Job summary
Job Summary
Sheffield Health Partnership University Foundation Trust is currently experiencing a high volume of Employee Relations (ER) casework. To support our Clinical Directorates and colleagues affected by these cases, we are seeking two experienced and highly motivated Employee Relations Specialists on a 6-month fixed-term contract.
The postholders will be responsible for the end-to-end management and closure of complex ER investigations, delivering a high-quality, timely investigatory service across the Trust. You will undertake highly specialist investigations within clearly defined Terms of Reference, commissioned by clinical or non-clinical managers.
The role aims to support the efficient and effective resolution of ER cases by producing clear, evidence-based findings and comprehensive written reports to support informed decision-making.
Please see the attached job description for further information about this role and working at Sheffield Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.
Main duties of the job
Main Duties of the Job
This pivotal investigatory role will deliver a first-class investigation service across the Trust working within the People Directorate's Business Partnering Team and having close working partnerships and leadership with two Head of Clinical Services. You will:
Conduct complex Employee Relations investigations as commissioned, including
Defining and working within agreed Terms of Reference
Work closely with Clinical Directorates, divisional management teams, and the People Business Partnering team
Handle highly complex, sensitive, and emotive information, applying sound judgement and analytical skills to support fair and robust outcomes
Engage professionally and empathetically with all parties involved in investigations, including cases that may be contentious in nature
Ensure investigations are completed within agreed timescales, in line with Trust policies, employment law, and best practice
Your responsibilities will include planning and organising investigations, scheduling and attending meetings and hearings, preparing case documentation, providing procedural advice where appropriate, and producing clear, accurate, and evidence-based investigation reports for presentation at hearings. You may also be required to take minutes as part of the investigatory process.
About us
We are passionate about providing the very best care to the people we support, and we're looking for amazing people who share this passion to join us.
What is it that makes our Trust such a special place to work? Well, it's all about the people. Our staff, service users, carers and families all come from such diverse backgrounds and all have expertise and stories to share.
It's important that you feel supported in your role, that the people who you work with are as passionate as you are and that your health and wellbeing is taken care of
If you're interested in developing your career, you'll have access to a range of training and education opportunities, including apprenticeships, work experience and placements, as well as the chance to get involved in research.
We are very proud of the difference we make to people's lives each and every day and if that's something that you'd like to be part of we'd love to have you with us.
Details
Date posted
25 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£47,810 to £54,710 an hour No
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
6 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
Job locations
Centre Court
Atlas Way
Sheffield
S4 7QQ
Job description
Job responsibilities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to ensure all interviews are conducted in an objective and non-judgemental manner to gather the relevant facts.
Ability to communicate highly complex and at times, highly sensitive, information which is critical as is the ability to sensitively handle issues of conflict that may arise during the investigation process.
To confidently convey complex written and verbal information relating to investigations.
Provide and receive complex information where persuasive, negotiating, empathic and re-assurance skills as required to support the investigation process.
To liaise with senior managers across the Trust as appropriate when carrying out investigations.
Ensure that there are robust and positive relationships in place with appropriate Managers, Staff and Trade Union Representatives in-line with the local and regional level agreement and Trust Values.
To liaise, as required with external agencies as appropriate e.g. Local Counter Fraud, the Police, Safeguarding and professional bodies/organisations e.g. NMC & GMC in relation to conduct matters.
Maintain strict confidentiality of highly complex and sensitive information at all times.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to ensure all interviews are conducted in an objective and non-judgemental manner to gather the relevant facts.
Ability to communicate highly complex and at times, highly sensitive, information which is critical as is the ability to sensitively handle issues of conflict that may arise during the investigation process.
To confidently convey complex written and verbal information relating to investigations.
Provide and receive complex information where persuasive, negotiating, empathic and re-assurance skills as required to support the investigation process.
To liaise with senior managers across the Trust as appropriate when carrying out investigations.
