At a Glance
- Tasks: Support leaders in managing employee relations and create a thriving workplace culture.
- Company: Accent, a housing provider dedicated to making a positive societal impact.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health support, financial perks, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and strong knowledge of employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 39735 - 39735 £ per year.
A place to create moments that matter.
Location: Hybrid (3 days a week in the office), the role can be based out of our Bradford or Peterborough office.
Salary: £39,735 per annum
Permanent, 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday 9am-5pm.
Thousands of families across the country rely on us for a safe, affordable home. And as the housing crisis deepens, the work we do has never been more important. It’s this belief - that everyone deserves a place to call home - that drives everything we do. Together, we find new ways to understand and champion our customers, support them and drive positive change.
Help create a workplace where people can thrive. At Accent, we're more than a housing provider. We're a place where colleagues are supported to do their best work, leaders are empowered to make great people decisions, and customers remain at the heart of everything we do.
We're looking for an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join our People Team and play a key role in delivering a fair, supportive and high-performing workplace. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a varied ER caseload, influence leaders across the business, and make a real difference to colleague experiences during some of the most important moments of their working lives.
What you'll be doing:
- Be the first point of contact for ER matters, providing expert, coaching-led support to leaders across Accent.
- Manage a diverse and often complex caseload, providing practical, balanced and legally sound advice on matters including:
- Absence management
- Performance and capability issues
- Flexible working requests
- Conduct matters
- Organisational change and consultation activity
- Disciplinary and grievance cases
- Work closely with leaders to build their confidence in handling people matters early, fairly and effectively, helping to achieve positive outcomes while reducing organisational risk.
- Use ER insights and trends to identify emerging risks, recommend preventative actions and contribute to continuous improvement across the organisation.
About you:
- Demonstrable experience managing a broad range of complex employee relations cases.
- Strong knowledge of employment law, with the ability to apply legal principles to practical workplace situations.
- Experience coaching, training and supporting leaders to build confidence and capability in people management.
- Sound judgement with the ability to assess and balance business, legal and people-related risks.
- Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency in advice and case management.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
The successful applicant will be subject to pre‑employment checks, such as DBS and social media screening, before an offer is confirmed.
Interviews:
- Stage 1: A Teams interview with the hiring manager. You’ll learn more about the role and team, and we’ll get to know you – your experience, goals, and what you bring. Planned date: 18th August via Teams.
- Stage 2: A role related assessment and behavioural and scenario-based interview focused on how you apply your knowledge to real-life situations. You'll be asked to complete a Customer Service Questionnaire in advance. Planned date: 25th August at our Bradford office.
We aim to make the process clear, supportive, and genuinely valuable – a place where you feel informed and confident at every step.
A place to build a future:
We’ve got big ambitions and we’re looking for people who want to grow with us. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn new skills, shape your career, and thrive in a collaborative environment where your ideas matter. And because we believe great work deserves great rewards, here’s what you can look forward to:
- Generous time off – 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, an extra day for your birthday, and the option to buy more.
- Health & wellbeing support – Cash health plan, Health MOTs, online GP access, gym discounts, and a dedicated volunteering day for a cause you care about.
- Financial perks – Car leasing options, salary sacrifice schemes, and exclusive discounts through our benefits platform to help your money go further.
- Future-focused benefits – Access to both Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit pension schemes through salary sacrifice, plus life assurance at three times your salary for peace of mind.
- Family-friendly policies – Enhanced parental leave, flexible working options, and support for work-life balance.
- Career development – From Stepping into Management and Management Essentials training to our Leadership Academy, apprenticeships, and more – we’ll help you grow and succeed.
This is more than a job – it’s a place where you can make an impact, feel valued, and be rewarded for what you do.
We’re Committed to Inclusion:
We believe diversity makes us stronger and we’re committed to creating a place where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible and inclusive, and if you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage, just let us know – we’ll make it happen. Because this isn’t just a workplace – it’s a place to belong.
Please don’t delay in submitting your application. Where roles are urgent or we receive a high volume of applications, we may interview and conclude the process prior to any closing date indicated. If you have any queries about the role, please email: PeopleServices@accentgroup.org
Please note candidates must have current eligibility to live and work in the UK, Accent do not currently hold a sponsorship license. If you’re looking for a place you can make a positive difference to society, to our organisation and to your future, apply now.
Recruitment Agencies: We work exclusively with partners on our preferred supplier list (PSL) and do not accept unsolicited CVs or speculative approaches from agencies for this role.
Employee Relations Specialist in Bradford employer: Accent Housing
Join a dedicated team that believes in creating safe, supportive environments where everyone deserves a place to call home. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development, a collaborative work culture, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday allowances, health and wellbeing support, and pension schemes. Working across two schemes in the Yorkshire region, you'll not only make a meaningful impact on residents' lives but also thrive in a workplace that values your contributions and fosters community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Specialist in Bradford
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Accent Housing!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Accent Housing.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Specialist in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Accent Housing. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Accent Housing and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Accent Housing. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Accent Housing's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Accent Housing
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Accent Housing.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Accent Housing will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Accent Housing and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
