AdviserPlus Business Solutions

empower® by AdviserPlus

The award-winning empower® transforms employee relations (ER), empowering managers to self-serve people matters and providing insightful analytics that enable data-driven decisions.

empower® delivers a positive ROI, improved productivity and risk mitigation.

empower® simplifies ER case management, freeing up HR to focus on strategies that create an agile, thriving business.

Features

• Cloud-hosted securely in the UK
• Unique to the market, no comparator in the ERP/HCM space
• Real-time reporting that enables a data-driven strategy
• Process workflows reduce inefficiency and improve productivity
• Digitalised processes and guided journeys ensure consistence and mitigate risk
• Storage of compliant policies and letter templates
• Line manager self service - compliant HR advice and guidance
• Accessible from any device and single sign on (SSO)
• Straightforward integration with any incumbent ERP / HCM platform
• Accessibility Compliant (WCAG 2.1 AA)

Benefits

• Reduce inefficiency and HR cost to serve, improving productivity
• Identify the root cause of issues and benchmarks through analytics
• Empower managers to self-serve employee relations matters through guided journeys
• Access policies and a knowledge hub for compliant process management
• Proactively manage sickness absence to improve absence rates
• Reduce employment tribunal claims through consistent, compliant process management
• Improve employee experiences by improving manager campability
• Access expert employee relations advisers and additional legal advice
• Digitally transform processes to improve ways of working
• Access full audit trail of employee relations cases

£0.96 to £120.00 a user a year

• Education pricing available

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at salessupport@adviserplus.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

183735389917084

Contact

Michael Campbell
0844 327 2293
salessupport@adviserplus.com

Service scope

• Software add-on or extension: No
• Cloud deployment model: Public cloud
• Service constraints: The AdviserPlus empower software requires the below minimum technical requirements to operate effectively on all devices e.g. PC, Tablet. Smart Phone.; ; Internet Browser Versions:; Microsoft Edge - Most recent - 2; Firefox - Most recent - 2; Chrome - Most recent - 2; Safari - Most recent - 2; ; • JavaScript, cookies and pop-ups must be enabled for the sites. ; • Screen resolution minimum requirement: 1024 x 768. ; • Recommended resolution: 1280 x 1024px.
• System requirements:
  • JavaScript, cookies and pop-ups must be enabled
  • Internet Browsers: Most recent version - 2
  • Screen resolution minimum requirement: 1024 x 768

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Email or online ticketing
• Support response times: Our service support model varies depending upon the client's requirement, size, and complexity.
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: Yes
• Online ticketing support accessibility: WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
• Web chat support: Web chat
• Web chat support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
• Web chat support accessibility standard: WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
• Web chat accessibility testing: N/A - 3rd Party Solution
• Onsite support: No
• Support levels: Our approach to managing the framework is led by two key roles:; ; 1. Executive Sponsor: Accountable for all aspects of contract deliverables, at point of escalation. ; ; 2. Client Relationship Manager: Responsible for relationship management and service proposition evolution for the lifetime of the relationship. Focusing on service efficiencies and continuous improvement to ensure return on investment and focus on value. This role would also support any complaints or escalations about service quality or delivery.; ; AdviserPlus offers a standard service support framework at no extra cost to our clients. Our Service support framework typically includes severity levels and response / resolution times as below: ; ; Severity Level 1 - Response within 20 minutes - Fix within 4 hours ; Severity Level 2 Support - Response within 30 minutes - Fix within 1 Working Day ; Severity Level 3 Support - Response within 30 minutes - Fix within 2 Working Days ; Severity Level 4 Support - Response within 30 minutes - Fix within 3 Working Days or falling in line with the Supplier’s next scheduled maintenance ; ; Scheduled Maintenance is agreed with the client and usually occurs outside of customer standard operating hours.
• Support available to third parties: Yes

