Employee Relations Partner

Job summary

Are you passionate about helping managers navigate people challenges and creating a positive workplace experience for colleagues? As part of our newly established People & Culture Directorate, we are looking for an enthusiastic and customer-focused Employee Relations Partner to join our Employee Relations team. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your career in employee relations, working closely with managers across the Trust to provide practical, timely, and professional advice on a wide range of workforce matters.

Main duties of the job

As an Employee Relations Partner, you will support managers with a variety of employee relations matters, with a particular focus on attendance management, whilst also providing advice on conduct, performance, grievances, dignity at work issues, and NHS terms and conditions. Working as part of the wider People & Culture team, you will: Provide professional employee relations advice and support to managers. Support attendance management processes and sickness reduction initiatives. Coach managers to build confidence and capability in managing people matters. Analyse workforce information and identify trends to support service improvement. Work collaboratively with Staff Health & Wellbeing, Trade Union representatives, and People colleagues. Support the delivery of training, workforce initiatives, and policy development activities.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job responsibilities

Main duties of the job

As an Employee Relations Partner, you will support managers with a variety of employee relations matters, with a particular focus on attendance management, whilst also providing advice on conduct, performance, grievances, dignity at work issues, and NHS terms and conditions.

Working as part of the wider People & Culture team, you will:

• Provide professional employee relations advice and support to managers.
• Support attendance management processes and sickness reduction initiatives.
• Coach managers to build confidence and capability in managing people matters.
• Analyse workforce information and identify trends to support service improvement.
• Work collaboratively with Staff Health & Wellbeing, Trade Union representatives, and People colleagues.
• Support the delivery of training, workforce initiatives, and policy development activities.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Experience in a People, HR, or workforce-related role.
• Knowledge of employment law and employee relations best practice.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work in a busy environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A commitment to fairness, inclusion, and improving colleague experience.

For an information discussion contact Anuja Gupta, Employee Relations Lead via [email protected]

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level and/or equivalent level of experience in people/ HR related role
• Evidence of CPD including relevant employment law

Experience

Essential

• Generalist HR knowledge base and experience
• Excellent communication skills
• Well organised and ability to work under pressure, plan effectively and work to tight deadlines
• Sound knowledge of employment law and best practice