At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert employee relations advice and manage complex workplace issues.
- Company: Join the National Education Union, a leading force for change in education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your HR expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Blended working model with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
The National Education Union is a powerful force for change in education, representing 500,000 teachers, lecturers, support staff, and leaders. As we undertake an extensive staffing review, this is an exciting time to join us on our journey to becoming a more agile, strategic, and powerfully coordinated trade union—ready to meet the challenges of the future and drive lasting change in education. We are currently looking to appoint an Employee Relations Advisor to work in partnership with HR team members and managers across the NEU to provide specialist employee relations advice to ensure employee relations issues are managed to a high quality, ensuring adherence to legislation, policies and terms and conditions. Prospective applicants must demonstrate substantial experience in employee relations within a complex organisational setting. This includes a proven ability to navigate sensitive workplace issues, foster constructive relationships with trade unions, and contribute to the development and implementation of fair and consistent employment practices. You will have up to date knowledge of employment law and HR theory and practices that apply within the UK. The successful applicant will have the ability to produce clear, high quality written communications on detailed issues for a range of audiences. For example, policy and guidance documents, reports, decision letters. In this role, you will be responsible for a large portfolio of ER casework, providing a high-quality service whilst coaching managers to provide safe and consistent advice, including sickness absence management, disciplinary, formal grievances, flexible working requests and capability processes. You will also contribute to the development of HR policies and, respond to identified organisational needs, changes in legislation and informed by HR management information. Prospective applicants are also advised that your normal place of work will be the NEU office specified in this advert and that the NEU operates ‘Blended Working Arrangements’ for office-based staff, which means you will typically need to be based in the designated NEU office for 3 to 4 days a week (based on a full-time contract), with the remaining days based at home, and subject to business needs. In addition to salary, we offer good conditions including 35 days’ annual leave plus Christmas closure days and a defined benefit pension scheme. Salary and benefits are pro-rata for part-time applicants. Further details can be downloaded from our website at https://neu.org.uk/working-neu where applicants will be able to complete an online application on our recruitment portal. Closing date is mid-day Monday 3 November 2025 .
Employee Relations Advisor employer: National Education Union
Contact Detail:
National Education Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the National Education Union on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won’t find anywhere else.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of employment law and HR practices in the UK. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated sensitive workplace issues in the past. We want to see your expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, be clear and concise when discussing your experience with employee relations. Use examples that highlight your ability to produce high-quality written communications, as this is key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the NEU team. Make sure to submit before the closing date!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in employee relations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive workplace issues and foster relationships with trade unions, just like we do at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since clear written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is well-structured and free of errors. We want to see your ability to produce high-quality documents, so consider including a brief writing sample if possible!
Know Your Stuff: Brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and HR practices. We’re looking for someone who can navigate the complexities of employee relations, so make sure you can speak confidently about relevant legislation in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our recruitment portal on the NEU website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Education Union
✨Know Your Employment Law
Brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in complex organisational settings. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also navigate real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be producing high-quality written communications, think of examples where you've crafted policy documents or reports. During the interview, articulate your thought process behind these documents and how they contributed to resolving employee relations issues.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Building
Prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully built relationships with trade unions or managed sensitive workplace issues. Highlight your approach to fostering constructive dialogue and how it led to positive outcomes for both employees and management.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in employee relations. Think through potential situations you might face in the role, such as handling a disciplinary case or managing sickness absence, and outline your strategies for addressing them effectively.