Overview
As Senior Employee Relations Consultant (Absence Lead), you will lead the ER team to improve attendance across a large, diverse organisation. You will partner with senior leaders to reduce sickness absence through proactive case management and consistent absence policies, aligning with the Workforce Strategy. You mentor and develop a team, delivering high-quality, customer-focused services. This role offers the chance to shape attendance solutions in a council-wide context with opportunities for professional growth.
Pay / Benefits
- hybrid working
- opportunities for professional development
- Career Progression Framework (CPF)
- supportive performance appraisal
- meaningful impact on workforce wellbeing
- local government career stability
Responsibilities
- Lead and coach the team of Employee Relations Consultants (Absence Leads)
- Drive attendance management improvements through proactive casework and policy application
- Collaborate with senior leaders and key stakeholders on absence reduction initiatives
- Ensure high-quality, customer-focused ER services and training delivery to managers
- Analyse absence data to identify trends and implement effective solutions
- Manage relationships with trade unions and external bodies (ACAS)
- Participate in the development and delivery of absence management training for managers
Key requirements
- CIPD Level 5 or equivalent
- extensive experience reducing workplace absence and managing complex absence casework
- experience leading, mentoring and developing a team
- strong knowledge of employment law, attendance management and HR best practice
- experience managing occupational health and employee assistance programme contracts
- experience delivering absence management training to managers
- experience collaborating with Trade Unions and ACAS
- data analysis skills to identify trends and implement improvements
- excellent communication, negotiation and mediation skills
- communication
- negotiation
- mediation
- absence management
- HR policy application
- employment law knowledge
Senior ER Consultant (Absence Lead) in Chatham employer: Medway Council
Medway Council is an exceptional employer located in Chatham, UK, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development through structured Career Progression Frameworks. As a Lawyer in the Place Team, you will not only engage in meaningful legal work but also benefit from comprehensive induction and ongoing support to enhance your skills and advance your career within a collaborative environment focused on excellence and best practices.
