Employee Relations Lead in Bradford

Our exceptional HR Department have an opportunity for a dedicated Employee Relations Lead to join the team. The Employee Relations Lead will be the college’s subject matter expert in employee relations, responsible for delivering a high-quality, consistent and legally compliant advisory and casework service. Working closely with Heads of Department and line managers you will take ownership of the most complex and sensitive employee relations matters across absence, disciplinary, grievance, capability, probation and mediation, working closely with managers and senior stakeholders to achieve fair, proportionate and timely outcomes. The role will also focus on strengthening management capability through expert guidance, practical support and insight, while promoting early resolution and consistent application of policy across the College.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage and lead on an ACAS load of complex, sensitive or high-risk employee relations cases from inception through to conclusion.
• Provide hands‑on support to managers throughout formal processes, including investigations, hearings and consultations.
• Advise on the application of UK employment law, ACAS guidance and College policy to ensure legally sound and proportionate decision-making.
• Draft clear, high‑quality documentation including investigation reports, outcome letters and case summaries.
• Support the preparation of documentation relating to employment tribunal proceedings where required.
• Assess and articulate case risk using professional judgement, advising senior stakeholders on options and likely outcomes.
• Support and guide managers in conducting investigations, hearings and consultations, ensuring fairness, consistency and robust documentation.
• Develop and deliver training or briefings on key ER topics (e.g. managing conflict, conducting investigations, attendance management and performance management).
• Maintain accurate records of ER cases, identifying trends, hotspots, and areas requiring proactive intervention.
• Produce clear reports for HR leadership and senior managers, highlighting risks and recommended actions.
• Build trusted, professional relationships with managers, supervisors and staff to enable effective resolution of issues.
• Provide expert advice and hands‑on support to managers on all employee relations matters, including grievances, disciplinaries, performance issues, sickness absence and conflict resolution.

The Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will be a learner and quality‑focused with a commitment to our vision of working together to transform lives. You should be able to contribute to our journey to Outstanding, creating a positive working and study environment, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion should be embedded within your core values.

Education & Training

• GCSE 4–9 or equivalent level 2 qualification in Maths, or be prepared to pass a test before the interview to demonstrate level 2 ability, and then, if appointed, achieve within an agreed timescale.
• GCSE 4‑9 or equivalent level 2 qualification in English, or be prepared to pass a test before the interview to demonstrate level 2 ability, and then, if appointed, achieve within an agreed timescale.
• CIPD Level 5 or above.

Experience

• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law, with practical application.
• Proven experience managing complex, high‑risk ER cases end to end.
• Strong collaborative stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build alignment at all levels.
• Knowledge of employee relations frameworks, including grievance, disciplinary, capability and attendance management procedures.
• Demonstrated experience coaching or supporting managers to handle people issues confidently.
• Experience working in a unionised environment or with employee representatives.
• Experience analysing ER trends or casework data to identify risks and inform action.
• Knowledge of mediation techniques or conflict resolution methodologies.
• Experience supporting culture change initiatives or interventions to reduce ER case volumes.
• Experience developing HR guidance, manager toolkits and training.

Bradford College is committed to supporting and promoting diversity and inclusion amongst our staff and student body. We promote applications across all sections of the community, recognising the benefits a diverse workforce can bring and therefore particularly encourage applications from groups which are underrepresented in our workforce. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expect staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In line with our statutory safeguarding requirements detailed in Keeping Children Safe in Education legislation, this role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, employment references, health screening and social media search.