Introducing Project Horizon - A new platform for Synod Payroll & Human Resources lifecycle activities

The Synod Mission Services People & Culture and Payroll teams are excited to introduce Project Horizon. This is a project focussed on establishing a strong HR and Payroll system capability and they are delighted to have you embark on this journey with them.

WHAT IS PROJECT HORIZON?

Project Horizon is the implementation of One Platform for the new Payroll and HRIS (Human Resources Information System). This foundational system is where core employee and minister data will be managed for Payroll & Human Resources lifecycle activities as well as the automation of timesheet and leave processing.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Instead of waiting for other teams to respond and action your enquiry, One Platform will give you more self-sufficiency and visibility across your wider HR and Payroll lifecycle activities and interactions.

For teams such as Payroll and People and Culture, One Platform will streamline workflows via automation and enhance employee and minister record keeping, increasing data accuracy and efficiency and minimising time-consuming manual intervention so you can focus on other important tasks. New starters will be taken on an engaging and tailored One Platform onboarding experience as a result of the workflow automation. How great is that!

WHAT HAS LED US TO IMPLEMENTING A HRIS & PAYROLL SYSTEM?

The existing Synod payroll system, Preceda, is being discontinued due to the vendor ending support, and this has been used as an opportunity to review wider HRIS full suite offerings in the market.

WHAT IS CHANGING?

• Tailored new starter onboarding experience, through an online portal
• Easy access to payslips and control of your personal information via your smart device.
• View rosters/schedules, enter times and submit leave requests.
• Managers can approve times and leave applications via the Dayforce mobile application.

Each team will be consulted and engaged, with regular updates provided on the changes affecting you at every stage of the development journey.

This approach is to ensure that you understand the changes well in advance of them occurring.

WHAT TRAINING WILL OCCUR?

You will receive scenario-based training according to your role and responsibilities. Interactive and relevant training simulations will be created, allowing you to practise in a safe environment.

The training will cater for users of all technical abilities from beginners to advanced. We want to ensure everyone feels at ease using One Platform. After learning how to use One Platform effectively, you will feel empowered!

WHAT SUPPORT/RESOURCES WILL BE AVAILABLE?

A series of process flow documents, work instructions, quick reference guides and user guides (role specific) will be created as user support materials. Bite sized videos will be made available, as well as eLearning modules, before and immediately following the go-live launch. Regular check ins will be conducted to actively engage with learners, collating and reviewing any training gaps or concerns.

We will continue to consult you (wider Congregations and Presbyteries) regarding the Projects overall training approach and related resources and materials through the overall project governance.

WHERE ARE WE WITH THE PROJECT?

Currently the Project Team are working on core System Design concepts and framework. This will culminate in sign off on overall system Design and Scoping by mid-May 2025. We intend to commence the system build by June 2025, with identified users being approached to assist with user acceptance testing, in the latter half of 2025.

WHAT’S THE PROJECT NEXT STEPS?

You can expect to see regular communications informing you of the project's progress. We will engage different identified teams and cohorts in accordance with the content relevant to their role & responsibilities.

For More Information:

Please direct any project questions you have via email to Marian Curtin (Transformation Manager – Project Horizon) marianc@nswact.uca.org.au. 

We are very excited to take you on this journey with us!