Overview
Join to apply for the Employee Relations (ER) Specialist role at UK Biobank.
Application Deadline: 28 September 2025
Department: People & Development
Location: Cheadle
Compensation: £38,000 - £40,000 / year
Role Description
As an ER Specialist, you’ll play a key role in supporting our People and Development team by providing expert advice and guidance on employee relations matters. From complex casework to policy development, your work will help ensure a positive, inclusive, and legally compliant working environment across the organisation.
Responsibilities
* Advising and supporting managers on ER issues, including complex or high-risk cases
* Monitoring people data trends (e.g. absence) and developing action plans
* Supporting performance management processes and action plans
* Promoting early resolution of grievances through mediation or facilitated conversations
* Leading or supporting investigations into misconduct, ensuring accurate documentation
* Advising on sickness absence and health-related issues, including complex cases
* Supporting consultations related to restructures, redundancies, or TUPE transfers
* Contributing to the development and improvement of ER policies and processes
* Supporting the delivery of Management Masterclasses and sharing legislative updates
Working pattern: Monday to Friday, hybrid working arrangements based in Greater Manchester (initially Stockport, moving to Manchester Science Park in 2026).
Essential Knowledge and Experience
* Significant experience handling employee grievances and disciplinary cases
* Proven ability to advise managers and senior leaders on complex ER issues
* Ability to take accurate notes during hearings and meetings
* Comprehensive knowledge of employment law and relevant legislation
* Experience monitoring and reporting on ER trends to inform policy
* Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments
* Strong communication skills—both verbal and written
* Analytical thinking and conflict resolution skills
* Ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation
* High integrity, confidentiality, and impartiality
Desirable Knowledge and Experience
* CIPD Qualification
* Project management experience
Your Wellbeing Matters to Us
* 26 Days’ Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service
* Holiday Buy Scheme (up to one additional week per year)
* Birthday Leave – paid day off
* USS Pension Scheme – hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution
* Healthcare Cash Plan
* Enhanced Family Leave – maternity, paternity, and adoption from day one
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Season Ticket Loan
* Professional Subscriptions reimbursement
* Learning budget for courses and books
* Free On-Site Gym
* Subsidised Canteen Lunches
* Free Car Parking on-site
* Employee Discounts Portal
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Annual Flu Vaccination
* Life Assurance Cover
The job advert closing date may change. If you are planning to apply, please do so without delay.
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