We're looking for an experienced Employee Relations Advisor to join a busy HR team within a large education organisation. This is a hands-on role with a strong focus on employee relations and casework rather than recruitment or learning and development. You'll provide clear, practical advice to managers on disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance and capability matters, ensuring cases are handled fairly, consistently and in line with employment law and internal policy.
The Organisation
This forward-thinking education provider is committed to creating a positive, inclusive workplace where every member of staff can thrive. Their focus is on empowering people, strengthening leadership capability, and driving meaningful organisational change aligned to their long-term vision.
Role Purpose
Act as the primary HR contact for managers, providing expert advice on employee relations and employment law matters.
Proactively manage and resolve a varied ER caseload, ensuring cases are handled fairly, consistently and within appropriate timescales.
Support managers in applying policies confidently, maintaining legal compliance and promoting effective people management practice.
Role Responsibilities
Manage a full ER caseload end-to-end including disciplinaries, grievances, absence management, performance and complex investigations, ensuring legal compliance and timely resolution.
Provide clear, legally compliant advice to managers, coaching them through difficult conversations and formal processes.
Liaise with trade union representatives and external bodies such as Occupational Health where appropriate.
Support formal hearings and case reviews, ensuring fair process and consistent application of policy.
Contribute to HR reporting, payroll data accuracy and continuous improvement of policies, procedures and ER training.
Essential Requirements
At least 2 years' experience working in HR, giving advice to managers on people issues.
Good knowledge of employment law and how to apply it properly in real workplace situations.
CIPD Level 5 qualified, working towards it, or willing to work towards it.
Strong organisation skills, able to manage multiple cases at once and meet deadlines.
Confident communicator who can handle sensitive situations professionally and keep information confidential.
Benefits
Generous annual leave and pension scheme.
Professional development opportunities to support continued growth.
Inclusive, supportive environment that values innovation and wellbeing.
Access to staff discounts and health & wellbeing initiatives.
Don't wait, apply today and be part of an inspiring educational environment that transforms lives! We have multiple jobs across this region currently so even if this one isn't quite right for you, we'd love to hear from you regardless.
Important Notice
Dovetail and Slate is a specialist education recruitment company. If this role isn't quite right, we welcome your CV and a call to explore other opportunities.
We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Dovetail and Slate Ltd ((phone number removed)) acts as an Employment Agency and an Employment Business under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.
We are an equal opportunities employer. By applying, you consent to your data being processed for recruitment purposes in line with our Privacy Policy.
Because education matters.
© Dovetail and Slate Limited.
Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited ((phone number removed)) acts as an Employment Agency