Employee Relations Specialist (PO4) in London

Employee Relations Specialist (PO4) in London

London Full-Time 29 - 29 £ / hour (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide expert HR advice and support on employee relations issues.
  • Company: Join Islington Council, committed to fairness and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Earn £29 per hour with flexible working options.
  • Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in creating an inclusive workplace.
  • Qualifications: CIPD qualification and experience in complex HR matters required.

The predicted salary is between 29 - 29 £ per hour.

Job Category: Human Resources

Location: 222 Upper Street, London, Islington, N1 1XR, London Borough of Islington

Salary: £29.00 per hour

One day in the office is the minimum requirement; however, additional office attendance may be required depending on the needs of the service.

Our Ambition

We are determined to make Islington fairer by creating a place where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to reach their potential and enjoy a good quality of life. We are committed to becoming the best council in the country, with every employee understanding their role and feeling inspired, focused, and supported to perform at their best. Our goal is to build an organisation where employees feel valued, empowered, and motivated to help achieve our objectives while delivering outstanding services to residents.

Our Values and Behaviours

"Be Islington" sets the standard for all employees and new recruits. Employees are expected to demonstrate the CARE values:

  • Ambitious
  • Resourceful
  • Empowering

These behaviours support our vision of working together to create a fairer borough.

Our Commitment to Challenging Inequality

We are committed to tackling:

  • Inequality
  • Racism

We aim to create a workplace that is:

  • Free from discrimination
  • Free from racism
  • Free from inequality
  • Inclusive and supportive for all staff

We achieve this by:

  • Ensuring our workforce reflects the diversity of our residents.
  • Creating equitable working environments and diverse teams.
  • Understanding residents' needs to design services that tackle inequality.
  • Appreciating and valuing individual differences.
  • Considering issues from multiple cultural perspectives.
  • Supporting employees with long-term health conditions and disabilities.
  • Promoting flexible working arrangements wherever possible.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations Advice and Support

  • Provide high-quality professional HR advice and guidance to senior managers on complex employee relations issues affecting individuals and groups.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with managers and key stakeholders.
  • Support managers in achieving positive employee relations outcomes.
  • Advise managers on the application of council policies, procedures, pay, and conditions of service.
  • Provide guidance on legal requirements and HR best practice.

Case Management

  • Manage and support casework involving:
    • Disciplinary matters
    • Capability issues
    • Attendance and absence management
    • Grievances
    • Other complex employee relations matters

Early Intervention

  • Support managers in addressing employee relations issues informally before formal procedures become necessary.
  • Promote effective people management practices across the organisation.

Trade Union Relations

  • Develop and maintain productive relationships with trade union representatives.
  • Facilitate constructive dialogue between management, employees, and unions.
  • Support service development, organisational change, conflict resolution, and workplace improvement.

Hearings and Appeals

  • Provide professional advice and support during formal hearings and appeals.
  • Review cases and ensure compliance with policy and employment legislation.
  • Advise on dismissal appeals and other complex employment matters.
  • Support Employment Tribunal cases in liaison with legal colleagues.

Settlement Agreements

  • Prepare settlement agreement documentation following authorised requests.
  • Undertake follow-up actions associated with settlement cases.

Change Management

  • Lead and support organisational change initiatives, including:
    • Restructures
    • Redundancies
    • TUPE transfers

Responsibilities include:

  • Managing HR projects
  • Identifying and mitigating risks
  • Assessing employment liabilities
  • Ensuring change programmes are delivered effectively

HR Information and Reporting

  • Ensure HR records are accurate, up to date, and compliant.
  • Maintain high-quality HR management information (MI).
  • Support organisational workforce planning requirements.

Manager Coaching and Development

  • Coach and develop line managers in employee relations best practice.
  • Equip managers with skills to handle employee relations matters confidently.
  • Reduce dependency on formal HR intervention through knowledge transfer.
  • Monitor trends and emerging issues in employee relations casework.
  • Identify opportunities for improving HR policies, procedures, and working practices.
  • Develop tools, templates, and guidance to support managers.
  • Promote consistency and best practice across the organisation.

Resources and Financial Management

  • Ensure effective financial management and cost control.
  • Maximise value for money across all activities.
  • Manage resources efficiently in response to changing priorities and service demands.
  • Ensure resources are deployed effectively to achieve organisational objectives.

Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with:
    • GDPR requirements
    • Health and Safety regulations
    • Internal policies and procedures

Responsibilities include:

  • Identifying risks and opportunities
  • Escalating issues where appropriate
  • Maintaining professional and legal standards

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

  • CIPD qualification or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience
  • Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
  • Experience advising on restructures, redundancies, TUPE and redeployment processes
  • Experience working within a unionised environment and building positive relationships with trade unions
  • Experience providing high-quality HR advice on complex employment relations issues

Essential Skills and Knowledge

  • Good knowledge of employment legislation and its practical application
  • Knowledge of employee relations procedures and Employment Tribunal processes

Employee Relations Specialist (PO4) in London employer: Wax Recruitment Ltd

Pembrokeshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Haverfordwest. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative culture, staff are encouraged to grow through mentorship and training opportunities while contributing to meaningful regeneration projects that enhance the community. The council prioritises sustainability and social value, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about making a positive impact.

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Contact Details:

Wax Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Specialist (PO4) in London

✨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 Wax Recruitment Ltd!

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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 Wax Recruitment Ltd.

We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Specialist (PO4) in London

Employee Relations
HR Advice and Guidance
Case Management
Disciplinary Procedures
Grievance Handling
Trade Union Relations
Change Management

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 Wax Recruitment Ltd. 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 Wax Recruitment Ltd 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 Wax Recruitment Ltd. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Wax Recruitment Ltd'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 Wax Recruitment Ltd

✨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 Wax Recruitment Ltd.

✨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 Wax Recruitment Ltd 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 Wax Recruitment Ltd and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.