16th February 2009 Walsall Housing Group appoints leading absence management specialist FirstCare

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Walsall Housing Group (whg) has appointed leading absence management specialist, FirstCare, to provide day one absence management for its 670 strong workforce.

The FirstCare service which commenced on 1 February 2010, encompasses day one nurse-led absence reporting, policy compliance tracking, stage of absence management and the provision of a fully secure online manager’s portal that enables instant access to real-time absence data. FirstCare will monitor the completion of return to work interviews, which will enable whg to identify areas for management support through learning and development. FirstCare was appointed following a thorough investigation into absence management providers due to its proven track record of delivering long term financial benefits and tangible results to Housing Associations, local authorities and large public and private sector organisations.

Mike Sutton, Head of Human Resources at whg comments:
“We appointed FirstCare because of their existing track record within the Housing Association Sector and other related private sector companies. We required in-depth, real-time management information and trend analysis. We were impressed with the quality and quantity of information which FirstCare provides. The day one nurse-led service and the FirstCare partnership approach strongly complement the need for a more proactive approach to support our managers.”

“In addition, FirstCare deliver a 24/7 dedicated call centre manned by trained nurses, providing our colleagues with the best possible advice to help them during their absence and a more consistent approach to managing their absence upon returning to the workplace.”

Aaron Ross, CEO of FirstCare adds:

“We are delighted to be working with whg, taking our total for Housing Association clients to nine. whg are a very proactive and forward thinking organisation and our real-time absence reporting will ensure efficient and transparent reporting and management information enables whg to track absence trends and tackle any associated issues in and timely and efficient manner. We very much look forward to working in partnership with whg over the coming months to deliver a real value for money service and increased productivity and efficiencies in line with whg goals.”