Overview
This is a pivotal point to join our Employment Legal Service as we establish an in-house team under the direction of our existing Associate Director of Employment Legal Services. Joining the team at its formation, you will help shape how the service supports the strategic objectives and cultural transformations of the Trust through pro-active and people-centred legal support to people solutions. You will sit within our People Directorate and work closely with our Chief People Officer, gaining exposure to a varied caseload and contributing to embedding a professional, forward-looking function.
You will support the management of employment claims, complex workplace investigations and a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, ensuring they are managed compliantly with clarity, fairness and empathy. This role requires a grounding in employment law to manage a high-volume, complex caseload, with strong analytical skills, excellent written communication, and the emotional intelligence to work sensitively with colleagues at all levels, staying calm and well-organised under pressure.
Interviews will take place in person on Wednesday 15th April and, if required, Friday 17th April.
Responsibilities
* As Employment Paralegal, provide essential specialist legal and procedural support to the Employment Solicitor and Associate Director of Legal Services across a varied portfolio of contentious and non-contentious work.
* Be the first point of contact for employment tribunal claims, managing the process from notification through to resolution. This includes preparing ET3 responses, coordinating disclosure, drafting witness statements and bundles, and meeting all statutory deadlines.
* Support complex workplace investigations, conducting interviews, gathering evidence and producing clear, well-structured reports that enable fair and informed decisions.
* Provide procedural support across employee relations cases and organisational change, preparing documentation, attending meetings as notetaker and ensuring processes align with employment law, ACAS guidance and Trust policy. Triage incoming queries and escalate to the Employment Solicitor as appropriate.
* Contribute to policy reviews and monitor developments in employment law, flagging relevant updates; prepare accurate documentation and communicate professionally with colleagues at all levels, including in sensitive circumstances.
Qualifications
Essential
* Educated to degree level in Law, Human Resources, or related discipline, OR equivalent knowledge and experience gained through any combination of alternative study, employment, or voluntary work
* Post-graduate qualification in Employment Law or Human Resources/ equivalent knowledge acquired through experience
Desirable
* Legal Practice Course (LPC) or equivalent legal qualification or equivalent knowledge acquired through experience
* CIPD Level 5 or equivalent knowledge acquired through experience
Experience
Essential
* Significant experience of working in an employment relations, HR, or legal environment
* Demonstrable experience of supporting Employment Tribunal claims from notification through to resolution
* Experience of supporting formal HR procedures (disciplinary, grievance, capability)
* Understanding of Employment Tribunal processes, documentation requirements, and procedural rules
* Knowledge of employment law including unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE, and whistleblowing
* Experience of managing own caseload independently
Desirable
* Experience of conducting workplace investigations including disciplinary and grievance matter
* Experience of working within the NHS or public sector
* Experience of instructing and liaising with external legal advisors
* Knowledge of NHS terms and conditions (Agenda for Change)
* Experience of ACAS Early Conciliation and settlement negotiations
Additional Criteria
* Excellent written communication skills with ability to draft legally robust documents, statements, and reports
* Strong verbal communication skills with ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly
* Exceptional organisational skills with ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines
* High degree of accuracy and attention to detail in document preparation and case management
* Strong analytical skills with ability to review evidence critically and identify key issues
* Practical, pragmatic solutions within established legal and procedural frameworks
* Ability to work independently and use own initiative whilst knowing when to escalate
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and case management databases
* Well-developed interpersonal and influencing skills with ability to build effective relationships
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
* Sound understanding of employment law including Employment Rights Act 1996, Equality Act 2010, ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, Employment Tribunal Rules of Procedure
* Understanding of the legal framework governing workplace disputes and investigations
* Ability to work in a challenging and pressured environment whilst meeting statutory deadlines
* Ability to deal tactfully and diplomatically with contentious and sensitive employment matters
* Resilience and emotional intelligence when dealing with distressed or difficult individuals
* Ability to maintain professional boundaries and objectivity
* Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining current legal knowledge
* Able to work as part of a team and contribute to team objectives
* Flexibility to travel between Trust sites as required
* Knowledge of TUPE regulations and reorganisation processes
* Understanding of compromise/settlement agreements
* Awareness of trade union recognition and collective consultation requirements
Other information
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 DBS to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Trustwide
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham
West Midlands
B15 2TH
Employer's website: https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/jobs.htm (Opens in a new tab)
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