SCHADS Award specialists

Australia's most complex modern award. We work in it every day.

The SCHADS Award has been our speciality for 20 years. We assess award coverage and classifications, review rostering and payroll against how the work is actually performed, and remediate underpayments where they are found. Effective HR is approved by the Fair Work Ombudsman to deliver SCHADS Award training.

Interactive overview

How the SCHADS Award fits together.

The SCHADS Award is effectively four awards operating inside one framework, each covering a different sector with its own classifications, pay points, and conditions. Get the sector right at the outset and everything that follows from it is right as well: the classification, the rate, and the conditions applied to the role. Step through the framework below to see how the parts connect.

High risk areas

Where the award catches employers out.

These are the areas of the award where errors are most often found during an audit. Each one repeats across every affected shift and pay cycle until it is identified and corrected. Select an area below to see what is assessed.

Classification complexity
Levels assessed against duties performed, qualifications held, and the level of supervision exercised.
Allowances & penalties
Weekend, public holiday, client contact and vehicle allowances applied against the current award rates.
Sleepovers & on-call
Minimum sleepover payments, with work performed during the sleepover paid separately, and the rules on hours either side.
Broken shifts & rostering
Minimum engagement periods, the treatment of unpaid breaks, broken shift allowances, and 24-hour care arrangements.
Legislative change
The award and Fair Work landscape shift constantly, and your setup has to keep up.
Training

SCHADS Award workshops.

A structured workshop on applying the SCHADS Award, covering coverage, classifications, hours, sleepovers, and allowances, delivered to payroll, HR, and operational leaders.

  • Content shaped around your workforce
  • Classifications, engagement types, and ordinary hours
  • Penalties, allowances, and leave
  • Built around your rosters and your real scenarios

Effective HR is approved by the Fair Work Ombudsman to deliver SCHADS Award training.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

Effective HR has been a genuine asset to Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre. As a small not-for-profit working across language, culture and conservation programs, we need HR support that is responsive, practical, and culturally aware, and that is exactly what Effective HR delivers.

M
Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre

At Lincraft we have experienced first-hand the positive impact Effective HR can have on a business. Over a nine-month project their team delivered exceptional service, taking the time to truly understand our needs and tailor their approach accordingly.

L
LincraftRetail, VIC

Effective HR have been an amazing support to this poor General Manager who is often in over her head! Operating as a disability service provider is complex under NDIS.

I
Inclusive SupportsSCHADS, QLD

Over the past twelve months Effective HR have been able to competently, effectively and efficiently navigate our company through sensitive matters, improve the way we manage performance, and assist us to meet legislative requirements. The consultants are absolute professional experts in their fields.

K
Kalwun Development CorporationCommunity services, QLD

I recently used this HR company for support with a difficult employee with our Landscaping company. They were professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive.

H
Hayley WatsonTrades, NSW

Effective HR has been instrumental in helping us navigate the complexities of the Manufacturing Award to ensure our team is paid correctly and fairly. The structure and support we receive has been truly invaluable.

P
PipeservManufacturing, QLD

The team at Effective HR have been fantastic while helping me start my allied health business. Knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive throughout the process. Highly recommend to anyone starting or growing a business.

S
Samantha DietzeAllied Health, NSW

They are professional, responsive and genuinely invested in getting the best outcomes for our people and our business. Their advice is always clear, practical and easy to implement. Highly recommend to any organisation looking for reliable and knowledgeable HR business partner.

L
Laurie D'AngeloSCHADS

Add to that compliance with the ATO, Superannuation, Q leave and then dealing with hiring or restructures you might find yourself overwhelmed.

I
Inclusive SupportsSCHADS, QLD

No question was too small or too complex, and we always felt supported, listened to, and guided by their deep knowledge of the GRIA Award.

L
LincraftRetail, VIC

As the Operations Manager at Miromaa, I need advice that is always clear, grounded in current legislation, and tailored to the realities of running a values-driven organisation.

M
Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre

They have provided clear, compliant documentation and offered balanced, practical advice when needed, giving us the confidence to handle all aspects of HR appropriately and professionally.

K
Kalwun Development CorporationCommunity services, QLD

They helped us understand exactly what steps to take, ensured everything was handled correctly and fairly, and gave us confidence in dealing with a challenging situation. Their advice was clear, practical, and tailored to our business needs. I highly recommend them to any business needing HR support and guidance.

