SNR Employee Relations Spec
The closing date is 05 June 2026
We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking People Partner - ER Specialist to provide legally sound advice on complex and sensitive ER matters, including medical and non‑medical conduct, capability, resolution, and Employment Tribunal related activity. You'll be a trusted advisor, coaching and supporting senior leaders and members of the People Relations team, to navigate ambiguity, resolve conflict informally where possible, and embed psychologically safe, values‑driven ways of working. You'll champion our Just and Restorative culture, shaping approaches that prioritise learning, fairness, and early resolution.
You'll bring confidence, credibility, and strong coaching skills, ensuring our people practices align with employment legislation, organisational values and best practice. This is an opportunity to make a visible impact—improving how we manage ER issues, shaping culture, and supporting a high performing team during a period of continued transformation.
If you're an ER expert who thrives on supporting and resolving complex employee/people relations investigations and developing new practices with a focus on 'Being Fair', we'd love to hear from you.
The role offers genuine flexibility, with the opportunity to combine working remotely while benefiting from time in the office to connect and collaborate when it really matters.
Main duties of the job
* Lead, coach and support the ER team to deliver high quality, timely and consistent advice across all areas of employee relations.
* Undertake complex investigations and oversee and quality‑assure casework including sickness absence, disciplinary, employment tribunals, resolution, capability, SOSR appeals and dismissals.
* Act as a trusted advisor to senior managers providing clear, solutions‑focused advice on sensitive and often ambiguous people issues.
* Offer balanced, risk‑aware guidance whilst supporting early, informal conflict resolution aligned to restorative and just learning principles wherever possible.
* Champion psychologically safe environments and restorative approaches, including mediation, reflective practice and learning‑focused interventions.
* Use data, KPIs and soft intelligence to identify trends, risks and opportunities for organisational learning and continuous improvement.
* Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including Trade Unions, Freedom to Speak Up Guardians, Staff Networks and other stakeholders to maintain positive relationships.
* Support the development, review and embedding of People Policies aligned to UHL values and restorative principles.
About us
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023‑2030).
We have four primary goals:
* high‑quality care for all
* being a great place to work
* partnerships for impact
* research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do – taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
* we are compassionate
* we are proud
* we are inclusive
* we are one team
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Job responsibilities
Please see Job Description and Person Specification – separate document for full details of the role.
Person Specification
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
* Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours
Training & Qualifications
* Degree level HRM qualification or equivalent experience
* Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD)
* CIPD Diploma or equivalent experience
* All HR and OD professionals are expected to take responsibility for their own continual personal development
* Chartered CIPD member
Experience
* Extensive experience working in an employee relations function in a complex, multi‑disciplinary organisation requiring legally sound analysis and decision‑making
* Experience advising managers on highly complex and serious individual or collective conflict situations including disciplinary, capability and resolution issues
* Extensive experience managing or supervising a large team
* Experience completing complex investigations, hearings and appeals in a unionised environment
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of employment legislation and an understanding of the risks of non‑compliance
* Demonstrable experience producing high quality written reports with clear, concise findings
* Understanding of Being Fair Culture
* Experience advising on Agenda for Change terms and conditions
* Medical Employee Relations experience ensuring cases are managed in accordance with Maintaining High Professional Standards and Trust Policy
* Experienced in using ESR
* Experience using automation and AI tools such as CoPilot
Communication and relationship skills
* Fully committed to embedding the Being Fair Culture within the People Service team and the wider Trust
* Excellent communication skills, able to communicate at all levels, with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
* Impartial when providing clear and concise written and verbal communication to staff at all levels
* Empathy and tact when handling sensitive, personal and confidential information
* Persuasive influence skills in complex situations
* Effective consultation and negotiation skills with individuals, managers and staff‑side organisations
* Experience implementing successful service improvements
* Basic project management skills
* Coaching or mediation qualification
Analytical and Judgement skills
* Ability to interpret complex issues, identify trends and make appropriate recommendations
* Proactively identify areas of continuous improvement in investigation practices to better meet customer and business needs
* Significant experience analysing and weighting evidence to compile management case reports
* Experience preparing, analysing and presenting data reports on ER casework activity and key performance indicator compliance
* Strong attention to detail and commitment to high quality work
* Knowledge of casework management systems
* Proficient with BI and Excel functionality
Planning and organisation skills
* Strong time management, prioritising multiple competing deadlines
* Setting up and reviewing systems and procedures
Personal Skills
* Dealing with frequent interruptions and adopting a flexible approach
* Working on own initiative and handling conflict effectively to find resolution
* Motivating self and others
* Self‑awareness and understanding of personal strengths and limitations, and impact on others
* Commitment to openness, honesty, inclusiveness and personal integrity
* Organisational awareness
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
* Commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect, considering their individual needs
* All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in delivering high‑quality care and interactions with others
Other requirements specific to the role
* Awareness of Equality and Valuing Diversity Principles
* Understanding of Confidentiality and Data Protection Act
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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