Employee Relations HR Advisor

Job Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations Advisor to provide a proactive, professional, and customer-focused HR advisory service. The role is responsible for managing a wide range of employee relations matters and supporting managers with complex people issues in line with employment legislation, organisational policies, and best practice.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor, managing end-to-end casework and contributing to the development of HR policies, employee wellbeing initiatives, and people-focused projects.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Casework Management

• Act as the lead advisor and primary point of contact for employee relations matters.
• Provide expert guidance to managers on disciplinary, grievance, capability, probation, and performance management processes.
• Support and conduct investigations, ensuring cases are managed fairly, consistently, and within agreed timescales.
• Advise on employment legislation, internal policies, and HR best practice.
• Build management capability by coaching and supporting managers in handling employee relations issues effectively.

Flexible Working, Family Leave & Career Breaks

• Manage and advise on flexible working requests from application through to outcome.
• Provide guidance on family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, and parental leave.
• Coordinate career break arrangements and support employees returning to work following extended periods of leave.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and organisational policies.

Attendance Management & Wellbeing

• Support managers with attendance management, sickness absence processes, and return-to-work discussions.
• Monitor absence trends and provide insight and recommendations to support improvements in attendance.
• Promote employee wellbeing initiatives and contribute to creating a positive workplace culture.
• Liaise with occupational health and other support services where required.

HR Policy, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct exit interviews and analyse feedback to identify trends and opportunities for retention improvement.
• Review, update, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and manager guidance documentation.
• Maintain accurate employee relations case records and produce regular management information and reports.
• Support HR projects, research activities, and the preparation of business cases and reports.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement within HR processes.

General Responsibilities

• Build effective working relationships with managers and employees at all levels.
• Promote an inclusive working environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with data protection requirements.
• Keep up to date with developments in employment law and HR best practice through continuous professional development.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role.

Experience

• Experience advising managers on employee relations matters.
• Experience handling employee relations casework, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, and performance issues.
• Experience using HR systems and maintaining accurate employee records.
• Experience supporting recruitment and selection processes.

Skills & Knowledge

• Sound knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Pragmatic and solutions-focused approach to employee relations.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and HR information systems.
• High level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Desirable

• CIPD Level 5 qualification.
• Experience supporting organisational change and redundancy processes.
• Experience analysing HR data and producing management reports.
• Experience within an education, public sector, or multi-site environment.
• Knowledge of HR systems such as iTrent or similar

Benefits:

• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays + college closure days
• Local Government Pension Scheme (24.3% employer contribution)
• Free parking across all campuses
• Career progression and development opportunities
• Access to subsidised leisure courses
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Family-friendly policies and good work-life balance
• On-site coffee shop and cafeteria
• Health and wellbeing benefits
• Discounted gym memberships
• Confidential staff counselling service

Office Angels is an employment agency and business. We are an equal-opportunities employer who puts expertise, energy and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities and more. By showcasing talents, skills and unique experiences in an inclusive environment, we help individuals thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

Office Angels acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. Office Angels UK is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Office Angels. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explaining how we will use your information is available on our website.