Hankley Common Golf Club
“Golf HR increased the decade-old Hankley Common Club Handbook from 17 to 112 pages, whilst their advice has stopped me feeling suicidal at times!”
Described as “one of the best-inlaid layouts in Britain” by the famous Golf architect Charles Lawrie, Hankley Common Golf Course has been using the services of the Golf HR team for more than two years now.
Club Secretary is Iain McColl who initially got Carolyne on board after hearing her make a presentation at a Golf Club Managers Association meeting. One of Carolyne’s first tasks for Ian was to update club handbook, which she did, increasing it from 17 to 112 pages!
“We certainly had a few gaps in that handbook,” said Iain. “I’d inherited it from the previous Club Secretary and it was at least a decade old. It contained all the basics, outlining the responsibilities of the club and members etc. but in terms of remunerations and disciplinary procedures it wasn’t as comprehensive as it could have been.”
One of the biggest benefits of having the new handbook, according to Ian, was that it solved any ‘debates’ members might have over club rules or the correct course of action to take.
The Golf HR team have also assisted the 750-member club, located in Farnham, Surrey with a, potentially nasty, disciplinary matter.
“It was so important that we followed the correct procedures with this issue,” said Iain. “Carolyne was invaluable at this point. She ensured we didn’t end up going to tribunal and having to hand over a huge amount of cash, which we didn’t have and which would no doubt have involved long, extended discussions with our insurance company.
“She also helped us when it came to sorting out holiday payments. Before Carolyne came on board the members would ‘debate’ what they considered the best course of action to take. At the same time, I would attempt to advise them on recent legislation and give them reasons why their suggested course of action might not be wise. However, it was only when Carolyne came on board that they knuckled down and understood what they could, and couldn’t do. It helped me immensely, as it wasn’t just me telling the members what they had to do, but an independent expert who is extremely well-respected in her field.”
The minute Iain took over at Hankley Common he was determined to implement changes, including updating the contracts for the 24 employee, as well as the handbook. He acknowledged the club was too small to employ an HR person on a full-time basis so outsourcing was, for him, the best and most cost-effective option.
“No question, employing Carolyne and Golf HR was one of the very best moves I made on taking over,” he said. “I love the fact I can call up the team and get professional advice at the drop of a hat whenever I need it. It stops me feeling suicidal at times!”
Iain McColl
Club Secretary