About this role
Job summary We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and committed Employee Relations Advisorto join our team at GESH (St George's, Epsom and St Helier Hospitals). This is an exciting time to join GESH, as we continue to develop and embed new and improved ways of working across the Trust. This role offers a real opportunity to make a meaningful impact, providing expert Employee Relations support and contributing to a positive, fair, and consistent approach to people management. As an Employee Relations Advisor, you will manage a diverse ER caseload, including sickness absence, disciplinary, grievance, and capability matters. You will work proactively in partnership with managers, agreeing clear action plans and providing practical, evidence-based advice and recommendations. The role will support a dedicated divisional area within one of our main hospitals (St George's, Epsom and St Helier Hospitals), with a main base at either St Georges Hospital or offices in Epsom. In order to meet the needs of the group's services the postholder will be required to travel to and/or work at any of the groups hospital sites.
Main duties of the job
To proactively advise managers in all aspects of employee relations including, conduct, performance management, grievance, dignity at work and sickness absence in line with Group policies, employment law, equality principles and good practice.
About us
St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey.Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.
At gesh we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.
Job description Job responsibilities
Advise managers regarding the full range of employee relations processes including informal staff meetings, initial fact finding, investigations and hearings in accordance with Trust values, policies and procedures to enable all cases to be handled in a fair, transparent and timely way.
Ensure consistency of approach across the Trust so that employees have a full, fair and impartial hearing and appropriate action is taken.
Provide balanced and pragmatic advice and guidance, taking into account clinical and operational issues concerning patient safety and cost.
Be responsible for, and take proactive ownership of, assigned cases ensuring the Employee Relations Specialist is regularly updated about progress.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
HR knowledge to degree level (or significant commensurate HR experience) Professional HR qualification (CIPD - level 5 or working towards with equivalent experience) Ongoing continuous professional development in HR/ER related topics
Desirable
Formal training in a relevant topic such as coaching, mediation or employment law Level 7 CIPD qualification
Experience Essential
Demonstrable experience of advising a range of stakeholders on a broad range of HR/ER issues Experience of managing ER cases such as attendance, grievance, conduct and capability Evidence of having a positive impact on an organisation, achieved through excellent influencing skills
Desirable
Experience in the design, delivery and evaluation of training programmes Experience of TUPE or major organisational change Experience of working in the NHS or another large unionised organisation Experience of dealing with multiple complex cases and challenging scenarios
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Demonstrable knowledge of current employment legislation and best practice in ER policies, principles and procedures Excellent written and verbal communication skills engaging effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders at all levels Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver multiple activities within agreed deadlines and to agreed standards with consistent attention to detail Strong analytical skills, able to analyse information effectively identifying the causes of problems and proposing realistic and practical solutions to address them based on knowledge and understanding of an organisation and its operating environment Ability to develop strong relationships and coach, challenge and influence to ensure effective ER solutions, balancing risk and commerciality and resolve conflict where necessary Sound knowledge of Employment Law, Case Law and best practice Able to work flexibly in a busy team environment Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people Ability to manage conflicting deadlines and demands
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address St Georges Hospital
Blackshaw Road
Tooting
SW17 0QT
Employer's website https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)