Frequently Asked Questions for Line Managers

The following FAQs focus on the responsibilities of line managers of individuals considering going on or returning from an interchange and should be considered in the context of the line manager’s own organisation.

• What opportunities are available to my staff?
• What types of interchange can I organise for my staff?
• How can I find suitable opportunities?

What opportunities are available to my staff?

Your staff may want to talk to you about a specific opportunity or the idea in principle. As a line manager, it is important that you are familiar with the different types of interchange available. These are included at Section 1.

Staff can apply to go on an interchange provided they:

• are a permanent member of staff;
• have the agreement of their line manager, and personnel department where this is deemed appropriate;
• have the agreement of the appropriate budget holder, where funding is required.

If your member of staff is interested in an interchange but there is no suitable opportunity available at the time, you should arrange for them to complete a pro-forma (see Annex 2). This should define both business and personal benefits. You should then arrange to forward the pro-forma to your interchange manager. The interchange manager will then liaise with the Interchange Unit in Central Personnel Group who will aim to identify a compatible opportunity.

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What types of interchange can I organise for my staff?

You can arrange, through your interchange manager, a range of interchange activity, including – short-term attachments, job shadowing, joint training initiatives etc. Opportunities should provide business and development benefits and fit with your organisation's business needs.

Keep your interchange manager informed of any interchange activity that you organise locally as they are responsible for capturing and advising the Interchange Unit in Central Personnel Group of all interchange activity arranged through the interchange programme.

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How can I find suitable opportunities?

Interchange opportunities can be identified in a number of ways. You can liaise with your interchange manager who, through the Interchange Unit in Central Personnel Group, will have developed links with a range of organisations in the public, private, voluntary and community sectors in Northern Ireland. In addition, your personnel department may have access to other organisations at national and international level that are interested in developing interchange links.

You should always ensure that there are business benefits to your organisation and personal development opportunities for the individual when arranging any type of interchange activity. You should also keep your interchange manager informed.

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© Interchange 2004