At a Glance
- Tasks: Support employee relations by advising on complex cases and developing inclusive policies.
- Company: Join UK Biobank, a leader in health research with a focus on people development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days of annual leave, hybrid working, and a range of wellness perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in creating a positive workplace culture and support employees.
- Qualifications: Experience in handling grievances and strong knowledge of employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Employee Relations (ER) Specialist role at UK Biobank.
Application Deadline: 28 September 2025
Department: People & Development
Location: Cheadle
Compensation: £38,000 - £40,000 / year
Role Description
As an ER Specialist, you’ll play a key role in supporting our People and Development team by providing expert advice and guidance on employee relations matters. From complex casework to policy development, your work will help ensure a positive, inclusive, and legally compliant working environment across the organisation.
Responsibilities
- Advising and supporting managers on ER issues, including complex or high-risk cases
- Monitoring people data trends (e.g. absence) and developing action plans
- Supporting performance management processes and action plans
- Promoting early resolution of grievances through mediation or facilitated conversations
- Leading or supporting investigations into misconduct, ensuring accurate documentation
- Advising on sickness absence and health-related issues, including complex cases
- Supporting consultations related to restructures, redundancies, or TUPE transfers
- Contributing to the development and improvement of ER policies and processes
- Supporting the delivery of Management Masterclasses and sharing legislative updates
Working pattern: Monday to Friday, hybrid working arrangements based in Greater Manchester (initially Stockport, moving to Manchester Science Park in 2026).
Essential Knowledge and Experience
- Significant experience handling employee grievances and disciplinary cases
- Proven ability to advise managers and senior leaders on complex ER issues
- Ability to take accurate notes during hearings and meetings
- Comprehensive knowledge of employment law and relevant legislation
- Experience monitoring and reporting on ER trends to inform policy
- Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments
- Strong communication skills—both verbal and written
- Analytical thinking and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation
- High integrity, confidentiality, and impartiality
Desirable Knowledge and Experience
- CIPD Qualification
- Project management experience
Your Wellbeing Matters to Us
- 26 Days’ Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service
- Holiday Buy Scheme (up to one additional week per year)
- Birthday Leave – paid day off
- USS Pension Scheme – hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Enhanced Family Leave – maternity, paternity, and adoption from day one
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Season Ticket Loan
- Professional Subscriptions reimbursement
- Learning budget for courses and books
- Free On-Site Gym
- Subsidised Canteen Lunches
- Free Car Parking on-site
- Employee Discounts Portal
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Annual Flu Vaccination
- Life Assurance Cover
The job advert closing date may change. If you are planning to apply, please do so without delay.
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Employee Relations (ER) Specialist in Stockport employer: UK Biobank
At UK Biobank, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and wellbeing-focused culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a range of benefits including generous annual leave, hybrid working options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, our Greater Manchester locations provide a dynamic environment for Information Security Engineers to thrive while contributing to groundbreaking biomedical research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations (ER) Specialist in Stockport
✨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 UK Biobank!
✨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 UK Biobank.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations (ER) Specialist in Stockport
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 UK Biobank. 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 UK Biobank 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 UK Biobank. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to UK Biobank'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 UK Biobank
✨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 UK Biobank.
✨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 UK Biobank 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 UK Biobank and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
