ER Specialist

About Us

Supporting Education Group is the leading education services platform in the UK working with schools, learners, multi academy trusts, local authorities, nurseries, and government departments to help solve the biggest human capital challenges facing the sector. Our goal is to empower students, educators, schools and governments with the technology, expertise and resources to ensure a high-quality education for all. The group is shaped into four practices covering qualifications and training, recruitment and supply, professional services and SEND and inclusion with a strong passion and collective purpose to make a positive impact on the education sector.

About the role

As our Employee Relations Specialist, you will provide expert, practical advice across Supporting Education Group, helping managers navigate a wide range of employee relations matters confidently, consistently and fairly. Working as part of the wider People team, you will manage a varied caseload that may include disciplinary and grievance matters, performance management, absence, capability, conduct, flexible working, organisational change and complex workplace concerns. You will support cases from initial assessment through to resolution, ensuring decisions are legally compliant, commercially appropriate and aligned with our policies and values. You will coach and guide managers throughout each process, helping them build their confidence and capability while maintaining a positive employee experience. You will also identify themes and trends across the organisation, using insight from casework to recommend improvements to policies, processes, manager training and wider people practices. This is a highly collaborative role, partnering with People colleagues, leaders and managers across our different businesses to manage risk, resolve issues at the earliest opportunity and promote a fair, inclusive and high-performing working environment. The role offers a working rotation of 2 days in office - 3 days Working Remotely.

About you

You will be an experienced Employee Relations professional with strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and demonstrable experience managing complex and sensitive cases from initial advice through to resolution.

• Significant experience providing employee relations advice within a busy, fast-paced or multi-site organisation.
• Experience managing, completing and raising risk when supporting disciplinaries, grievances, absences, performance, capability and conduct cases.
• Experience with data protection and DSAR awareness in professional communications.
• The ability to interpret employment legislation, internal policies and best practice and translate these into clear, practical advice.
• Experience coaching and influencing managers at different levels of seniority.
• Strong case management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and maintain accurate, confidential records.
• Excellent written communication skills, including experience preparing correspondence, case documentation, investigation reports and outcome letters.
• Sound judgement and the confidence to appropriately challenge decisions while remaining pragmatic and solutions-focused.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle difficult conversations calmly, objectively and sensitively.
• The ability to identify employee relations trends and use data and insight to recommend preventative action.
• A commitment to fairness, inclusion, confidentiality and delivering a positive employee experience.

A CIPD qualification or equivalent employee relations experience would be beneficial, although practical expertise, sound judgement and a strong track record of managing complex cases are equally important.

Benefits

• 28 days' holiday + bank holidays plus an extra day for every year you stay (up to 33) and option to buy up to 5 more days (all pro-rata for part time roles)
• Enhanced paid family leave (after probation pass) to help new parents and long-term carers
• Medical cash plan (after probation pass) making contributions towards everyday health costs such as dental, optical and prescriptions
• Life insurance from day one (up to 4x salary) PLUS free wellbeing support with access to 24/7 GP, counselling, medical second opinions, physiotherapy and lifestyle coaching
• Pension contributions from both of us (after 3 months)
• Discounts access to different options to help your money go further
• Flexible benefits you choose such as extra holiday, healthcare, bikes, gym, electric cars & Give As You Earn (after probation pass)
• Learn & grow with us we invest in your development with ongoing learning, training and career growth opportunities
• Volunteer days 3 paid volunteer days each year, with two dedicated to education

Because great people deserve great benefits. By joining Supporting Education Group, you will become part of a community that is dedicated to transforming lives and sustaining communities, where your voice is heard, your ideas are valued, and your individuality is celebrated. Together, we will continue to advance our passion for education and build brighter futures for all.

Employment offers are subject to satisfactory vetting checks. These checks will be run in line with the latest guidance and legislation. You will need to already have the right to work in the UK, as we are not able to offer any sponsorship(s) for visa applicants.