Onboarding and offboarding

• Getting started: Implementation Services: We see the implementation as the start of the journey for the line manager in resetting their people management role and responsibilities (and those of HR too). A major focus of the implementation is defining the engagement strategy and executing the comms plan. ; ; We offer: A professional, experienced project management team that will take the lead in mobilisation.; ; Extensive precedent for delivering implementations to scope, to budget and to timescale.; ; Implementation methodology underpinned by Agile principles and implementation governance through PMO, underpinned by the Project Team and Steer Co.; ; We have extensive experience of delivering implementations to scope, within budget and to timescale. An implementation is run in accordance with our Project Management Office governance.; ; We expect to play a major role in both. As part of the engagement and communication work-stream, we support the service launch with:; ; Instructional videos.; Invitational webinars demonstrating how to use the service.; A build-up of communications to introduce the service to its new audience Training documentation and live demonstrations.
• Service documentation: Yes
• Documentation formats:
  • HTML
  • PDF
• End-of-contract data extraction: When a client's contract ends, the exit from AdviserPlus is managed and controlled as a project and all data is returned securely to the client via SFTP. Once a client has confirmed they have received the returned data, the data is then deleted by AdviserPlus in line with our data disposal policy.
• End-of-contract process: Each contract exit will be dependant upon the agreed contract parameters, AdviserPlus typically include exit planning as part of the contract and, as standard, at no additional cost. This includes: ; - data migration ; - data destruction and disposal ; - transitional support (in line with the agreement)

Using the service

• Web browser interface: Yes
• Supported browsers:
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Firefox
  • Chrome
  • Safari
• Application to install: No
• Designed for use on mobile devices: Yes
• Differences between the mobile and desktop service: Our approach to providing new technology is to deliver a seamless, integrated and elegant end user journey from start to finish. The technology embeds guidance and coaching, is task-driven to ensure timely case progress and all digital elements are accessible on the move on mobile devices.
• Service interface: Yes
• User support accessibility: WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
• Description of service interface: Our software, empower®, operates on a secure rich web based application. Accessible via internet browsers from most devices, and branded to the clients branding, culture and commerciality.
• Accessibility standards: WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
• Accessibility testing: AdviserPlus test all applications in line with WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility. We have selected our toolbox and layouts to align with accessibility guidelines set out in WCAG 2.1.
• API: Yes
• What users can and can't do using the API: The solution is API driven, the APIs are used to drive data for the interface. Some APIs are made available to allow clients to push and pull data, OAuth 2.0 is used to limit access to the APIs.; ; The AdviserPlus empower® solution operates over a layer of people data shared from your incumbent HCM platform. This data is required for three main reasons:; 1. To provide each authorised user with access to an appropriate view of the solution.; 2. To assign ER cases to employees and managers through the case management.; 3. To underpin the production of accurate management information.; ; Return Data; A further integration point is required to pass case data (e.g. relating to suspensions, warnings, retirement or termination) back to the client. We would typically output such information to an SFTP server for retrieval by the client to consume within a client's incumbent platforms or other source system(s), but the appropriate solution will be identified upon gaining a deeper understanding of the requirements.
• API documentation: Yes
• API documentation formats: Open API (also known as Swagger)
• API sandbox or test environment: Yes
• Customisation available: Yes
• Description of customisation: Every instance of the empower® service will use an out-of-the-box application setup and follow a standard implementation process, including:; ; - Certification;; - Domain / URL application;; - SSO;; - People data integration;; - Software branding; and; - Policy and process configuration; ; All configurable aspects of the empower platform will be agreed with the client and actioned by AdviserPlus.

Scaling

• Independence of resources: Resources are monitored and reviewed to ensure performance is optimised. Load balancing is performed to ensure infrastructure and services are not adversely impacted by others using the service.

Analytics

• Service usage metrics: Yes
• Metrics types: Through a combination of our dashboarding solution, and our expert team of insight analysts, our software, empower®, takes the data captured through all parts of the service delivery and transforms it into dashboard visualisations. It allows this information to be benchmarked within your organisation and with comparator businesses and output actionable insight. ; This insight transforms the value of working with AdviserPlus far beyond the robust delivery of employee relations advice, delivering an ongoing return on the investment of outsourcing advisory services, far beyond the initial investment. This in addition saves a huge amounts of time gathering information from disparate sources.
• Reporting types:
  • API access
  • Real-time dashboards
  • Regular reports
  • Reports on request

Resellers

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Other security clearance
• Government security clearance: Up to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

Asset protection

• Knowledge of data storage and processing locations: Yes
• Data storage and processing locations:
  • United Kingdom
  • European Economic Area (EEA)
  • Other locations
• User control over data storage and processing locations: No
• Datacentre security standards: Supplier-defined controls
• Penetration testing frequency: At least once a year
• Penetration testing approach: ‘IT Health Check’ performed by a Tigerscheme qualified provider or a CREST-approved service provider
• Protecting data at rest:
  • Physical access control, complying with another standard
  • Encryption of all physical media
  • Other
• Other data at rest protection approach: Data Masking.; Data desensitisation based on clients requirements (e.g after retention period has been reached).
• Data sanitisation process: Yes
• Data sanitisation type: Deleted data can’t be directly accessed
• Equipment disposal approach: Complying with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v.30, CAS (Sanitisation) or ISO/IEC 27001

