At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert advice on employee relations issues and manage casework from start to finish.
- Company: Join the British Heart Foundation, making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping employee relations and influencing positive change.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent, with strong HR and employment law knowledge.
As an Employee Relations Specialist, you’ll be the escalation point from our People Operations team and will apply your specialist employee relations knowledge and expertise to provide professional and pragmatic employee relations advice on a range of employee relations (ER) issues, policies and processes. You’ll pro-actively engage with managers to offer best practice advice on a range of ER case work, spotting and assessing the risks and advising managers on how to mitigate or find resolutions to those risks which are in the best interest for British Heart Foundation (BHF). You’ll take ownership of your own case work from beginning to end and responsibility for the advisory solutions ensuring best practice timescales are adhered to. You will also ensure any risks or concerns are flagged.
About you
With a CIPD Level 5 minimum qualification, or equivalent, you'll have extensive HR knowledge and understanding around best practice. You'll also have an up-to-date ER and Employment law knowledge, and understand ACAS Code of Practise and be knowledgeable on the Equality Act. You’ll have substantial experience managing complex casework, including dismissals and discrimination. You are able to weigh up complex evidence and reach sound conclusions that are fair and reasonable while protecting the business. You have the proven experience of navigating legal complexities and negotiating successful resolutions swiftly. Ideally, you will have ER specialist experience confidently managing a high volume of cases in a large organisation. Additionally, experience of tribunal case preparation, restructuring, redundancy, and TUPE would be highly advantageous.
To succeed in the role you will:
- be a highly effective team player
- have excellent communication skills
- be able to build trust and rapport quickly
- have strong time management skills
- be resilient and work well under pressure to multiple and conflicting deadlines.
We’re looking for someone with a passion for all things employee relations who will be an ambassador for the People Relations team. Willing to challenge and influence managers, you’ll encourage them to be the decision makers as well as positively challenge the status quo on process, policy and procedure.
Working arrangements
Please note this is a 4-month fixed term contract. This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and one day per week, on average, in our London office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause. Due to the length of the contract we are looking to get someone in post as soon as possible.
Belonging at BHF
We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Embracing different perspectives and backgrounds strengthens our organisation and empowers us to make a real difference together. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. By funding research across six decades, we’ve helped keep millions of hearts beating and millions of families together. We’re investing in ground-breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer.
Benefits and development
At BHF, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support our colleagues’ wellbeing and professional growth. Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.
Interview process
Interviews are due to take place shortly after the role closes.
How to apply
It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria. As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, the BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey. Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.
Employee Relations Specialist employer: British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive work culture, BHF offers flexible working arrangements, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for meaningful engagement in employee relations. Working in our London office allows you to be part of a dedicated team making a real difference in heart health research while enjoying a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at BHF on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your ER knowledge. We should be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where we’ve successfully navigated complex casework. Show them we know our stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. This will help us articulate our thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing tricky ER issues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show our enthusiasm for the role. Let’s make sure they remember us!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employee Relations Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially around managing complex casework and your knowledge of ER and Employment law. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about employee relations and how your skills meet the criteria outlined in the job description. Be specific and show us how you can make a difference at BHF.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an Employee Relations Specialist, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to build trust and rapport quickly. Whether it's through your CV or supporting statement, let us see your communication style shine!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, applying through our website is the way to go! It’s quick and easy, and ensures your application gets to the right place. Don’t forget to double-check everything before hitting that apply button!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Heart Foundation
✨Know Your ER Basics
Brush up on your employee relations knowledge, especially around ACAS Code of Practice and the Equality Act. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re well-prepared and understand the legal frameworks that underpin the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific cases you've managed in the past, particularly those involving complex issues like dismissals or discrimination. Be ready to share how you navigated these situations, what solutions you proposed, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires building trust and rapport with managers, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to role-play potential scenarios with a friend to refine your approach and ensure you can communicate effectively under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for employee relations shine through during the interview. Share why you’re passionate about this field and how you can contribute to the British Heart Foundation’s mission. A genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
