At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert advice on employee relations and support managers in navigating HR processes.
- Company: Join the largest independent children's fostering group in the UK, rated a Great Place to Work.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, bonus schemes, and a flexible benefits platform.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on the lives of children while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and a solid understanding of employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
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
Overview
We are 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 will provide guidance on areas including absence management, disciplinary and grievance cases, performance, capability, probation and flexible working. You will 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 will 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.
Responsibilities
- Provide guidance to managers on absence management, disciplinary and grievance cases, performance, capability, probation and flexible working.
- Manage employee relations casework from initial advice through to resolution while ensuring fairness and compliance with legislation and policies.
- Maintain accurate records, generate documentation, and identify trends to support continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Experienced Employee Relations professional with a sound understanding of employment law and HR best practice.
- Experience advising managers on a broad range of employee relations matters and managing casework from advice to resolution.
- Organised, approachable, able to balance multiple priorities with confidentiality and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to provide practical, commercially focused advice.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you will receive an exceptional reward package including:
- 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
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ER Advisor
✨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
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.