Data importing and exporting

• Data export approach: AdviserPlus is a portal based service that includes a suite of Management Information reports and clients/users can export their data into excel spreadsheets if required.; ; Other methods of export can be facilitated if required.
• Data export formats: CSV
• Data import formats:
  • CSV
  • Other
• Other data import formats:
  • JSON
  • XML

Data-in-transit protection

• Data protection between buyer and supplier networks:
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • Other
• Other protection between networks: IP White listing; Network Security Group / Web Application Firewalls; PGP encryption; Firewall; SIEM; DDoS Protection
• Data protection within supplier network:
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • IPsec or TLS VPN gateway

Availability and resilience

• Guaranteed availability: AdviserPlus works with our clients to measure success through alignment with your strategic objectives, delivering against operational targets and measuring key metrics.; ; Contractual service credits attached to service level non-compliance that, upon reaching a threshold, result in financial penalty. Illustrative service levels might be structured as follows:; ; Online availability: 99.75% within Core Hours (excluding permitted exceptions to availability); Follow-up case notes: 95% follow-up notes (for contacts requiring substantive advice and guidance) shared by the same time on the following Working Day of the advice line contact; Response to electronic submissions: 95% outbound responses to be provided by the same time the following Working Day; Configuration change (response): 100% email response to request within 5 working days of the request advising whether or not the change can be made and, where appropriate, any cost of delivery; Configuration change (action): 100% of non-chargeable changes published live within 5 working days of its email acceptance per SLA 8; MI: 100% of MI dashboard information to be accurate in all material respects
• Approach to resilience: AdviserPlus host data in Microsoft Azure with data held in two datacentres both located in the UK. UK South is the primary datacentre with UK West the secondary datacentre with geo replication in place so that if required AdviserPlus can switch operations to the secondary site.; ; Business continuity plans are available and tests are performed regularly.
• Outage reporting: Email alerts are sent to service users (clients) advising them of the outages, what has been impacted, and when operations are expected to resume. Regular updates are provided until resolution and post incident reports are provided.

Identity and authentication

• User authentication needed: Yes
• User authentication:
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Username or password
  • Other
• Other user authentication: SSO utilising SAML 2.0; OAuth 2.0 (OpenId)
• Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels: AdviserPlus utilise Role Based Access Control for internal employees which uses a least privileged approach to resource access. Service users will be issued roles and relationships that control what data they can access in the system.; ; We implement Least Privilege access via RBAC for internal employees. Users must request elevated access via PIM. The organisation has a very limited membership to the Global Admin role. Service users do not have Privileged roles. ; ; Service users will be created based on data received in the People Data Feed. Users are created within a maximum 24 hours of receiving the data feed.
• Access restriction testing frequency: At least every 6 months
• Management access authentication:
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Dedicated link (for example VPN)
  • Username or password
  • Other
• Description of management access authentication: In addition we carry out checks on:; 1. Identity.; 2. Employment history (past 3 years).; 3. National and immigration (right to work) status.; 4. Unspent criminal record.; ; Individuals are also required to give a reasonable account of any significant periods (a total of 6 months or more in the past 3 years) of time spent abroad.

Audit information for users

• Access to user activity audit information: Users have access to real-time audit information
• How long user audit data is stored for: At least 12 months
• Access to supplier activity audit information: Users contact the support team to get audit information
• How long supplier audit data is stored for: Between 6 months and 12 months
• How long system logs are stored for: User-defined

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: British Assessment Bureau
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 13/10/2023
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: N/A
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: Yes
• Other security certifications: No

Security governance

• Named board-level person responsible for service security: Yes
• Security governance certified: Yes
• Security governance standards: ISO/IEC 27001
• Information security policies and processes: AdviserPlus is certified to the Information Security Management standard ISO27001 and the Cyber Essentials Plus scheme.; ; The Information Security Manager is a member of the executive board of AdviserPlus and is supported by the Information Security Analyst, Infrastructure Manager, Solutions Architect and Technical Support manager and their teams.; ; There is a full suite of policy and procedural documents as required for the ISO27001 standard including high level Information Security Policy, supporting policies and Data Protection Policy. Information security and data protection mandatory training is provided to all employees as part of Induction process (classroom based training and eLearning) and annual refresher training is performed by all employees - training includes policy compliance, user requirements and how to report security or data incidents. Various checking and monitoring measures are in place to ensure compliance with controls e.g. internal audits, exception reporting etc.

