Employee Relations Specialist
The closing date is 02 June 2026
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy People Partner - Employee Relations to provide high-quality, legally sound advice on a wide range of employee relations (ER) matters, including conduct, capability, sickness absence, resolution, and case management activity.
You will work in partnership with managers and colleagues across the organisation, supporting the delivery of a responsive, values-led ER service. You will play a key role in managing complex casework, promoting early and informal resolution, and embedding a psychologically safe and inclusive working environment aligned to our Being Fair culture.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ER professional who is confident handling sensitive and complex matters, enjoys managing a team alongside the other Deputy People Partners for ER, and is committed to improving people practices and organisational culture.
The role offers flexibility, with opportunities for hybrid working alongside time on site to support collaboration and relationship building.
Main duties of the job
* Provide specialist advice and guidance to managers on a wide range of employee relations issues, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, Trust policy, and best practice.
* Manage and undertake complex ER casework, including disciplinary, resolution, sickness absence, capability and resolution matters across a range of staff groups.
* Support managers in conducting investigations, hearings and formal processes, ensuring a fair, consistent and timely approach.
* Promote and support early, informal resolution of workplace issues in line with Being Fair and restorative principles.
* Contribute to the effective allocation and progression of casework within the ER team, supporting service delivery and performance.
* Use data, case trends and insight to identify risks, themes and opportunities for learning and service improvement.
* Build effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including managers, Trade Unions, People Partners and wider People Services colleagues.
* Support the development, review and implementation of ER policies, procedures and guidance.
* Contribute to the development of management capability through coaching, training and support on ER matters.
Qualifications
* Master's degree or equivalent demonstrable level of experience.
* Evidence of CPD and commitment to continuous professional development.
* Extensive experience within an employee relations function in a complex, multidisciplinary organisation, requiring legally sound analysis and decision-making.
* Strong experience advising managers on highly complex and serious individual and/or collective conflict situations including disciplinary, capability and resolution issues.
* Experience managing and supervising junior team members.
* Up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation and an understanding of compliance risks.
* Strong knowledge of Being Fair Culture and work within a unionised environment.
* IT proficiency – Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, ESR, and familiarity with automation and AI tools such as CoPilot.
* Experience advising on Agenda for Change terms and conditions and on NHS policies.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, consultation and negotiation skills at all levels.
* Impartiality, empathy, tact, persuasiveness and influence in handling complex situations.
* Analytical and judgement skills – interpreting complex issues, identifying trends, compiling management case reports and presenting data reports on ER activity and KPI compliance.
* Strong attention to detail, high‑quality work and ability to use casework management systems and advanced Excel/BI functionality.
* Planning, organisation and project management skills, strong time‑management and ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
* Commitment to personal integrity, openness, honesty and inclusiveness.
* Understanding of Equality & Diversity principles, confidentiality, data protection and the Need of treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and, as such, it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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