Job summary 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. 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, and 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, and we are one team This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve. About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust: https://www.uhleicester.nhs.uk Job description Job responsibilities Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role. Attached as separate document Job description Job responsibilities Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role. Attached as separate document Person Specification Training & Qualifications Essential Master's degree or equivalent demonstrable level of experience Evidence of CPD Desirable Level 7 CIPD qualification Degree or equivalent level of experience Experience Essential Extensive experience of working in an employee relations function in a complex, multidisciplinary organisation requiring legally sound analysis and decision making Experience of advising managers on highly complex and serious individual and / or collective conflict situations including disciplinary, capability and resolution issues Experience of managing/supervising junior members of a team. Up to date knowledge of employment legislation and understanding of the risks of non-compliance Understanding of Being Fair Culture IT literate - Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel Desirable Experience working within a unionised environment Experience on advising on Agenda for Change terms and conditions. NHS experience. Experienced in using ESR Experience using automation and AI tools such as CoPilot Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours Essential Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours Communication and relationship skills Essential To be fully committed to imbedding the Being Fair Culture within the People Service team and the wider Trust. Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate at all levels, along with interpersonal and collaboration skills To be impartial when providing clear and concise written and verbal communication to staff members at all levels Have empathy when receiving or providing sensitive, personal and confidential information. Be tactful, persuasive and able to influence when handling complex situations Effective consultation and negotiation skills with individuals, managers and staff side organisations Experience of implementing successful service improvements. Desirable Basic Project Management Skills Analytical and Judgement skills Essential Ability to interpret complex issues and information and identify trends and make appropriate recommendations Significant experience of analysing & weighting evidence to compile a management case report Experience of preparing, analysing and presenting data reports on ER casework activity and key performance indicator compliance Strong attention to detail with a commitment to high quality work Desirable Knowledge of using casework management systems Sufficient in using BI / Excel functionality Planning and organisation skills Essential Strong time management and able to prioritise and meet multiple and competing deadlines Setting up and reviewing systems and procedures Personal Skills Essential Ability to deal with frequent interruptions Adopts a flexible approach Able to work on own initiative Effective Team worker Ability to deal with conflict effectively and find resolution Ability to motivate themselves and others Able to establish credibility Self-awareness and understanding of own strengths and limitations and impact of personal style and approach on others. Commitment to openness, honesty, inclusiveness and personal integrity in dealing with others. Desirable Organisational Awareness Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essential Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs. All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high-quality care and interactions with others Other requirements specific to the role Essential Awareness of Equality & Valuing Diversity Principles Understanding of Confidentiality & Data Protection Act Person Specification Training & Qualifications Essential Master's degree or equivalent demonstrable level of experience Evidence of CPD Desirable Level 7 CIPD qualification Degree or equivalent level of experience Experience Essential Extensive experience of working in an employee relations function in a complex, multidisciplinary organisation requiring legally sound analysis and decision making Experience of advising managers on highly complex and serious individual and / or collective conflict situations including disciplinary, capability and resolution issues Experience of managing/supervising junior members of a team. Up to date knowledge of employment legislation and understanding of the risks of non-compliance Understanding of Being Fair Culture IT literate - Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel Desirable Experience working within a unionised environment Experience on advising on Agenda for Change terms and conditions. NHS experience. Experienced in using ESR Experience using automation and AI tools such as CoPilot Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours Essential Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours Communication and relationship skills Essential To be fully committed to imbedding the Being Fair Culture within the People Service team and the wider Trust. Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate at all levels, along with interpersonal and collaboration skills To be impartial when providing clear and concise written and verbal communication to staff members at all levels Have empathy when receiving or providing sensitive, personal and confidential information. Be tactful, persuasive and able to influence when handling complex situations Effective consultation and negotiation skills with individuals, managers and staff side organisations Experience of implementing successful service improvements. Desirable Basic Project Management Skills Analytical and Judgement skills Essential Ability to interpret complex issues and information and identify trends and make appropriate recommendations Significant experience of analysing & weighting evidence to compile a management case report Experience of preparing, analysing and presenting data reports on ER casework activity and key performance indicator compliance Strong attention to detail with a commitment to high quality work Desirable Knowledge of using casework management systems Sufficient in using BI / Excel functionality Planning and organisation skills Essential Strong time management and able to prioritise and meet multiple and competing deadlines Setting up and reviewing systems and procedures Personal Skills Essential Ability to deal with frequent interruptions Adopts a flexible approach Able to work on own initiative Effective Team worker Ability to deal with conflict effectively and find resolution Ability to motivate themselves and others Able to establish credibility Self-awareness and understanding of own strengths and limitations and impact of personal style and approach on others. Commitment to openness, honesty, inclusiveness and personal integrity in dealing with others. Desirable Organisational Awareness Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essential Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs. All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high-quality care and interactions with others Other requirements specific to the role Essential Awareness of Equality & Valuing Diversity Principles Understanding of Confidentiality & Data Protection Act 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see Additional 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 Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see Employer details Employer name University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust Address LRI Knighton Street Leicester LE1 5WW United Kingdom Employer's website