Operational security

• Configuration and change management standard: Supplier-defined controls
• Configuration and change management approach: All software developed in house follows the system development lifecycle and secure coding standards. There are strict change management controls in place to ensure all changes to Production (Live) environments are tested, reviewed for security risks and approved formally at Change Advisory Board meetings that consists of attendees from relevant areas of the business e.g. IT, Security and Operations. AdviserPlus use Microsoft DevOps to manage and control the development activities. Our Change Management Policy is available that details the requirements for employees to comply with.
• Vulnerability management type: Supplier-defined controls
• Vulnerability management approach: Vulnerabilities are identified via various security mechanisms such as external penetration testing, internal penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, intrusion detection systems, virus scanning, patch management, security monitoring (bulletins/advisories) and asset management. Once a vulnerability is identified then AdviserPlus review risks, assign a rating and remediate as appropriate to ensure systems and the networks are kept secure.; ; Deployment timescales:; Emergency/Security (CVSS 10) - asap within 48 hours.; Critical (CVSS 9-10) - 48 hours; High (CVSS 7.0-8.9) - within 2 weeks if internet facing; Medium/Low (CVCC 0.1 - 6.9) - within 3 months or planned with development work
• Protective monitoring type: Supplier-defined controls
• Protective monitoring approach: AdviserPlus have proactive monitoring processes in place that monitor and alert any potential vulnerabilities and cyber security events. Various scanning tools are used.; ; Vulnerabilities are identified via various security mechanisms such as external penetration testing, internal penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, intrusion detection systems, virus scanning, patch management, security monitoring (bulletins/advisories) and asset management. Once a vulnerability is identified then AdviserPlus review risks and remediate as appropriate to ensure systems and the networks are kept secure.; ; Action taken as per Deployment timescales noted in above response.
• Incident management type: Supplier-defined controls
• Incident management approach: Incidents are reported via our Support Desk as a ticket where it is reviewed and responded to by our Technical Support Team, if required reports are referred to second line support for resolution. If the incident impacts services to clients then the ticket is classified as a Priority 1 and escalated to the Emergency Management Team - who review and agree actions required and communicate to clients with details of the incident and actions being taken. Regular updates are provided via email until resolution and a post incident report is provided with causes / actions taken to prevent any recurrence.

Secure development

• Approach to secure software development best practice: Independent review of processes (for example CESG CPA Build Standard, ISO/IEC 27034, ISO/IEC 27001 or CSA CCM v3.0)

Public sector networks

• Connection to public sector networks: No

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

  • Fighting climate change
  • Covid-19 recovery
  • Equal opportunity
  • Wellbeing

  Fighting climate change

  AdviserPlus has a minimal carbon footprint, however, we are cognisant of the impact that company workplaces and ways of working can have on our climate and the environment, so we take seriously our responsibility to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainability. ; ; We operate hybrid working in the office and working at home, which has allowed us to reduce our office footprints and therefore energy usage. We encourage car sharing, and our cycle to work scheme is heavily promoted. Both our physical office locations are situated to encourage the use of public transport. Meetings are held virtually wherever suitable to save any unnecessary travel. ; ; AdviserPlus regularly talk to our office landlords and jointly agree strategies to reduce service electricity consumption by installing energy efficient LED lighting, automatic lighting, timers on electrical appliances. We encourage our staff when, for example, they use water, electricity, or gas, to switch off devices or turn off the tap when not in use. We ensure we provide learning and educational awareness days for information such as Earth Day, Plastic free month, Car Free Day. ; ; AdviserPlus is paperless; training materials are shared online, we produce online payslips, and new starter contracts and documentation is shared and signed electronically. Some time ago we moved away from water coolers and single-use cups, we now use durable cups, mugs, glasses, and cutlery rather than disposable alternatives. Wherever possible we purchase energy-efficient appliances and fairtrade and ethically sourced goods. ; ; We have forged links with local community initiatives, and we ensure that any equipment that is no longer used is donated to the appropriate place so that it can be recycled or used for a different purpose.

