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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care homes with HR guidance and drive positive workplace culture.
- Company: Athena Care Homes is a family-owned, award-winning business in East Anglia.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, hybrid working, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Initial 3-month contract with potential for extension or permanent role.
- Why this job: Join a compassionate team making a real difference in residents' lives.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 required; HR experience in healthcare is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Company Overview
Athena Care Homes is a family‑owned business operating seven residential nursing homes in East Anglia, known for award‑winning care and compassion at its core.
About the Role
As a People Specialist, you will be instrumental in ensuring operational excellence across our homes, providing expert guidance to Home Managers to confidently lead their teams, manage risk, and deliver the exceptional care & experience Athena is known for.
Autonomy
- Enable Compliance & Mitigate Risk: Act as the first line of expert defence, guaranteeing that all people decisions and processes are legally compliant, fair, and consistent across the group, safeguarding Athena from legal challenge.
- Coach for Confidence: Provide high‑stakes, practical coaching to Home Managers, empowering them to manage complex people issues, from performance and attendance to disciplinary matters with clarity and confidence.
- Drive Consistency: Ensure the consistent, high‑quality application of our People policies, directly supporting the Quality Assurance and Regulatory standards vital for a leading care provider.
Hours
37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday – 9 am to 5 pm.
Salary & Benefits
Circa ÂŁ50,000 per annum plus a ÂŁ3,000 car allowance.
Location
This will be a regional position based from the care home closest to your home address. You will be expected to travel to all sites in the group.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Complex Employee Relations (ER) Management: Provide expert, hands‑on case management and counsel on complex ER matters, including high‑risk disciplinary, grievance, and long‑term absence cases.
- Elevating People Management Essentials: Design and deliver focused, practical training and coaching for Home Managers on core people management processes, ensuring they can confidently and consistently manage performance, conduct, and absence in line with legal requirements and Athena’s values.
- Policy Implementation & Auditing: Drive the effective and consistent application of People policies and procedures across all homes.
- Performance & Capability: Support managers in establishing robust performance improvement plans and providing structured feedback, ensuring team members meet role requirements and integrate successfully.
- Operational Reporting & Documentation: Ensure that critical people data, documentation, and due process records are meticulously maintained to protect the business and support regulatory compliance.
Training, Skills & Experience Required
- Essential Experience: Hold CIPD Level 7 (or be actively working towards it), proven track record as a high‑level HR generalist or specialist, confidently managing complex ER end‑to‑end. In‑depth, current knowledge of UK employment law is non‑negotiable. Experience in the Care Sector or a multi‑site operational environment is a significant advantage.
- The Right Mindset: Intensely pragmatic and solutions‑focused, able to balance immediate operational needs with necessary risk mitigation. Effective coach and communicator, able to build credibility with operational leaders. Resilient and maintain a calm, professional approach during sensitive, high‑pressure situations.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle essential, as this is a regional role requiring regular travel to all sites across East Anglia.
What we can offer
- A warm and thorough induction to help you feel confident, connected, and supported from day one.
- A competitive salary, reflecting the value and expertise you bring to our team.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Free Blue Light Card membership with access to a wide range of discounts and savings.
- A generous Refer‑a‑Friend scheme.
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People Partner employer: Athena Care Homes
Contact Detail:
Athena Care Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific HR challenges faced in the healthcare sector. Understanding the nuances of employee relations in care homes will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Athena Care Homes. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life examples of how you've handled complex employee relations cases. Being able to articulate your experience will demonstrate your capability and confidence in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your knowledge of current UK employment law and HR best practices during your conversations. This will highlight your expertise and commitment to compliance, which is crucial for the People Partner position.
We think you need these skills to ace People Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in HR or People Partner roles, especially in healthcare settings. Emphasise your knowledge of UK employment law and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for HR and your understanding of Athena Care Homes' values. Mention how your skills can contribute to enhancing workplace culture and supporting leadership teams in care homes.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your CIPD qualifications, particularly if you have Level 7. Include any additional training or certifications that demonstrate your commitment to professional development in HR.
Showcase Employee Relations Experience: Provide specific examples of your experience handling complex employee relations cases. Detail your approach to resolving issues and how you ensured compliance with employment legislation, as this is a key aspect of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Athena Care Homes
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
Make sure to highlight your knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled, especially in employee relations, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage complex issues effectively.
✨Align with Company Values
Athena Care Homes values care and compassion, so it's important to express how your personal values align with theirs. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive workplace culture in previous roles, and how you can bring that same energy to their team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in HR situations. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated disciplinary or grievance processes, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
As a People Partner, collaboration with leadership teams is key. Prepare to discuss how you've worked with various stakeholders in the past to align HR strategies with operational needs, and how you can support workforce planning and talent development at Athena.