H
Hayley WatsonTrades, NSW

We solved that problem with Effective HR Do yourself a favour and pay a reasonable monthly fee to get the help you need from Melissa Shaw and all of the team. We are delighted with the support we\'ve received and even when money is tight the monthly fee is worth every dollar.

I
Inclusive SupportsSCHADS, QLD

We had complete confidence in their ability and integrity, and they delivered outstanding results with professionalism throughout. I would happily recommend Effective HR to any business seeking a reliable, knowledgeable, and customer-focused HR partner.

L
LincraftRetail, VIC

From policy reviews to day-to-day employment questions, the team has been patient, professional, and quick to turn around what we need. Highly recommended for any not-for-profit looking for a trusted HR partner.

M
Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre

The last time we recommended a business was. never. So we really mean it when we say they\'re great.

I
Inclusive SupportsSCHADS, QLD

Effective HR has been a genuine asset to Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre. As a small not-for-profit working across language, culture and conservation programs, we need HR support that is responsive, practical, and culturally aware, and that is exactly what Effective HR delivers.

M
Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre

At Lincraft we have experienced first-hand the positive impact Effective HR can have on a business. Over a nine-month project their team delivered exceptional service, taking the time to truly understand our needs and tailor their approach accordingly.

L
LincraftRetail, VIC

Effective HR have been an amazing support to this poor General Manager who is often in over her head! Operating as a disability service provider is complex under NDIS.

I
Inclusive SupportsSCHADS, QLD

Over the past twelve months Effective HR have been able to competently, effectively and efficiently navigate our company through sensitive matters, improve the way we manage performance, and assist us to meet legislative requirements. The consultants are absolute professional experts in their fields.

K
Kalwun Development CorporationCommunity services, QLD

I recently used this HR company for support with a difficult employee with our Landscaping company. They were professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive.

H
Hayley WatsonTrades, NSW

Effective HR has been instrumental in helping us navigate the complexities of the Manufacturing Award to ensure our team is paid correctly and fairly. The structure and support we receive has been truly invaluable.

P
PipeservManufacturing, QLD

The team at Effective HR have been fantastic while helping me start my allied health business. Knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive throughout the process. Highly recommend to anyone starting or growing a business.

S
Samantha DietzeAllied Health, NSW

They are professional, responsive and genuinely invested in getting the best outcomes for our people and our business. Their advice is always clear, practical and easy to implement. Highly recommend to any organisation looking for reliable and knowledgeable HR business partner.

L
Laurie D'AngeloSCHADS

Add to that compliance with the ATO, Superannuation, Q leave and then dealing with hiring or restructures you might find yourself overwhelmed.

I
Inclusive SupportsSCHADS, QLD

No question was too small or too complex, and we always felt supported, listened to, and guided by their deep knowledge of the GRIA Award.

L
LincraftRetail, VIC

As the Operations Manager at Miromaa, I need advice that is always clear, grounded in current legislation, and tailored to the realities of running a values-driven organisation.

M
Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre

They have provided clear, compliant documentation and offered balanced, practical advice when needed, giving us the confidence to handle all aspects of HR appropriately and professionally.

K
Kalwun Development CorporationCommunity services, QLD

They helped us understand exactly what steps to take, ensured everything was handled correctly and fairly, and gave us confidence in dealing with a challenging situation. Their advice was clear, practical, and tailored to our business needs. I highly recommend them to any business needing HR support and guidance.

H
Hayley WatsonTrades, NSW

We solved that problem with Effective HR Do yourself a favour and pay a reasonable monthly fee to get the help you need from Melissa Shaw and all of the team. We are delighted with the support we\'ve received and even when money is tight the monthly fee is worth every dollar.

I
Inclusive SupportsSCHADS, QLD

We had complete confidence in their ability and integrity, and they delivered outstanding results with professionalism throughout. I would happily recommend Effective HR to any business seeking a reliable, knowledgeable, and customer-focused HR partner.

L
LincraftRetail, VIC

From policy reviews to day-to-day employment questions, the team has been patient, professional, and quick to turn around what we need. Highly recommended for any not-for-profit looking for a trusted HR partner.

M
Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre

The last time we recommended a business was. never. So we really mean it when we say they\'re great.

I
Inclusive SupportsSCHADS, QLD

Working through a SCHADS question?

Talk it through with a specialist who works in the award every day. If it is purely a SCHADS question, 1800 SCHADS (1800 724 237) is our dedicated line for exactly that.

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