At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert advice on employee relations and support managers with HR matters.
- Company: Join the largest independent children's fostering group in the UK, rated a Great Place to Work.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, bonus schemes, and a flexible benefits platform.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a values-led organisation focused on children's welfare.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and a solid understanding of employment law required.
Location: Hybrid working from Bolton Head Office
Contract Type: 6 months Fixed Term Contract / Full Time
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 dependent on experience
About the Group
It’s official, we have been rated as a Great Place to Work for 2025! 88% of employees at National Fostering Group say it is a great place to work, compared to 54% of employees at a typical UK-based company. With over 20 years’ experience, National Fostering Group is the largest independent children’s fostering group in the UK, with a community of over 2,500 foster carers. As a Group, we work with Local Authorities to provide the highest quality of care for children and young people. All of our fostering agencies are officially recognised by Ofsted, Welsh and Scottish regulators as either 'Outstanding' or 'Good', something we are incredibly proud of.
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced Employee Relations Advisor to join our People team, providing expert advice and support on a wide range of employee relations matters across the Group. Working closely with managers and colleagues, you’ll provide guidance on areas including absence management, disciplinary and grievance cases, performance, capability, probation and flexible working. You’ll help managers navigate formal processes confidently, ensuring cases are managed fairly, consistently and in line with employment legislation and company policies. Alongside managing employee relations casework, you’ll maintain accurate records, produce documentation and identify trends that support continuous improvement across our People function. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys building positive working relationships, providing practical HR advice and making a real impact within a values-led organisation.
Who are we looking for
We’re looking for an experienced Employee Relations professional with a sound understanding of employment law and HR best practice. You’ll have experience advising managers on a broad range of employee relations matters and be confident managing casework from initial advice through to resolution. You’ll be organised, approachable and able to balance multiple priorities whilst maintaining confidentiality and attention to detail. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills are essential, along with the ability to provide practical, commercially focused advice that supports both managers and employees. If you’re passionate about delivering an outstanding People service and enjoy working in a collaborative, supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you.
But what else is in it for you?
- 27 days’ annual leave, increasing with service up to 32 days, plus bank holidays and a buy/sell holiday scheme
- Bonus schemes
- Generous salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Enhanced family leave (subject to qualifying criteria)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Life Assurance
Our market-leading Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, also allows you to tailor your benefits package with options including:
- A wide range of health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of retail and lifestyle discounts
- Salary sacrifice Eco Car Scheme and Cycle to Work Scheme
- Technology benefit
And that’s not all. We place the outcomes of the children and vulnerable young people in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day knowing your work is making a meaningful difference to the lives of others. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate safeguarding checks. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer.
ER Advisor in Bolton employer: National Fostering Group
National Fostering Group is an exceptional employer, recognised as a Great Place to Work for 2025, where 88% of employees feel valued and supported. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, flexible working options, and a commitment to professional growth within a collaborative environment. By joining our team in Bolton, you'll not only advance your career but also contribute to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ER Advisor in Bolton
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at National Fostering Group!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at National Fostering Group.
We think you need these skills to ace ER Advisor in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at National Fostering Group. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to National Fostering Group and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at National Fostering Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to National Fostering Group's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fostering Group
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with National Fostering Group.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at National Fostering Group will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact National Fostering Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