  Covid-19 recovery

  Our cloud-based solution is designed to empower businesses recovering from the challenges of Covid-19 by helping to create a thriving and resilient workforce. We achieve this through the digitalisation of employee relations processes, enabling consistent and positive experiences for both hybrid and remote workers. ; ; Our solutions bridge the physical and digital divide, ensuring consistency, seamless communication, and access to essential HR resources for all employees, regardless of location. ; ; By streamlining processes and empowering line managers to self-serve employee relations matters, we free up valuable time for HR professionals and managers. This allows them to focus on strategic initiatives and provide more personalised support to employees. ; Robust and insightful analytics also support HR in making data-driven decisions to address the root cause of issues that may be impacting employee experiences, sickness absence rates and retention. ; ; By creating consistent, task orientated guided journeys for line managers to self-serve employee relations matters, our digital solutions enhance employee engagement and satisfaction, helping to build stronger emotional commitment from employees. Managers benefit from instant access to resources and support to ensure they do the right thing at the right time. By facilitating seamless experiences for hybrid and remote workers, reducing HR costs, and empowering both employees and managers, our solutions directly contribute to the success of businesses and recovery post COVID 19.; ; Our solution allows companies to invest more in their workforce, creating a virtuous cycle that builds a healthier, happier, and more productive work environment – a key driver for a successful post-pandemic recovery.

  Equal opportunity

  AdviserPlus is a Disability Confident Leader Organisation and have comprehensive policies that reflect zero tolerance to Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination. We are committed to giving everyone the same opportunities for employment, pay, and promotion, without discriminating against individual characteristics. ; ; We welcome job applications from disabled people. If disabled applicants meet the minimum criteria for the job, they can request and will be offered a guaranteed interview. Should applicants require reasonable adjustment support for the interview, they are provided with this to ensure they are supported and feel comfortable. Job descriptions and interview documentation have been reviewed to ensure they are inclusive to individuals with neurodivergences. ; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is of key importance to ; AdviserPlus and the wider Empowering People Group's ethos. We have a mandatory new starter induction module on DEI, where we explore what these mean, why it is important, and how we can support DEI in our workplace. We also have a lengthier internal training module on DEI, going into more detail and with a focus on how we can support our clients with DEI in their own approach to employee relations cases. ; ; We also have an Inclusivity Committee, who promote learning and education on diverse topics and awareness days. ; ; Some examples of events where we have sought to educate and celebrate include: ; • LGBT+ History Month ; • Race Equality Week ; • International Women’s Day ; • Neurodiversity Celebration Week ; • British Sign Language Week ; • Volunteers Week ; • and a range of diverse religions festivals.; ; We are proud to attract and support a diverse colleague base and support colleagues in their beliefs, for example with time off to celebrate religious festivals. We collect diversity data as part of our annual survey which ensures we can review and tailor any relevant policies or benefits.

  Wellbeing

  At AdviserPlus we aim to create a workplace environment that promotes and supports the physical and mental wellbeing of all employees. ; ; AdviserPlus promotes a ‘caring and just culture’ that is underpinned by a range of wellbeing resources and monitoring, to ensure everyone is well supported to look after their own physical and mental health. ; ; A Wellbeing Steering Committee is headed up by our Head of HR, Wellbeing Champions, and Mental Health First Aiders. Our Wellbeing Champions proactively promote learning and support through a calendar of events, including awareness days and wellbeing/inclusion initiatives. We also promote volunteering opportunities for colleagues to attend. ; ; We currently have 28 Mental Health First Aiders, trained through the Mental Health First Aid England scheme. This aims to improve knowledge, reduce stigma, and increase first aid support to people with mental ill health. ; ; Our Mental Health First Aiders provide confidential support to anyone experiencing mental or emotional distress, guiding staff to access professional mental health wellbeing support when or if needed. In addition to our own initiatives, we regularly mirror the national wellbeing days and weeks and ensure that all colleagues have the opportunity to have a 121 with a Mental Health First Aider of their choice or attend ‘drop in’ sessions. ; ; AdviserPlus is committed to making reasonable adjustments to support employees in carrying out their role and when returning to work from absence. We offer a voluntary and confidential ‘Personal Passport’ that enables employees to capture any information they consider their Line Manager needs to know to support them. ; ; Our offices have areas where staff can meet-up/move away from their desk. We encourage colleagues to take their breaks. Office-based staff are encouraged to meet up at lunchtime and we often have social events or walking events. Events are also in place to support home-based staff.

Pricing

• Price: £0.96 to £120.00 a user a year
• Discount for educational organisations: Yes
• Free trial available: No

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at salessupport@adviserplus.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.