SCORES of Human Resources staffers crammed the Senate Room in the Bremner Building on February 14, anxious to hear plans for the second phase of a restructuring plan in the Human Resources Department.

The new structure has been designed to improve the Department's administration and services to customers, both academic and professional, as well as develop and implement a Human Resource strategic plan for UCT. The structure is the next step in the ongoing implementation of the AIMS recommendations.

The senior HRM team is already in place, headed by Executive Director Dave van Eeden, and includes six portfolio heads, each of whom has a specific area of accountability: Brigitte da Gama (HR-Academic); Glynis Blignaut (HR-Professional and Administrative Services); Ria Erlank (Administration and Information); Judith du Toit (Remuneration and Human Resources Policy); Paul Abrams (Recruitment and Development); and Nathi Lungu (Employee Relations). Frank Molteno retains the Employment Equity portfolio in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.

Chairing the meeting, Van Eeden and his team presented the proposed structure, outlining permanent positions available. "What follows now is a consultation process with affected staff after which the structure will be finalised and existing staff may apply for the various advertised posts."

The target date for completion of the project is March 31, 2002. "This is a difficult process and one we hope to finalise by the end of March," Van Eeden added. "We're moving as quickly as possible to reduce as much uncertainty as possible."

Once the structure has been finalised, the HR Management Team will embark on a road show within the University to explain the new structure and its implications for the wider community.

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