Ensure that there are robust and positive relationships in place with appropriate Managers, Staff and Trade Union Representatives in-line with the local and regional level agreement and Trust Values.
To liaise, as required with external agencies as appropriate e.g. Local Counter Fraud, the Police, Safeguarding and professional bodies/organisations e.g. NMC & GMC in relation to conduct matters.
Maintain strict confidentiality of highly complex and sensitive information at all times.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
* oKnowledge and understanding of investigation tools, techniques and methodologies
* oSkilled Investigator with the ability to manage crucial conversations / facilitate discussion / manage highly sensitive and often complex information
* oAbility to translate investigation findings into informed intelligence, and present this transparently, accurately, and clearly
* oAbility to exercise sound judgement, maintain discretion and use initiative where there may be a number of courses of actions
* oExcellent organisational skills demonstrating the ability to prioritise and manage a number of conflicting
Desirable
* oGood knowledge of National Health Service, and local, regional and national policy
* oKnowledge of best practice and legal framework for conducting employee investigations such as disciplinary and bullying and harassment investigations
* oKnowledge of regulatory requirements relating to clinical and nursing staff
Training and Qualifications
Essential
* oExtensive knowledge of specialist area acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training
* oEducated to Master degree level qualification or equivalent experience in relevant discipline
Desirable
* oInvestigation training e.g. Root Cause Analysis, ACAS training, NCAS training
Experience
Essential
* oSignificant practical experience of conducting investigations in either a specialist or non specialist field in a public or private sector organisation
* oProducing & presenting detailed reports to senior managers on highly complex and /or contentious matters
* oParticipating in hearings relating to employee relations issues
Desirable
* oWorking with staff and trade union representatives
* Working with professional bodies e.g. NMC, GMC
Other
Essential
* oSelf-motivated and able to motivate and influence others
* oAbility to work in busy environments across multiple sites within the organisation
* oWorking with staff and trade union representatives
* oCommitment to working in a person-centred, respectful and compassionate way
Desirable
* oDemonstrates sound judgement in the absence of clear guidelines or precedent, seeking advice as necessary from more senior management when appropriate
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
* oKnowledge and understanding of investigation tools, techniques and methodologies
* oSkilled Investigator with the ability to manage crucial conversations / facilitate discussion / manage highly sensitive and often complex information
* oAbility to translate investigation findings into informed intelligence, and present this transparently, accurately, and clearly
* oAbility to exercise sound judgement, maintain discretion and use initiative where there may be a number of courses of actions
* oExcellent organisational skills demonstrating the ability to prioritise and manage a number of conflicting
Desirable
* oGood knowledge of National Health Service, and local, regional and national policy
* oKnowledge of best practice and legal framework for conducting employee investigations such as disciplinary and bullying and harassment investigations
* oKnowledge of regulatory requirements relating to clinical and nursing staff
Training and Qualifications
Essential
* oExtensive knowledge of specialist area acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training
* oEducated to Master degree level qualification or equivalent experience in relevant discipline
Desirable
* oInvestigation training e.g. Root Cause Analysis, ACAS training, NCAS training
Experience
Essential
* oSignificant practical experience of conducting investigations in either a specialist or non specialist field in a public or private sector organisation
* oProducing & presenting detailed reports to senior managers on highly complex and /or contentious matters
* oParticipating in hearings relating to employee relations issues
Desirable
* oWorking with staff and trade union representatives
* Working with professional bodies e.g. NMC, GMC
Other
Essential
* oSelf-motivated and able to motivate and influence others
* oAbility to work in busy environments across multiple sites within the organisation
* oWorking with staff and trade union representatives
* oCommitment to working in a person-centred, respectful and compassionate way
Desirable
* oDemonstrates sound judgement in the absence of clear guidelines or precedent, seeking advice as necessary from more senior management when appropriate
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 UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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 UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Centre Court
Atlas Way
Sheffield
S4 7QQ
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Centre Court
Atlas Way
Sheffield
S4 7QQ
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)