The challenge
Before partnering with MHR, Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust (BWMAT) found themselves restricted by a legacy managed service that simply couldn't keep pace with their needs. The existing system was antiquated, demanding significant manual intervention and the double entry of data across different platforms.
This archaic approach was more than just time-consuming; it created a fertile ground for errors, particularly concerning the accuracy of pension reporting. With 1,400 employees spread across 45 schools, the lack of a centralised, automated system meant the HR and payroll teams were bogged down in administration rather than focusing on strategic support. They needed a way to cut through the noise and establish a single source of truth.
The solution
BWMAT required a robust "one-stop" shop to handle their complex needs, and MHR delivered exactly that. The goal was to implement a comprehensive platform that unified personnel records, timesheet management, absence recording, and recruitment into one seamless ecosystem.
Despite an ambitious four-month implementation timeline, MHR’s expert consultants guided the Trust through a smooth transition, breaking down a massive project into achievable milestones. The solution introduced streamlined recruitment and onboarding modules, replacing cumbersome paper trails with digital efficiency. Furthermore, the introduction of a user-friendly Employee Self Service (ESS) module ensured that adoption was straightforward across the entire Trust, empowering staff to manage their own data with ease.
Key benefits
- Significant time savings achieved by eliminating manual double-entry and paper-based processes
- Enhanced data accuracy ensuring reliable pension reporting and compliance
- Streamlined recruitment that removes the need for scanning and emailing documents between sites
- Real-time payroll visibility, allowing teams to see changes instantly without waiting for end-of-month checks
- Trust-wide access to vital information, regardless of geographic location
