Job summary Location: Across sites, both Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (frequency of visits to each site, to be agreed locally) Position Type: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week Salary: Band 8a -£53,755 - £60,504 per annum The Senior Employee Relations Manager, based across the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust plays a vital role in delivering strategic leadership in employee relations. Overseeing a wide range of operational functions and guaranteeing the application of outstanding employee relations practices, the suitable candidate will play a crucial role in promoting a fair and learning-oriented culture within the Trusts, encouraging ongoing improvement, and enhancing organisational resilience. Main duties of the job As a key strategic collaborator, the Senior Employee Relations Manager is tasked with effectively managing and advancing employee relations practices across both trusts. This dynamic position demands a proactive approach to leading the Employee Relations Team, ensuring their activities align with the trusts' strategic goals while fostering an environment of collaboration and empowerment. About us Our vision for Single Corporate ServicesIsle of Wight NHS Trust (IWT) and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) have a shared vision of a single corporate service across our two organisations, supported by a single set of identical systems and processes, under joint leadership, to drive significant efficiencies, improve employee experience, and return time to patient care. This vacancy is part of the Single Corporate Services Division. Why are we changing the way we deliver Corporate Services?Working as a partnership, both IWT and PHU have a shared vision for excellence in care for our patients and communities; with a set of strategic aims underpinning how we will achieve this. The creation of a single corporate service is essential for us to support our clinical and operational services, and our wider transformation programme. The single corporate service is delivered across both organisation. You may be based at either IWT or PHU and individuals may be required to undertake business travel between sites. For leaders managing staff across multi-site locations, you will need to be visible and provide in person leadership. The arrangements and frequency will be agreed locally. Date posted 10 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £53,755 to £60,504 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number REF1156I Job locations Lakeside North Harbour Cosham Hampshire PO6 3EZ Job description Job responsibilities Key Responsibilities: Provide strategic oversight and direction for the Employee Relations Team, setting ambitious targets and cultivating a high-performance culture that aligns with the Trusts mission and values. Mentor and develop team members to enhance their capabilities, ensuring they are equipped to address complex employee relations issues while promoting a learning and just workplace environment. Collaborate closely with the Head of Employee Relations and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion(EDI) to define and implement People strategies that drive organisational effectiveness,improve employee engagement, and support continuous cultural improvement initiatives. Lead case reviews for complex employee relations matters, applying a just and learningapproach to conflict resolution and employee engagement, ensuring fairness andtransparency in all processes. Please note, this position has also been advertised on the Isle of Wight NHS Trusts jobs page. If you are interested in this position and wish to apply, there is no requirement for you to submit two separate applications. Please note your application may be transferred to the Isle of Wight Applicant Tracking System (ATS) if you are selected for an interview Job description Job responsibilities Key Responsibilities: Provide strategic oversight and direction for the Employee Relations Team, setting ambitious targets and cultivating a high-performance culture that aligns with the Trusts mission and values. Mentor and develop team members to enhance their capabilities, ensuring they are equipped to address complex employee relations issues while promoting a learning and just workplace environment. Collaborate closely with the Head of Employee Relations and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion(EDI) to define and implement People strategies that drive organisational effectiveness,improve employee engagement, and support continuous cultural improvement initiatives. Lead case reviews for complex employee relations matters, applying a just and learningapproach to conflict resolution and employee engagement, ensuring fairness andtransparency in all processes. Please note, this position has also been advertised on the Isle of Wight NHS Trusts jobs page. If you are interested in this position and wish to apply, there is no requirement for you to submit two separate applications. Please note your application may be transferred to the Isle of Wight Applicant Tracking System (ATS) if you are selected for an interview Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree/ professional qualification or equivalent significant relevant experience Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Professional Qualification (Post graduate level 7) or equivalent Evidence of continuing personal and professional development Desirable Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Coaching Qualification Experience Essential Previous experience of managing complex employee relations casework, including sickness absence and health and wellbeing. Able to demonstrate the delivery of initiatives that have reduced sickness absence Policy development. Designing and/or improving process and systems Supervising/managing staff Providing high quality case supervision Positively engaging with trade unions and staff In depth knowledge and experience of employment legislation to include TUPE Transfers, understanding of Discrimination (constructive dismissal, Discrimination) Desirable Experience of a large, highly complex organisation / NHS Facilitation Skills Employment Tribunal preparation Employment Legal negotiations Trained Additional criteria Essential Good understanding of best practice in improving attendance and creating healthy work environments Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a particular emphasis on report writing for the board and employment tribunals. Evidence of expertise, interest and continuing professional development in sickness management and/or supporting staff with disabilities Strong track record and commitment to equality and inclusion with expert knowledge of disability Demonstrable experience of interpreting and applying terms and conditions of an organisation Digital literacy with ability to effectively use technology to work efficiently and deliver objectives Sound understanding of employment legislation and regulations, with experience in dealing with employment tribunals and related legal matters. Experience in handling sensitive HR issues and employee relations matters, including managing conflicts and disputes effectively. Sound understanding and interpretation of NHS Medical and national Terms and Conditions (e.g. Agenda for Change) Understanding of health and safety standards; NICE guidance and the latest best practice in improving attendance at work Desirable Able to demonstrate innovation and new approaches in improving attendance Experience in safeguarding and PipPot process. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree/ professional qualification or equivalent significant relevant experience Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Professional Qualification (Post graduate level 7) or equivalent Evidence of continuing personal and professional development Desirable Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Coaching Qualification Experience Essential Previous experience of managing complex employee relations casework, including sickness absence and health and wellbeing. Able to demonstrate the delivery of initiatives that have reduced sickness absence Policy development. Designing and/or improving process and systems Supervising/managing staff Providing high quality case supervision Positively engaging with trade unions and staff In depth knowledge and experience of employment legislation to include TUPE Transfers, understanding of Discrimination (constructive dismissal, Discrimination) Desirable Experience of a large, highly complex organisation / NHS Facilitation Skills Employment Tribunal preparation Employment Legal negotiations Trained Additional criteria Essential Good understanding of best practice in improving attendance and creating healthy work environments Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a particular emphasis on report writing for the board and employment tribunals. Evidence of expertise, interest and continuing professional development in sickness management and/or supporting staff with disabilities Strong track record and commitment to equality and inclusion with expert knowledge of disability Demonstrable experience of interpreting and applying terms and conditions of an organisation Digital literacy with ability to effectively use technology to work efficiently and deliver objectives Sound understanding of employment legislation and regulations, with experience in dealing with employment tribunals and related legal matters. Experience in handling sensitive HR issues and employee relations matters, including managing conflicts and disputes effectively. Sound understanding and interpretation of NHS Medical and national Terms and Conditions (e.g. Agenda for Change) Understanding of health and safety standards; NICE guidance and the latest best practice in improving attendance at work Desirable Able to demonstrate innovation and new approaches in improving attendance Experience in safeguarding and PipPot process. 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Address Lakeside North Harbour Cosham Hampshire PO6 3EZ Employer's website https://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/work-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)