Employee Relations Advisor
Closing date: 24 May 2026. NHS Band 5: £32,073 - £39,043 pro rata per annum (actual salary £18,388 - £22,384 per annum). Hours per week: part time 21.5. Contract type: Permanent. Base location: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Corporate Hub, Block 4000, Lakeside North Harbour, Western Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3EN. Travel: May be required across both organisations, arrangements will be discussed individually.
Are you a motivated HR professional looking to further develop your employee relations expertise in a supportive, progressive, high‑performing environment?
We are seeking a proactive and confident Employee Relations Advisor to join our ER team, supporting both Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust as part of our Single Corporate Services model.
As part of this single service offer, you will work across both Trusts and may be required to travel between sites depending on service needs. Flexibility for some home working; role requires regular on‑site presence to deliver effective support to managers and staff.
Main duties of the job
* Lead on managing absence and ill‑health cases, analysing sickness data, producing reports, and supporting managers with proactive attendance management strategies.
* Act as a primary point of contact for staff and managers seeking HR advice, providing guidance on a range of HR policies, terms and conditions, and best practice.
* Support investigations and ER processes, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, and performance management matters.
* Advise and participate in formal hearings for absence and less complex employee relations cases.
* Support organisational change processes and ensure managers understand and apply People Services policies correctly.
* Contribute to training delivery, including management essentials and employment relations learning.
* Support job evaluation processes in line with NHS job evaluation criteria.
* Analyse ER data and key indicators, particularly sickness absence, to support performance reporting.
* Maintain accurate records, support SOP updates, and ensure effective team operations.
* Assist with Subject Access Requests (SARs) and Freedom of Information (FOI) responses in line with statutory requirements.
About us
Working as a partnership, both Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust share a vision for excellence in care for our patients and communities, underpinned by strategic aims.
The single corporate service is delivered across both organisations. You may be based at either IWT or PHU and may be required to undertake business travel between sites. Leaders managing staff across multi‑site locations need to be visible and provide in‑person leadership.
Our staff wellbeing is a priority: on‑site nursery, beach hut, wellness centre with gym and swimming pool, and staff networks (LGBTQ, Race Equality and Disability) plus awards ceremonies to recognise achievements. We support staff when they need it most.
We welcome the unique contributions you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.
Job responsibilities
The ER Advisor role encompasses managing absence and illness, serving as central point of contact for HR advice, supporting compliance with legal requirements, developing proactive HR services, participating in policy drafting, and supporting various employee relations functions such as grievance handling, disciplinary procedures, and organisational change.
Additional duties include coordinating job matching and analysis, advising on investigations, participating in formal hearings, providing continuous support and guidance, ensuring effective change management, and fostering a positive employee relations environment.
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
* Knowledge of HR policies and procedures – absence, capability, disciplinary, grievance.
* Understanding of current employment law, data protection, ACAS Codes of Practice and best practice in HR.
* Excellent interpersonal skills including diplomacy, influencing, negotiation and facilitation.
* Ability to establish credibility and rapport with line managers.
* Respond sensitively and appropriately to challenging or emotional circumstances.
* Prioritise and respond flexibly to changing demands.
* Work autonomously and show initiative.
* Commitment to equal opportunities.
* Excellent PC skills – Microsoft Office.
* Analyse situations and exercise independent judgement.
* Understanding of NHS Terms and Conditions (e.g., national AFC and Medical), trained in Job Evaluation, use of ER Case Management Systems.
Qualifications
* Education to degree level or equivalent relevant experience.
* Level 5 CIPD qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
Experience
* Experience in an operational HR role dealing with complex and sensitive issues.
* Experience advising managers on HR matters, especially absence management.
* Experience in policy development and implementation.
* Experience taking minutes at formal hearings.
Employer name
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
Address
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Corporate Hub
Block 4000, Lakeside North Harbour, Western Road, Cosham
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
REF1999Y
Job locations
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Corporate Hub
Block 4000, Lakeside North Harbour, Western Road, Cosham
J-18808-Ljbffr