People Relations Advisor (Casework)

The University has a values-led Vision and Strategy which sets out an ambitious and exciting journey, to be a people focused, world-leading university that harnesses academic excellence, innovation and creativity to advance knowledge and provide benefits to individuals, to organisations and to society as a whole. To achieve this vision, we recognise that our people, and our culture are critical to our success.

 As part of this journey, we are seeking three experienced HR professionals to join our People Relations and Policies Team to provide additional capacity and support as we deliver our ambitious plans.

 As a People Relations Advisor (Casework) you will work closely with managers, trade union representatives, and other key stakeholders, to provide expert guidance across a broad range of employee relations and people matters, with a key focus initially being on effectively managing employee relations cases and supporting a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

 If you enjoy employee relations and are looking for a role where your employment law knowledge and HR skills and experience are really valued then this is a great opportunity to join our professional and experienced People Relations Team and apply your professional expertise in a large, complex and unionised environment,

 As the successful candidate you will have substantial HR experience a creative, solutions orientated approach to issue resolution and a strong track record of working collaboratively with colleagues. You will also be able to demonstrate your ability to effectively manage complex employee relations issues, drawing on your strong communication, influencing and organisational skills.

 For more information, about this opportunity to make a real difference and be part of a great team, please contact Marie Richardson, Head of People Relations and Policy, marie.richardson@newcastle.ac.uk, who would love to hear from you.

 To apply, please upload your CV along with a cover letter evidencing how your skills and experience align to the person specification as outlined within the job description.

 This role is full time, fixed term, for a period of two years.

 Interviews will be held on 16 and 17 July.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide Employee Relations advice, coaching and support to managers in order to ensure a positive Employee Relations environment is developed and maintained (e.g. disciplinary/grievance handling, severance etc.) To advise and coach managers on dealing with performance management issues
• Research, draft, amend or update employment policies in line with changing needs and legislative requirements. To provide management information to senior officers/Pro-Vice-Chancellors/Managers in order to contribute to business decisions
• Support and work alongside colleagues in People Services to provide a coordinated and efficient service in line with operational and People Services objectives
• Support the wider People Services Business Partnering team by providing generalist HR advice and operational support across the employee lifecycle, contributing to the delivery of people initiatives and ensuring consistent application of HR policies and procedures
• Support managers with a range of People Services processes, such as reorganisations, contract changes, redundancy consultation process, TUPE, Flexible working requests, etc
• Advise and support managers dealing with sickness absence. Including advising on sickness monitoring and referrals to occupational health. Working with Occupational health, colleagues and managers in resolving issues surrounding sickness absence and assisting managers as appropriate with managing outcomes. Facilitating meetings and ensuring reasonable adjustments are implemented to enable colleagues to return to work
• Be involved in negotiations with trades unions on matters effecting the contracts of employment and conditions of service for colleagues in order to ensure that matters are effectively resolved and documented and all relevant parties consulted

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Substantial People Services experience across a range of People Services (HR) activities
• People Services experience in Higher Education or similar complex and large organisation
• Evidence of supporting managers with performance and capability issues
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment legislation
• Well-developed influencing, facilitation and negotiating skills
• Evidence of dealing with complex employee relations issues
• Evidence of excellent organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise and deliver across a range of work activities and juggle a busy workload
• Ability to develop effective and sustainable partnerships with trade unions

Attributes and Behaviour

• Excellent communicator, at all levels, both verbal and written
• Excellent team player, who has experience of working in a collegiate way
• Strong track record working collaboratively with colleagues, at all levels, across the organisation
• Ability to influence and persuade to gain support
• Supports the University's core value of equality, diversity and inclusion through inclusive and respectful behaviour, while fostering an environment in which lawful freedom of speech and academic freedom are respected
• Creative, solution-oriented approach to issue resolution
• Resilience and sensitivity when dealing with complex people matters

Qualifications

• CIPD qualified
• Degree or equivalent experience
• MCIPD - Desirable