Human Resources is the term used to describe the human capital within an organisation. In the context of Public Safety Agencies, human resources relates to both employed staff and volunteers who carry out the various functions and processes within the agency/organisation. In the emergency services environment, where a significant number of the workforce are volunteers, these policies and practices are critical in ensuring capacity and capability to protect communities from fire, and educate and support them in their efforts to build resilience. The degree of success of an organisation is held within its workforce.
Human Resources as a function within an organisation relates to strategies and processes established to support and manage individuals in the workforce. Human Resources functions must take into account legal/legislative, ethical, and moral considerations in the development of workforce management and capacity.
Human Resources may set strategies and develop policies, standards, systems, and processes that implement these strategies in a whole range of areas. The following are typical of a wide range of organisations:
- Recruitment, selection, and resourcing
- Organisational design and development
- Business transformation and change management
- Performance, conduct and behaviour management
- Industrial and employee relations
- Human Resources (Workforce) analysis and workforce personnel data management
- Compensation, rewards, and benefits management
- Training and development
Research in this area examines issues associated with the recruitment, retention, health and safety and welfare of emergency services personnel, both paid and volunteer.
