Employee Relations (ER) Advisor

Job title: Employee Relations (ER) Advisor
Job Type: Contract
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Start date: Immediate
Duration: 12 months with possible extension
Pay rate: Negotiable depending on skills and experience
Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire / Hybrid

About UKAEA:
At the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), they're at the forefront of nuclear fusion research, striving to make fusion energy a viable and sustainable energy source for the future. Their mission is to lead the commercial development of fusion power and related technology, creating clean energy that will transform how we power the world. They offer an inspiring and collaborative working environment, committed to innovation, excellence, and the well-being of their people.

Role Overview:
As an Employee Relations (ER) Advisor, you will be a key member of the Policy and Employee Relations Team, responsible for UKAEA's employment policy framework and ER strategy. Your role will involve providing expert advice and guidance on all people-related matters, ensuring a consistent and effective case management approach. You will handle low to medium complexity ER cases, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, and performance-related issues, ensuring they are managed swiftly and in line with organizational policy and legal requirements.

Key Responsibilities:
* Lead on employee relations issues, managing cases effectively and advising on risks and mitigation options.
* Provide professional advice to employees and managers on people processes and procedures, ensuring compliance with employment law and best practices.
* Manage low to medium complexity ER cases, ensuring timely resolution in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
* Collaborate with the ER team to review, develop, and update HR policies and procedures.
* Deliver training and coaching sessions on people management, employee relations best practices, employment law, and HR policies.
* Support senior ER colleagues in their initiatives and proactively manage your development in relevant areas.
* Monitor employment law developments and advise on potential risks to ensure organizational compliance.
* Maintain accurate and confidential records of all ER cases, ensuring GDPR compliance.
* Work with the Payroll and Project Manager to ensure pay-related ER situations are documented and processed correctly.
* Use and interpret management information to identify case trends/issues and share insights with the People Department and managers.
* Contribute to employee engagement initiatives and provide feedback from an employee relations perspective.
* Liaise with external legal partners under the guidance of the ER Specialist.
* Collaborate across the People Strategy Team to enhance service delivery.
* Manage purchase requisitions and ensure legal spend is tracked appropriately.
* Demonstrate a deep understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion in all activities.
* Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the ER Specialist, People Policy Writer, or Head of Employee Relations.

Qualifications and Experience:
* Significant HR experience and/or CIPD Level 5 qualification.
* Extensive experience in employee relations, including disciplinary, grievance, and absence cases.
* Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently.
* Strong ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work with minimal supervision.
* Proficiency in Excel and experience with HR IT systems (e.g., recruitment/candidate tracking systems, Helpdesk/service management systems, SharePoint, ERP systems like Agresso/Unit 4).
* Discretion in handling personal information and accuracy in note-taking and record-keeping.
* Effective leadership in coaching conversations.

Please note that applicants must live in the UK and have the right to work in the UK. We cannot provide VISA sponsorship.

Interested in this position? please click "apply now"
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This vacancy is being advertised by Rullion Ltd acting as an employment business
Since 1978, Rullion has been securing exceptional candidates for a range of clients; from large well-known brands, to SMEs and start-ups. As a family-owned business, Rullion's approach is credible and honest, focused on building long-lasting relationships with both clients and candidates.

Rullion is a forward-thinking recruitment company that specialises in providing a wide range of talent consultancy services to a diverse client base; from small start-ups to large household names.
We celebrate and support diversity and are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants