Senior Employee Relations Advisor

Job description

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.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Stevenage

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

03-04-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English