Employee Relations Manager (National Health Service)

Employee Relations Manager (National Health Service)

Directorate: Corporate

Department: Human Resources and Organisational Development

Reporting to: Head of Employee Relations

Responsible for: Senior Employee Relations Advisers

Employment type: Contract

Working arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site)

Hourly rate: £26.16

Location: Croydon

Start date: ASAP

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join a complex NHS organisation in Croydon

Working with the Head of Employee Relations, you will lead a professional service, oversee complex casework and ensure investigations are fair, consistent and completed on time

You will promote early resolution, advise managers, manage the Employee Relations team and improve case quality, performance and NHS staff experience

Main responsibilities

Employee relations and case management

Lead complex disciplinary, grievance, dignity at work, bullying and harassment, and capability cases
Provide expert advice in line with NHS policies, employment law, ACAS guidance and best practice
Manage complex investigations, hearings, appeals and formal processes
Ensure investigations are thorough, evidence-based and completed on time
Oversee investigation reports and hearing documentation
Support managers presenting cases and advise hearing chairs and panels
Identify and escalate procedural, evidential and organisational risks
Maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive employee relations information
Liaise with external legal advisers on legal and Employment Tribunal matters
Build effective relationships with Trade Unions and senior stakeholders

Team leadership

Line-manage and develop Senior Employee Relations Advisers
Set quality standards, allocate work fairly and monitor performance
Track case progress, quality and completion times
Keep the employee relations case-management system accurate and current
Coordinate service cover and promote early, compassionate resolution

Policy, training and service development

Draft, review and implement policies in line with NHS Terms and Conditions, employment law and best practice
Develop guidance, templates and tools for managers and employees
Design and deliver employee relations training for NHS managers
Maintain intranet guidance and resources
Promote fair treatment and a compassionate employee relations culture
Capture lessons learned and implement service improvements
Lead or support employee relations projects

Data, reporting and assurance

Analyse employee relations data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities
Produce KPI and performance reports for senior management
Monitor case timelines, outcomes and disparities relating to protected characteristics
Develop action plans where concerns or inequalities are identified
Support Freedom of Information and Subject Access Requests within required timescales

General responsibilities

Deputise for the Head of Employee Relations
Work independently and manage competing priorities
Support junior colleagues and the wider NHS HR team
Maintain current knowledge of employment law and NHS HR practice
Complete appraisal, professional development and mandatory training requirements

Person specification

Essential qualifications and experience

Degree-level qualification or equivalent
CIPD qualified and registered
Evidence of continuing professional development
Extensive employee relations experience within the NHS or another complex organisation
Experience managing complex investigations, hearings and sensitive people matters
Experience in a multidisciplinary and unionised environment
Experience advising senior managers and influencing stakeholders
Experience developing policies and delivering employee relations training
Experience managing and developing a team

Essential knowledge and skills

Strong knowledge of employee relations, employment law and HR best practice
Ability to interpret and apply employment law in complex cases
Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills
Confidence handling conflict and emotionally sensitive situations
Strong planning, prioritisation and independent decision-making skills
Ability to analyse data and present findings clearly
Good Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint skills
Experience using the NHS Electronic Staff Record or a comparable HR system

Desirable

Postgraduate Certificate in Employment Law or equivalent
Previous NHS experience
PRINCE2 or another relevant project-management qualification

Important Information

Applicants must be UK residents
No visa sponsorship is available for this role
This role is hybrid, requiring three days on-site each week, with no fully remote option
Salt contact: Robert Sprigens,

About this advert

This 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 requirements