At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage employee relations cases and coach managers on best practices.
- Company: Join RCI Group, a values-led organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact in shaping positive workplace cultures.
- Qualifications: Strong HR experience and knowledge of UK employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 33075 - 40425 £ per year.
Shape how managers handle people matters across a growing organisation with real purpose
Are you an experienced Employee Relations professional looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact?
Do you enjoy partnering with managers, solving complex people challenges, and helping create positive workplace cultures?
At RCI Group, we’re looking for an
Associate People Partner to join our growing People team.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a varied ER caseload while coaching and developing managers to handle people matters confidently, fairly, and effectively.
About RCI Group
Since 2018, RCI Group has brought together specialist health, justice, and social care providers across the UK.
Collectively, our businesses have supported more than 36,000 NHS professionals to improve services, provided secure transport for over 30,000 people with mental health needs, and helped more than 20,000 individuals with communication difficulties access justice.
Everything we do is guided by our values of
Respect, Courage, and Impact . As we continue to grow, we’re investing in a People function that helps our colleagues and leaders thrive.
As an Associate People Partner, you’ll be a trusted advisor to managers across the Group, managing a diverse employee relations caseload and supporting a wide range of people initiatives.
You'll play a key role in resolving cases fairly and consistently while helping managers build the confidence and capability to address people issues before they escalation?
Actually the original text says: "You'll play a key role in resolving...
Alongside day-to-day ER activity, you’ll contribute to organisational change projects, consultations, TUPE activity, and wider People initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of up to 30 employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, flexible working, redundancy, and contract change matters.
- Provide expert guidance and coaching to managers on ER processes and employment best practice.
- Design and deliver engaging manager training on topics including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, and absence management.
- Support employment tribunal preparation, working closely with People Partners and Divisional People Leads, including liaison with ACAS.
- Lead smaller-scale employee consultations and support larger organisational change programmes.
- Contribute to TUPE projects and restructuring activities across the Group.
- Identify trends and root causes behind employee relations issues, providing insights and recommendations to prevent recurrence.
- Promote consistent, fair, and legally compliant people practices across the business.
About You
We're looking for a confident and pragmatic HR professional who enjoys building relationships and balancing commercial needs with employee wellbeing.
You’ll have
- Strong generalist HR and employee relations experience.
- Proven experience independently managing complex ER casework.
- Experience supporting or preparing documentation for employment tribunal claims.
- A sound understanding of UK employment law and ACAS guidance.
- The confidence to coach, influence, and challenge managers constructively.
- Experience supporting consultation exercises and organisational change programmes.
- Knowledge and experience of TUPE processes.
- Previous experience working within a shared-service HR environment.
- CIPD Level 5 qualification
(or currently working toward Level 7).
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Hybrid working arrangement
- Pension scheme
- Professional development and CIPD support
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Wellbeing initiatives and additional colleague benefits
- The opportunity to work for a values-led organisation making a difference across health, justice, and social care sectors
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process to ensure every candidate has the opportunity to perform at their best.
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Associate People Partner employer: RCI Group
RCI Group is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Manchester, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. As the Head of Product & Delivery, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative AI initiatives while benefiting from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development. With a focus on meaningful projects and a commitment to employee well-being, RCI Group stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate People Partner
✨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 RCI 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 RCI Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate People Partner
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 RCI 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 RCI 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 RCI Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to RCI 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 RCI 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 RCI 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 RCI 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 RCI Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
