HR Consultant in Swindon

Purpose: This role will work within HR & OD to provide professional HR advice to line managers; using a risk-based approach to determine the level of support required. Offering appropriate and pragmatic advice to enable effective management of people performance issues, application of HROD policy, best practice and employment law knowledge to drive performance improvement. This role will work closely with OD colleagues to upskill people management practices across the Council.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Proactively and effectively manage own caseload ensuring accurate record keeping across full range of complex employee relations casework including: absence, probationary, disciplinary and grievance.
• Provide high quality, consistent, professional advice, guidance and support to coach managers at all levels across the organisation, applying HR policies and procedures, in relation to complex and varied employee relations issues.
• Manage the delivery of any TUPEs in or out of the Council.
• Coach Line managers to build ownership and capability for managing their team.
• Identify gaps and contribute to the development of existing HR policies and guidance.
• Ensure continuous organisational performance improvement and up to date policy management and application via partnership working with other teams across the department.
• Commission and interpret HR analytics to inform evidence-based decisions, identify trends, and recommend proactive solutions.
• Utilise systems, technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions to deliver an effective service.
• Build strong, credible, professional relationships with managers at all levels, internal colleagues, and with external contacts and partners.
• Negotiate, consult and liaise with local and regional trade union representatives, dealing with individual employee issues and achievement of conflict resolution.
• Seek innovative ways to resolve conflict at work including mediation.
• Work in collaboration with the wider HR function to achieve consistent and cohesive HR outcomes.
• Triage and risk assessment queries and issues raised escalating where required.
• Support the development of HR and OD colleagues to grow future talent, to enable succession planning across the HR & OD Service and the wider Council.
• Understanding and appreciating the organisational objectives and actively working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve these objectives.

The above is not an exhaustive list and the role holder may be required to undertake additional or alternative tasks and duties as necessary, provided they are within the individual's capabilities and skills set at an appropriate level.

Professional: CIPD Qualified Level 5 or equivalent experience. Bachelor's (BSc/BA) or equivalent experience.

Decision making: Triage and risk assessment queries and issues raised escalating where required. Ability to work flexibly under pressure to meet required deadlines though maintaining attention to detail.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Evaluates current situation based on previous experience; identifies advanced implications/conclusions from the logical analysis of a complex situation or issue. Ensure data from all relevant sources can be gathered in order to assess complex problems and come up with the most appropriate solution.
• Experience as HR Manager/consultant dealing with trade unions, and line management.
• Experience of casework management; disciplinary, grievance, performance, attendance and well-being, conduct and general managing performance.
• Up to date employment law knowledge, practical application on case management and ability to apply and implement process and policy change.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Solid understanding and experience in applying employee relations and employment practices in order to manage employee issues.
• Effectively applies performance management to create a strong performance culture.
• An understanding and application of insight and data to implement change and monitor performance.
• Strong diagnostic skills leading to sound judgment and decision making.