Part-time - Senior Employee Relations Advisor
Job Summary
As a Senior Employee Relations Advisor, you will provide managers and staff with professional, comprehensive, and timely Human Resources advice. You will lead proactive measures that advocate for best-practice people management, ensuring service consistency and compliance with employment law. This role involves managing complex casework, supporting the Trust’s People Strategy, and providing direct line management to a Human Resources Assistant.
Location: Stevenage
Job Type: Temporary
Duration of booking:Expected to last 3 months with possible extension
Proposed start date: ASAP
Pay Rates: Up to£24 per hour Umbrella or £21 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay
Hours / Working Days: 22.5 hours per week / between Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
Sector: Healthcare
Based: Office / Hospital
Key Result Areas
1. Advice and Guidance
* Policy Expert: Provide guidance on the full spectrum of HR policies, including grievance, disciplinary, capability, sickness absence, and equality/diversity.
* Conflict Resolution: Support managers in dealing with conduct, performance, and staff disagreements to promote fair and effective management.
* Terms & Conditions: Interpret national and local terms of service to ensure consistency across the Trust.
* Sensitive Support: Act as a confidential point of contact for sensitive issues such as bullying and harassment, providing empathetic and actionable advice.
2. Sickness & Absence Management
* Policy Application: Assist managers in applying the ‘Promoting Wellbeing and Management of Sickness Absence Policy’ to improve attendance levels.
* Review & Referral: Lead sickness review meetings and advise on Occupational Health referrals and fitness-to-work reports.
* Case Resolution: Advise on redeployment, ill-health retirement, or termination while adhering to legal requirements.
* Data-Driven Plans: Support managers in developing absence management plans using workforce data and trends.
3. Disciplinary, Grievance & Capability
* Investigations: Conduct formal investigations, produce reports/minutes, and guide cases in accordance with Trust policy.
* Hearing Support: Prepare and present management cases at formal hearings, including dismissals.
* Legal Preparation: Assist the Head of Employee Relations and HR Business Partners in preparing witness statements and case files for Employment Tribunals.
* Action Planning: Collaborate with staff and managers to implement post-hearing action plans.
4. Specialist ER Leadership
* Subject Matter Expert: Lead specific ER workstreams (e.g., bullying and harassment or performance management) for the entire Trust.
* Research & Innovation: Monitor legislative changes and research external best practices to ensure policies remain cutting-edge.
* Trend Analysis: Interrogate the Case Management System to identify trends and implement strategic solutions.
Operational Responsibilities
* Training & Development: Devise, deliver, and evaluate training modules for managers to improve their competence in HR procedures.
* Policy Development: Participate in policy "lock-in" days to review, update, and evaluate HR policies alongside Staff Side representatives.
* Engagement: Foster a culture of harmonious partnership working and healthy employee relations.
* Systems Management: Ensure the timely and accurate input of data into the ER case management system for reporting and interrogation.
Leadership & Teamwork
* Line Management: Responsible for the line management, coaching, and performance of two HR Advisors. This includes conducting regular 1-to-1s and annual appraisals.
* Collaboration: Work closely with the wider HR team to ensure a seamless, integrated service.
* Representation: Represent the HR department and the organization at internal and external events or meetings.