At a Glance
- Tasks: Support employees and managers with HR policies, case management, and employee relations issues.
- Company: Join GWR, a leading train company with a commitment to customer satisfaction and employee support.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free rail travel, health care, and discounts on shopping and gym memberships.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values diversity and promotes continuous improvement in employee relations.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified or part qualified with experience in employee relations and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we celebrate diversity and inclusivity in our workplace.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 39000 £ per year.
Salary up to £37-39k depending on skills and experience, plus fantastic benefits package. At GWR, we are more than a train company. We are the proud custodians of one of the UK's most iconic rail networks. Every year, we help over 100 million people travel across the South West, South Wales and London, through some of the country's most scenic routes. With a modern fleet, ambitious plans and a 91% customer satisfaction score, we are on an exciting journey of continuous improvement. Our people are at the heart of that journey, and as an Employee Relations Advisor, you will play a key role in supporting our people, every step of the way.
About the Team:
The HR team plays a key role in supporting the organisation to deliver high performance through its people. This is an exciting opportunity to be an Employee Relations Advisor in our Employee Relations team. Our focus in Employee Relations is to promote consistency and compliance across our people-management practices, including all aspects of casework management.
The Reward:
- On-going development
- Defined benefit pension scheme with the Railways Pension Scheme
- Free rail travel across the GWR network for you and your family
- Company-sponsored health care plan
- Discounted shopping and gym membership
- Employee assistance programme and much more
About the job:
You will provide generalist support on all people policies and procedures, with a consistent approach to line managers and employees, to ensure delivery of an effective and professional ER service. You will deal with a variety of employee relations issues, guiding and coaching line managers through their queries around attendance management, grievances, disciplinaries, probation, poor performance, employment law etc.
You will be:
- Responsible for providing a professional ER advisory service to line managers and employees on all employment matters.
- Leading end to end case management for employee relations cases, supporting all levels of employees across GWR with a focus on performance, grievance, attendance, and Employee Relations related projects.
- Providing Line Managers with advice and guidance on a range of employment matters including disciplinary, grievance, performance management, absence management issues and other relevant casework.
- Liaising with employee representatives and recognised trades unions as appropriate.
- Acting as the point of contact for line managers and all employees.
- Working closely with other ER colleagues, to ensure consistency and best practice across the division.
You will need to:
- Be experienced in providing ER advice and guidance.
- Be experienced in case management.
- Be able to build strong and effective relationships.
- Have good influencing skills.
- Be organised, with strong analytical skills.
- Be able to work proactively and flexibly.
As a minimum you will need:
- CIPD qualified or part qualified.
- Proven work experience in an ER Advisor capacity.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong IT Skills.
- Strong relationship building skills at all levels.
- Knowledge of employment legislation and practical experience of ER procedures, processes and practices.
About the location:
This role is based in Reading, and you will be providing support to the East region. Flexibility is required to travel across the GWR network as and when required.
Working Pattern:
This role is permanent, 5 days a week, 37 hours.
Application:
Please apply online via our website. If you have any problems applying, please email.
We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability. We maintain zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent. We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive. We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details. If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.
Employee Relations Advisor in Reading employer: Great Western Railway (GWR)
Contact Detail:
Great Western Railway (GWR) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Advisor in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at GWR on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common ER scenarios. Think about how you'd handle attendance issues or grievances. We want you to show off your problem-solving skills and knowledge of employment law!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look professional and confident. It shows you’re serious about the role and respect the company culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Advisor in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employee Relations Advisor role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your knowledge of employment legislation and case management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a great fit for GWR. Don’t forget to mention your CIPD qualifications!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key in this role, ensure your written application is clear and professional. Use concise language and check for any typos or grammatical errors before hitting send.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Great Western Railway (GWR)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on employment legislation and ER procedures before the interview. Familiarise yourself with common employee relations issues like grievances and attendance management, as you'll likely be asked how you would handle these situations.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed ER cases or provided guidance to line managers. This will demonstrate your practical experience and ability to build strong relationships, which is crucial for this role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your interest in GWR's culture and values. Inquire about their approach to employee engagement or how they support continuous improvement within the HR team. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their journey.
✨Be Yourself
GWR values diversity and inclusion, so don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through. Be authentic in your responses and demonstrate your passion for supporting employees. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you’re a great fit for their team.