HR Officer (Employee Relations)
HR Officer (Employee Relations)

HR Officer (Employee Relations)

Southampton Full-Time 24400 - 26400 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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IRIS Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support employee relations and guide managers on HR issues in a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join a passionate organisation focused on restoring nature and wildlife in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive work environment with great perks.
  • Why this job: Be part of a transformative team making a real impact on nature's recovery and community inclusion.
  • Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience required; strong relationship-building and problem-solving skills essential.
  • Other info: Hybrid working options available; inclusive employer committed to diversity and accessibility.

The predicted salary is between 24400 - 26400 £ per year.

Job Description

HR Officer (Employee Relations) 

Salary: £29,460 – £31,600 pro rata gross per annum 
Curdridge, Hampshire 
Permanent, Part Time   
Our client's vision is for a Wilder Hampshire and Isle of Wight by 2030 – where nature is recovering, wildlife is returning, damaged ecosystems are being restored, and everyone benefits from a healthier, more resilient, natural environment. Their mission is to get more people on nature’s side and create more space for wildlife to thrive. 
Our client are seeking an experienced HR Officer (Employee Relations) to join their HR & Volunteering team! 
Together with the HR Officer (Recruitment and Operational Support) you will provide a highly competent, efficient and customer focused HR service to the Trust. 
You will be the first point of contact for all employee relations queries, applying your experience and expertise to guide managers through a broad range of issues including disciplinary, grievance, performance management, absence management, health and wellbeing. 
You will support the continuous improvement of their HR practices by developing and updating policies and procedures, creating training and guidance materials to strengthen managerial capability, and driving process efficiencies through standardised templates and documentation. You will also stay up to date with changes in employment legislation, ensuring all HR practices remain legally compliant. 
This is an excellent opportunity to join our client's small but impactful HR & Volunteering team during an exciting period of transformation. Their work is focused on enabling the Trust to become a more effective and efficient organisation, with the right people, culture, capacity, and systems in place to deliver nature’s recovery and we are investing in their HR tools and resources to ensure that we can achieve this goal. You will play a key role in making this happen. 
The successful candidate will have a CIPD Level 5 qualification or solid equivalent experience/qualifications (or working towards). They will demonstrate a strong ability to quickly establish credible working relationships with staff to deliver a professional, accurate and customer focused service. As well as the ability to work closely with a small but very busy team but also on own initiative and excellent problem-solving skills. 
This is a part time position, 22.5 hours per week. They are ideally looking for someone to work these hours over five days (Monday – Friday) but are flexible. They also offer hybrid working. 
This is a new role for the HR & Volunteering team, created following a reorganisation of roles and responsibilities. 
Wild About Inclusion! 
As an inclusive employer they recognise that they workforce needs to better reflect the communities in which we live and work.  They encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly those underrepresented within our sector, including people from black, Asian, minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. They are committed to creating a Movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. 
Disability Confident. They are proudly a Disability Confident Committed employer. The scheme is helping us recruit and retain great people to meet our workforce needs. As a member of the scheme, they will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. They can request adjustments including accessible formats of this vacancy by contacting us. 
To be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme you must: 
  • Identify as being disabled which under the Equality Act 2010 means a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial*, long term** adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities; or a long-term health condition; and; 
 (*Substantial is more than minor or trivial **Long-term means 12 months or more) 
  • Set out how you meet all the minimum qualifying criteria set out in the person specification for the post at the application and testing stages. This is a requirement for all candidates, not just those applying under the scheme. 
They are happy to discuss the possibilities of hybrid and flexible working 
This role will be based at our office in Curdridge, however, we are happy to accommodate a hybrid working routine, and discuss a pattern of work which suits the candidate. Traditionally, office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm with an hour lunch break.  
Our client offer a wide range of benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave allowance, a contributory pension scheme, life assurance, learning and development support, 24-hour access to our employee assistance programme, discounted staff travel with our corporate partners Wightlink (subject to T&Cs) and more. 
Closing date:  27 August 2025 
Interviews:  Week commencing 15 September 2025 
To apply for the role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button at the top of the page. In the ‘supporting information’ section, you’ll need to demonstrate, with detailed examples, how you meet the job requirements using the Job Description and Recruitment Pack below. Please note that we may occasionally close vacancies early when they have received enough applications that meet the required criteria. 
Please do not use artificial intelligence tools to assist you to complete the application form. They may not accept applications that have been completed utilising AI tools. If you would usually use tools such as these to assist you in filling in a form, please contact us to discuss this further and understand other options. 

HR Officer (Employee Relations) employer: IRIS Recruitment

Join a passionate team dedicated to creating a Wilder Hampshire and Isle of Wight by 2030, where your role as an HR Officer (Employee Relations) will be pivotal in shaping a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. With flexible hybrid working options, generous benefits including a competitive salary and professional development support, you will thrive in an environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful change while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere in the heart of Curdridge, Hampshire.
IRIS Recruitment

Contact Detail:

IRIS Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Officer (Employee Relations)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the organisation's mission and values. Understanding their vision for a Wilder Hampshire and Isle of Wight will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to their goals.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees in HR roles, especially those who have experience in employee relations. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial during your interview.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on current employment legislation and best practices in employee relations. Being knowledgeable about recent changes will not only boost your confidence but also show your proactive approach to the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to handle employee relations issues. Tailoring these examples to reflect the challenges mentioned in the job description will make your case stronger.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Officer (Employee Relations)

CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience
Employee Relations expertise
Knowledge of employment legislation
Disciplinary and grievance handling
Performance management skills
Absence management knowledge
Health and wellbeing awareness
Policy development and implementation
Training material creation
Strong communication skills
Relationship building
Problem-solving abilities
Attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Customer service orientation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the HR Officer (Employee Relations) position. Make notes on how your experience aligns with these points.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, particularly in employee relations, HR practices, and any specific qualifications like CIPD Level 5. Use keywords from the job description to make your application stand out.

Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: In the 'supporting information' section, provide detailed examples of how you meet the job requirements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for an HR role.

How to prepare for a job interview at IRIS Recruitment

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of employee relations, including key concepts like disciplinary procedures and grievance handling. Brush up on relevant employment legislation to show that you're up-to-date and knowledgeable.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed employee relations issues. This could include how you handled a difficult disciplinary case or improved HR processes. Real-life stories will make your experience more relatable.

✨Demonstrate Your People Skills

As an HR Officer, building relationships is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've established rapport with staff and managers in previous positions. Highlight your communication skills and ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's culture, HR practices, and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values and career aspirations.

HR Officer (Employee Relations)
IRIS Recruitment
Location: Southampton
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