Module 4

Employment Relations

Explains awards, contracts, recruitment, performance, WHS, psychosocial safety and industrial relations responsibilities for OSHC services operated by P&C Associations in Queensland.

Approx Duration1h
Structure10 Lessons

Employment Relations

About This Course

This module equips volunteer management committee members and service leaders with the knowledge and tools to manage employment relations confidently and compliantly, covering the full employee lifecycle from recruitment through to separation. From navigating modern awards and performance management to meeting work health and safety obligations and addressing psychosocial risks, the module provides practical guidance to help you build a fair, legally compliant, and supportive workplace.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Understand end-to-end human resource management practices for ECEC services
  • Comply with Commonwealth and State workplace laws
  • Navigate modern awards and enterprise agreements
  • Recruit, onboard, and manage staff effectively
  • Address performance management and workplace issues appropriately
  • Meet Work Health and Safety obligations for ECEC services
  • Understand and address psychosocial safety requirements in the workplace
  • Manage industrial relations matters appropriately and access support when needed

Lessons for this module

1. Employment Relations Introduction

An overview of the module's purpose and learning objectives, introducing the complete employee lifecycle and why effective employment relations are fundamental to running a compliant, high-quality ECEC service.

Approx Duration 6 min
2. Employment Law Fundamentals

Covers the foundations of Australia's workplace relations system, including Commonwealth and State jurisdiction, the modern awards most relevant to OSHC services, award classification structures, and the essential elements of employment contracts.

Approx Duration 6 min
3. Recruitment and Selection

Guides participants through best practice recruitment processes, from writing effective position descriptions and conducting structured interviews, to performing reference checks, prohibited persons searches, and Working with Children Checks, while avoiding unlawful discrimination.

Approx Duration 6 min
4. Onboarding and Induction

Explores how to set new employees up for success through structured induction programs, thorough orientation to policies and procedures, mandatory training requirements, and clear probationary period processes.

Approx Duration 6 min
5. Performance Management

Introduces professional standards for OSHC educators and leaders, and covers how to set clear expectations, provide effective feedback, manage underperformance, and conduct disciplinary processes in a fair and documented way.

Approx Duration 6 min
6. Managing Workplace Issues

Covers the processes for handling employee grievances, conducting workplace investigations, and managing termination and redundancy in a way that is legally compliant and procedurally fair.

Approx Duration 6 min
7. Work Health and Safety (WHS)

Outlines employer obligations under WHS legislation, including how to identify and manage workplace hazards, report and investigate incidents, and maintain workers' compensation insurance for ECEC settings.

Approx Duration 6 min
8. Psychosocial Safety in the Workplace

Examines the psychosocial hazards common in ECEC services — including high job demands, burnout, and traumatic disclosures — and provides practical strategies for creating psychologically safe workplaces and supporting staff wellbeing.

Approx Duration 6 min
9. Industrial Relations

Covers employees' rights to union representation and collective bargaining, how to navigate workplace dispute resolution processes, and when and where to seek expert HR or legal advice.

Approx Duration 6 min
10. Employment Relations Conclusion and Next Steps

Summarises the essential principles of effective employment relations and outlines practical next steps for reviewing HR practices, addressing compliance gaps, and continuing professional development in people management.

Approx Duration 6 min