Senior Employee Relations Advisors (Project)

Purpose of the Role Tower Hamlets Council is seeking an experienced Interim Senior Employee Relations Advisor to provide additional capacity across employee relations casework during a period of transformation, service pressure and backlog reduction.

The role will focus on managing a high-volume ER caseload, supporting managers and contributing to the consistent and compliant handling of employee relations matters across the organisation.

Working under the direction of the ER Transformation Lead, the postholder will work closely with HR colleagues, managers and Trade Union representatives to progress cases efficiently, reduce escalation and support improvements in ER practice.

This role is suited to a strong operational practitioner who can quickly pick up cases, apply policy and deliver high-quality outcomes at pace in a complex, unionised environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage allocated employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence matters.
• Ensure cases are handled in line with council policy, employment legislation and best practice.
• Provide practical advice and guidance to managers throughout ER processes.
• Support the preparation of case documentation, investigation materials, hearing packs and outcome letters.
• Escalate complex, high risk or sensitive cases to the ER Transformation Lead where appropriate.
• Core Role Requirements
• Managing ER casework from allocation through to resolution, ensuring cases are progressed in a timely and compliant manner.
• Supporting managers to follow appropriate ER processes, including investigations, hearings and outcomes.
• Preparing clear and accurate documentation to support formal processes.
• Liaising with HR colleagues, Occupational Health and other stakeholders as part of case management.
• Working with recognised Trade Unions to support case progression and resolution.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records.
• Contributing to backlog reduction by progressing in-train cases and prioritising effectively.
• Identifying emerging themes and risks and feeding insight to the ER Transformation Lead.
• Supporting the consistent application of ER policy and practice across services.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience Required

• Good working knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations practice.
• Experience managing ER casework in a complex organisation, ideally within a unionised public sector environment.
• Confidence supporting managers through ER processes and providing clear guidance.
• Experience working with Trade Unions in a constructive and professional manner.
• Ability to manage a high-volume workload and prioritise competing demands.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including drafting formal correspondence.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate case records.
• CIPD Level 3"5 qualification or equivalent practical experience.
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