At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers with employee relations and provide expert HR guidance.
- Company: Join the UK's top-rated provider in special education and care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 7 weeks holiday, flexible benefits, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your HR career.
- Qualifications: Experience as an HR Advisor and Level 3 CIPD qualification required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a supportive, diverse work environment.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £35,000 dependant on experience. This role is a hybrid with some travel required across our locations in the North West and Midlands, with occasional group wide meetings across our locations in the UK.
We are the highest Ofsted-rated provider in the country for special education and care. Our teams are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things.
For children with complex needs, the level of care and education we provide must go above and beyond. That’s what drives us here at Witherslack Group. With our high staff-to-child ratio and in-house clinical teams, we’re proud to have won a reputation for excellence and market leading OFSTED ratings.
We’re looking for a proactive and experienced HR Advisor to join Witherslack Group and play a vital role in supporting managers across a regional area with employee relations matters. In this fast-paced position, you will provide expert guidance on:
- Disciplinaries
- Grievances
- Performance management
- Flexible working
- Attendance
- Capability issues
You’ll work closely with senior HR colleagues, Head Teachers, and Registered Managers to deliver effective and innovative HR solutions that align with our evolving business needs and growth plans.
As a trusted advisor, you will manage a high volume of employee relations cases with accuracy and attention to detail, while using HR metrics to influence decision-making and improve organisational performance. Flexibility to travel within your region and occasionally beyond is essential, as you collaborate across locations to embed HR policies and support continuous improvement.
If you thrive on variety, enjoy solving complex people challenges, and want to contribute to an organisation dedicated to delivering better outcomes for young people, this role is a great opportunity for you.
Here’s what we need from you:
- Significant experience working as an HR Advisor in a fast-paced environment with a strong focus on employee relations practices and managing a high volume of ER cases.
- Level 3 CIPD qualification or equivalent, demonstrating solid HR knowledge and professionalism.
- Proven ability to provide independent advice and make confident decisions, offering practical solutions while anticipating and overcoming challenges.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to build and maintain credible business relationships quickly, influencing and challenging constructively when needed.
- Highly confidential and capable of handling sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.
- Proactive, well-organized, and able to manage multiple priorities across stakeholders, with flexibility to travel within and beyond the region as required.
For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the care sector. With us, you’ll get to make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:
- Salary: £28,000 - £35,000 dependant on experience
- Holiday: 7 weeks’ holiday (including bank holidays)
- Flexible benefits package: meaning you can increase/decrease your holiday allowance, pension and life insurance
- Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
- Medical cover for costs like opticians or dentist appointments and a host of high-street discounts
- Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities
- A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost). We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
Employment Relations Advisor employer: Witherslack Group
Contact Detail:
Witherslack Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Relations Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Witherslack Group on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the company’s values and recent achievements. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission will show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and build confidence in discussing your HR expertise and how it relates to employee relations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Relations Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employment Relations Advisor role. Highlight your experience in HR, especially with employee relations, and showcase any relevant qualifications like your CIPD Level 3.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting young people and how your skills align with our mission at Witherslack Group. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and check for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employee relations practices. Familiarise yourself with common issues like disciplinaries and grievances, as well as the specific challenges faced in the education and care sector. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and confidence during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience managing a high volume of ER cases. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've provided independent advice and practical solutions in challenging situations. This will show that you can handle the fast-paced environment they’re looking for.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or family member to refine your verbal communication and ensure you can convey your ideas effectively.
✨Be Proactive and Flexible
Highlight your proactive approach and ability to manage multiple priorities. Be ready to discuss how you’ve adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles, especially when it comes to travelling across locations. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their dynamic work environment.