Job Purpose

See compensation detail in our 'What We Offer' section below. 

We are the charity who look after and bring to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, because we believe that life is better by water. Every role across the Trust plays it's part in transforming our canals and rivers into spaces where local people want to spend time and feel better, bringing wellbeing benefits to millions.

We currently have an opportunity for an Employee Relations Officer responsible for managing day to day Employee Relations (ER) cases in collaboration with the Head of ER, HR Business Partners and senior stakeholders. Whilst experience in Employee Relations is preferred, a willingness to be developed and learn will be an essential requirement.

Being part of a small team of ER Officers, you will provide advice, support, coaching and guidance across the organisation through the interpretation and application of employment provisions, HR best practice and relevant employment legislation.

Role holders ensure the application of effective HR process and practice when seeking resolution to employment issues in a timely and effective manner in line with the Canal & River Trust’s values and corporate ethos.

Location

The role will be based working from home, with the allocation of a nearby Hub for collaborative working in either our Leeds, Birmingham, Gloucester, Milton Keynes, Ellesmere Port, Burnley or Newark offices.

Applicants would ideally be accessible to Leeds for intermittent catch ups with the leadership team.

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

Advise and support line managers, on employment matters; guiding them through appropriate procedures e.g. sickness absence/attendance management, handling of grievances, disciplinaries, appeals, performance, health, capability, mediation, consultations, probation.

Actively support managers prepare for formal people discussions and continue through the formal stages of case work.  This may include cases up to and including dismissal, although any proposed dismissal would be subject to review by the Head of Employee Relations.

Provide technical and legal advice to managers, ensuring matters are handled fairly, consistently and in a timely manner, in line with legislation as well as company policies and procedures

Coach and develop managers in order to increase capability in handling Employee Relations matters, including Absence, Performance Management, Disciplinary and Grievance, Appeals, Health and Capability, Sickness Absence, Mediation, Consultation, Probation. Manage the process of varying terms and conditions to ensure accuracy of data, consistency, fairness and that the process is completed within a timely manner.

Support employee relations activities such as liaising with trade union representatives on employment matters and attending team meetings, and other meetings as appropriate.

Liaise with third party providers to ensure appropriate service and support is provided for relevant ER matters, i.e. Occupational Health, Pension Trustee’s.

Work closely with the People Business Partner team and support to identify improved employment policies and practices.

Support People Directorate colleagues to deliver agreed projects and activities.

Judgement on the appropriate resolution of employment issues, understanding risks associated with chosen courses of action and recognising when queries require upward referral to management for guidance.

Ensuring that advice and guidance given takes into consideration appropriate best practice and relevant employment legislative frameworks

Prioritisation of own workload to achieve key HR objectives or specifically detailed deadlines.

Knowledge, Experience & Skills

Membership of CIPD preferred.

Previous experience of working within an ER Advisor role preferred.

Good appreciation and experience of application of employment law.

Strong communication (written and verbal), influencing and relationship building skills.

Excellent prioritisation & planning skills, ability to manage multiple deliverables.

Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills within a defined framework.

Strong customer service mind-set.

Strong IT skills with proficiency in SAP & Microsoft Office suite.

Must be able to demonstrate strong focus on teamwork & collaboration.

Strong influencing skills to liaise with different levels of management.

Ability to make decisions, with guidance from the Head of Employee Relations where appropriate, in context of the legislative and cultural context.

To Apply:  click on the "Apply for this job" button and follow the process - complete the application form & upload current CV.

If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Timeline:

Applications closed: WC 3rd January

Interviews: WC 17th January

We are currently conducting our interview processes virtually as we continue to respect and follow necessary social distancing guidance to protect our team and our candidates. You may be invited to a face to face further stage interview which will always be conducted following strict social distancing guidelines. 

What We Offer

At the Trust we care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust.

In addition to your annual salary of up to £27,000 DOE, we offer a generous pension scheme and other benefits. Further details can be found here (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits). 

We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of. All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.