Employee Relations Business Partner
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
Employee Relations Business Partner
Company: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]
Location: Epinal Way, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU
Salary: £35,608 to £46,049 a year
Contract: Permanent, Full-time, Hybrid
Closing date: 10 May 2026
Job summary
2 posts available: 1 x Full time and open ended and 1 x Full time to cover maternity leave, available on Hybrid basis.
Ready to lead complex casework and shape a progressive, partnership driven HR service?
At [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], our HR function is evolving to deliver a more proactive, partnership driven and people centered service that supports our mission of Creating Better Futures. Together. After two years of exciting progress, we are continuing to reshape how we work and this is your opportunity to be part of that journey.
As a Employee Relations Business Partner (ERBP), you will lead on complex and sensitive employee relations casework across the University. You will provide expert, timely and riskaware advice, ensuring cases are managed consistently, fairly and with compassion. From highrisk conduct and capability matters to long term health, grievance and organisational change cases, you will be the specialist that colleagues and leaders turn to for confident, evidence based guidance.
You will be CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent) and will have experience of delivering ER casework within a large, complex organisation. Crucially, you will be able to demonstrate your expertise in navigating complex HR issues, engaging with stakeholders, and achieving balanced, pragmatic outcomes.
Main duties of the job
We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment and expect the same commitment from our colleagues.
We recognise the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and many roles can be suitable for hybrid dynamic working arrangements. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
For informal enquiries please contact Hayley Short, Senior HR Business Partner by email [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal].
For more information, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
Application Process
For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application. Please ensure that your supporting statement clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. CVs will be considered along aside your supporting statement.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 10 May 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 19 May 2026
About us
Universities are one of this country's greatest assets. Were educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society.
At [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better.
Job responsibilities
School/Department summary: The Department of Human Resources is a key professional service within the University. We support the Universitys mission by delivering a high quality, progressive, equitable and inclusive employment experience, working closely with leaders in the organisation. Our vision is for the University to be a diverse and inspiring place to work that enables people to be themselves and perform at the highest levels in support of the Universitys ambitions.
- Provide end-to-end employee relations case management support across the University, managing cases from early resolution through to appeal stages.
- Lead support for investigations, creating investigation strategies based on the unique circumstances of each case, conducting risk assessments as appropriate, assisting in report development, and coordinating with stakeholders to progress cases.
- Develop adventurous and creative solutions to employee relations that enhance the employee experience and add value to the process and outcomes.
- Coach and support managers to build confidence and capability in handling employee relations matters, reducing reliance on formal processes through early intervention and effective people management.
- Lead and support organisational change and restructuring activity across the University, ensuring compliance with policy, employment law, and best practice.
- Lead on immigration casework, with technical guidance and support from the Senior Immigration Officer ensuring compliance and efficient, sensitive case handling.
- Use employee relations casework data and insights to identify trends, risks, and emerging issues, escalating key findings and recommendations to the Senior HR Business Partner.
- Take proactive ownership of reviewing and improving HR policies, procedures, and guidance, ensuring they remain effective and keeping key stakeholders informed.
- Support the development and delivery of training initiatives and resources to enhance management capability.
- Engage constructively with Trade Union representatives and key stakeholders to maintain positive working relationships and support effective case management.
- Proactively promote and support wellbeing-focused approaches within employee relations practice.
- Ensure all case management details are recorded accurately on the Case Work Tracker and that reviews of case progress and risk are conducted.
- Embed equity, diversity, and inclusion principles into all employee relations activities and decision making.
- Maintain confidentiality in relation to people matters and information management complying with GDPR.
- Work collaboratively with other teams in HR to deliver a seamless and high-quality service to stakeholders.
- Any other reasonable duties assigned by the Director of HR.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree level education or equivalent experience
- CIPD Level 5
Desirable
- CIPD Level 7
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- An understanding of how HR can contribute to creating a high quality, progressive and inclusive employment experience.
- Proven ability to work on own initiative and meet project deliverables.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in HR to achieve the best outcomes.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Proven ability to prioritise task and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills to be able to build relationships with a range of stakeholders and influence them to deliver the project requirements.
- Strong analytical skills to be able to understand, analyse and report on data sets.
- Up to date knowledge of employment law.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in an HR team in a large, complex organisation.
- Experience of dealing with complex HR issues including employee relations casework.
- Experience of working with stakeholders to understand their needs
- Experience of managing change initiatives.
- Experience of delivering training.
- Experience of applying immigration legislation and policy to casework.
- Experience of maintaining confidentiality and compliance with GDPR.
Desirable
- Experience of working in higher education.
- Experience of mediation and or coaching.
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.
Employer details
Employer name: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]
Address: Epinal Way, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU
Employer's website: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Senior HR Business Partner, Hayley Short, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]
Additional information
Date posted: 05 May 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £35,608 to £46,049 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working
Reference number: N0089-26-0000
Job locations: Epinal Way, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU
Supporting links: Job Description and Person Specification | Application Link for [Employer hidden]
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