Employee Relations Manager

Are you looking to join a dynamic local government organisation based in the Kingston Upon Thames area? If so, this opportunity might be perfect for you!

We are looking for an Employee Relations Manager to deliver a customer focused professional ER service, working within the People Policy Framework and overseeing and undertaking employee relations casework, in all areas of dispute, attendance management etc.

They will ensure that clear, balanced and professional advice and guidance is provided, in line with all policies and ER support is provided to services, as defined and required. The role will identify where opportunities to develop and improve HR policy and practice are identified, there is a responsibility to look to apply these across all partners to support the delivery of coordinated solutions and align HR policy, and practice to simplify, standardise and enhance HR service provision.

The postholder will work with a Senior HR Advisor and shared HR & OD apprentice and work with the wider team to manage work allocation. When required, work with external or other support e.g. legal, LBS and other partners to improve and enhance the ER and wider People and OD service provision.

This role will be conducted on a hybrid arrangement.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Implementation and culture change:

• Work with our employment policies and approach to casework management.
• Facilitate informal resolution, where possible and appropriate to do so.
• Influence delivery from our shared service operations to and for RBK requirements in a planned way, where possible.
• Adhere to agreed procedures to maintain effective governance and central management of terms and conditions and contracts (picked up in policy project) including policy version control.

Service Delivery:

• Oversee and undertake casework including attending hearings to demonstrate a responsive action to workforce issues for 2024/ 25 including sickness absence short term, long term and complex mental health and wellbeing (managers action monitored.
• Highlight risks of ET claims and financial exposure.
• Ensure investigation timelines are monitored and escalated when delays incurred, provide mitigating actions to reduce negative impact.
• Support the improvement of service delivery, visible and proactive training for policy and culture and empower the role of the manager, support good union relations and enhance outcomes for staff.
• Review, develop and implement HR policies and procedures, transactional and operational processes, to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and customer focus.
• Provide specialist policy and procedural advice to all areas of HR and OD and service management.
• Make recommendations to managers and identify risks and opportunities to enhance early resolution.
• Oversee the management of HR formal casework, in line with standards set out, including the constitution of panels and representation.
• Represent the organisation at Employment Tribunals where required, engage Senior ER Manager and HoS in support for those attending tribunals.

Personal Requirements:

• Specialist high-level knowledge of an area of work or study e.g. Bachelor’s degree with honours; Graduate certificates & diplomas; Some professional qualifications; and equivalent qualifications, or evidence of demonstrable application in the course of experience.
• Strong understanding of people management and organisational development, the underlying principles and practice - Evidenced by being a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), equivalent qualification and/or evidence of equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Significant experience of advising and negotiating with all levels of management, unions and staff on HR and/or OD work.
• An understanding of Public Sector terms and conditions, the role of local and national agreements, with experience of delivering HR services in a highly unionised environment.
• Experience of working in a large and complex public sector environment, political sensitivity and awareness of the current challenges and issues facing Local Government organisations.
• Experience of influencing management resources to prioritise ER casework.

Working Hours: 9:00 am - 17:00 pm, Monday to Friday

Salary: £45,510 - £50,574 per annum + Benefits