Employee Relations Manager (National Health Service)

Employee Relations Manager (National Health Service)Directorate: CorporateDepartment: Human Resources and Organisational DevelopmentReporting to: Head of Employee RelationsResponsible for: Senior Employee Relations AdvisersEmployment type: ContractWorking arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site)Hourly rate: £26.16Location: CroydonStart date: ASAPAbout the roleWe are seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join a complex NHS organisation in CroydonWorking with the Head of Employee Relations, you will lead a professional service, oversee complex casework and ensure investigations are fair, consistent and completed on timeYou will promote early resolution, advise managers, manage the Employee Relations team and improve case quality, performance and NHS staff experienceMain responsibilitiesEmployee relations and case managementLead complex disciplinary, grievance, dignity at work, bullying and harassment, and capability casesProvide expert advice in line with NHS policies, employment law, ACAS guidance and best practiceManage complex investigations, hearings, appeals and formal processesEnsure investigations are thorough, evidence-based and completed on timeOversee investigation reports and hearing documentationSupport managers presenting cases and advise hearing chairs and panelsIdentify and escalate procedural, evidential and organisational risksMaintain confidentiality and protect sensitive employee relations informationLiaise with external legal advisers on legal and Employment Tribunal mattersBuild effective relationships with Trade Unions and senior stakeholdersTeam leadershipLine-manage and develop Senior Employee Relations AdvisersSet quality standards, allocate work fairly and monitor performanceTrack case progress, quality and completion timesKeep the employee relations case-management system accurate and currentCoordinate service cover and promote early, compassionate resolutionPolicy, training and service developmentDraft, review and implement policies in line with NHS Terms and Conditions, employment law and best practiceDevelop guidance, templates and tools for managers and employeesDesign and deliver employee relations training for NHS managersMaintain intranet guidance and resourcesPromote fair treatment and a compassionate employee relations cultureCapture lessons learned and implement service improvementsLead or support employee relations projectsData, reporting and assuranceAnalyse employee relations data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunitiesProduce KPI and performance reports for senior managementMonitor case timelines, outcomes and disparities relating to protected characteristicsDevelop action plans where concerns or inequalities are identifiedSupport Freedom of Information and Subject Access Requests within required timescalesGeneral responsibilitiesDeputise for the Head of Employee RelationsWork independently and manage competing prioritiesSupport junior colleagues and the wider NHS HR teamMaintain current knowledge of employment law and NHS HR practiceComplete appraisal, professional development and mandatory training requirementsPerson specificationEssential qualifications and experienceDegree-level qualification or equivalentCIPD qualified and registeredEvidence of continuing professional developmentExtensive employee relations experience within the NHS or another complex organisationExperience managing complex investigations, hearings and sensitive people mattersExperience in a multidisciplinary and unionised environmentExperience advising senior managers and influencing stakeholdersExperience developing policies and delivering employee relations trainingExperience managing and developing a teamEssential knowledge and skillsStrong knowledge of employee relations, employment law and HR best practiceAbility to interpret and apply employment law in complex casesExcellent communication, negotiation and influencing skillsConfidence handling conflict and emotionally sensitive situationsStrong planning, prioritisation and independent decision-making skillsAbility to analyse data and present findings clearlyGood Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint skillsExperience using the NHS Electronic Staff Record or a comparable HR systemDesirablePostgraduate Certificate in Employment Law or equivalentPrevious NHS experiencePRINCE2 or another relevant project-management qualificationImportant InformationApplicants must be UK residentsNo visa sponsorship is available for this roleThis role is hybrid, requiring three days on-site each week, with no fully remote optionSalt contact: Robert Sprigens,About this advertThis advert provides a simplified overview of the position. Applicants whose qualifications and experience align with the role requirements will receive the full job description following submission and initial review of their application.*Rates depend on experience and client requirementsTPBN1_UKTJ