Academy trust selects law firm for £400k HR legal advice contract

The Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) has appointed law firm Michelmores to a £400,000 contract to provide human resources legal services.

A pair of academy trusts run by the Church of England’s Derby Diocese, DDAT currently consists of 18 primary schools in the area surrounding Derby with a secondary school joining last month.

It is expected to grow in size to 36 schools within the next two years.

The Trust said it required the provision of high-level HR legal support and advice services from a qualified employment solicitor.

“The Trust currently employs a HR Officer and the support will be to assist them on areas such as strategic HR support and guidance, employment legislation, advise on issues and disputes between employers and trade unions/teaching associations within the Trust, policies and procedures, disciplinary and grievances, absence management procedures, contracts of employment and training,” it added.

The contract was awarded on the basis of quality (weighting: 55) and price (weighting: 45).