At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers and colleagues, leading employee relations casework in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join BCHG, a people-first organisation making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence our People & Culture strategy while building strong relationships.
- Why this job: Be part of a visible team that values your contributions and supports your growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and a strong understanding of HR processes required.
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent (35 hours per week)
Be the person managers rely on – and the difference colleagues can feel. At BCHG, we’re a people-first organisation supporting around 250 colleagues across housing, care and supported housing. That means our People team isn’t removed from the business, we’re visible, trusted and genuinely make a difference every day.
We’re now looking for an experienced, organised and values-led Employee Relations & People Partner to join the team. This is a role where you’ll take real ownership of a busy and varied caseload, working closely with managers to get things right, fairly, consistently and with the right balance of challenge and support.
You’ll be joining us at an exciting time, as we deliver our new People & Culture Strategy, with a strong focus on colleague experience, manager capability and doing the basics well.
Why BCHG?
- Working in HR at BCHG feels different to large, centralised organisations.
- We’re a c.250 colleague organisation, so you can really know your workforce and see the impact of your work day-to-day.
- You’ll partner directly with front-line services – a busy, varied and meaningful part of the business.
- You’ll build strong relationships with managers and become a trusted adviser, not just policy support.
- There’s enough complexity to stretch you, but not so much that you lose oversight.
- You’ll be joining at the start of our People & Culture strategy, with real opportunity to influence how we work.
This is a hands-on ER role in a values-led organisation, ideal for someone who enjoys working closely with operational teams and driving continuous improvement.
About the role
As Employee Relations & People Partner, you’ll act as the main People contact for our front-line services. You’ll lead on employee relations casework and support managers to confidently manage their teams, ensuring a consistent and compliant approach across all people and H&S-related matters.
You will:
- Lead a varied employee relations caseload, including absence, conduct, capability and probation.
- Support and guide managers through formal processes, attending meetings where required.
- Provide practical, timely advice on day-to-day people matters.
- Build manager confidence in handling conversations, performance and absence.
- Support recruitment activity across your services.
- Contribute to a consistent approach across teams, improving outcomes and decision-making.
- Support key H&S processes, including lone worker systems, DSE assessments and health surveys.
- Ensure all casework and records are compliant, accurate and well-managed.
This is a busy role, we’re looking for someone who is highly organised, confident managing volume, and comfortable working with autonomy.
The kind of person we’re looking for
We’re keen to hear from people who:
- Are values-led, fair, consistent, supportive and confident to challenge.
- Have solid experience managing employee relations casework in a fast-paced environment.
- Ideally bring experience from housing, care or another operational/regulated setting.
- Are confident advising managers and handling difficult conversations.
- Are highly organised and able to manage a varied workload effectively.
- Build strong working relationships with operational teams.
- Have a strong understanding of employment law and HR processes.
You should hold (or be working towards) CIPD Level 5 and have a full, clean driving licence.
Why join BCHG?
You’ll be joining an organisation where people genuinely matter. At BCHG:
- We care about how work feels, not just what gets delivered.
- We’re a socially driven organisation, rooted in the Black Country.
- You’ll be part of a visible, trusted People team.
- You’ll have autonomy and ownership in your role.
Rewards and benefits
We offer a strong total reward package shaped by colleague feedback, bringing together pay, wellbeing, flexibility and development. This includes:
- Competitive, externally benchmarked pay - so you know you’re being paid fairly and competitively for the work you do.
- Flexible pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7% - helping you plan ahead and feel confident about the future.
- Generous annual leave above statutory minimum, plus the option to buy or sell leave - so that you can enjoy a well-earned rest or tailor time off to suit your life.
- Hybrid working arrangements with flexibility built around role needs - giving you the balance to do your best work while managing life outside of it.
- Enhanced sick pay, maternity and paternity pay - because we want to support you when you need it most.
- Health cash plan and 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme - providing practical support for your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
- Paid time off for volunteering and support for significant life events - so you can give back and be present for what matters most.
- Access to professional development, funded qualifications and learning programmes - helping you grow your career, not just do your job.
- Recognition schemes, awards and colleague-led initiatives - because your contribution should be noticed and valued.
Ready to make an impact? If you’re an experienced ER practitioner who enjoys working at pace, building relationships and making a visible difference, we’d love to hear from you. Applications close on Thursday 23rd July 2026, with interviews to be held at BCHG Head Office week commencing 27th July 2026.
Please note that this role requires regular on-site presence (typically around 2 days per week across Head Office and services) to support strong working relationships with colleagues.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we continuously strive to create a more inclusive workplace. We are proud to promote equal opportunities and welcome applications from all backgrounds, including those of different ages, disabilities, genders, sexual orientations, races, religions, and marital statuses. Reasonable adjustments will be made available if required during the interview process.
If you have any questions about this vacancy, or require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please get in touch with our HR team who will be happy to assist.
Employee Relations & People Partner in Blackheath employer: Black Country Housing Group
BCHG is an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-first culture, ensuring that every colleague feels valued and supported. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, you will thrive in a collaborative environment where your contributions are recognised and impactful. Join us in the Black Country, where you can truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve while enjoying a rewarding career.
Contact Details:
Black Country Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations & People Partner in Blackheath
✨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 Black Country Housing Group!
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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 Black Country Housing Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations & People Partner in Blackheath
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 Black Country Housing Group. 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 Black Country Housing Group 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 Black Country Housing Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Black Country Housing Group'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 Black Country Housing Group
✨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 Black Country Housing Group.
✨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 Black Country Housing Group 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 Black Country Housing Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.