidential Consultation & Support – Protected by Legal Professional Privilege.
Sign up to our Mailing List
Fill out the form below to keep up-to-date on what’s happening at WilliamsonBarwick