Master Integrator has partnered with Citation Group to give its members access to specialist HR, employment and workplace support as integration businesses grow and take on employees.

The partnership will connect members with Citation HR for assistance with day-to-day employment matters, including employment processes and documentation, workplace obligations, staff issues and establishing HR systems.

Master Integrator founder and managing director Paul Skelton says the partnership addresses an area that can become increasingly complex as integration businesses move from sole operators to employers.

“Most integrators didn’t start their businesses because they wanted to become experts in employment law or HR. They started them because they’re exceptionally good at designing, installing and supporting technology systems,” he says.

“But the moment you employ people, you take on a completely different set of responsibilities. Awards, contracts, policies, performance management, leave, workplace safety and changes to employment legislation all become part of running the business, whether you feel equipped to deal with them or not.”

Citation Group has more than 30 years’ experience supporting Australian businesses, with expertise across HR, employment law, workplace health and safety, payroll and workforce management and ISO certification.

Citation HR will become the preferred workplace and HR support provider for Master Integrator members, who will be able to discuss individual circumstances with its advisers and access ongoing support where required.

The partnership also provides access to Citation Group’s broader services, including Citation Legal for businesses requiring specialist employment-law assistance. Specific legal work, such as drafting or reviewing contracts and service agreements, will be provided separately on a fee-for-service basis.

Members will also have opportunities to participate in educational sessions with Citation specialists and legal partners covering topics such as legislative changes, employment law and emerging workplace obligations.

“Compliance isn’t something that sits separately from running a successful integration business. Getting the people side wrong can be expensive, disruptive and incredibly time-consuming,” Paul says.

“We want members to have somewhere credible to turn before a small employment issue becomes a major one. This relationship gives them access to specialist expertise while allowing them to stay focused on their customers, their teams and growing their businesses.”

The partnership is aimed at small and medium-sized integration businesses that may not have internal HR resources but still face the same employment obligations as larger organisations.