Purpose of the Role

The HR Advisor role is to provide an effective HR service to line managers, surveyors and employees on HR policies and procedures, whilst ensuring compliance with employment law.

Key Responsibilities

Advisory - Employee Relations

• Advise and coach line managers, surveyors and employees on queries regarding policies, procedures, employee relations issues etc., via telephone, email or face to face.
• Manage a high volume and varied employee relations case load, assisting and advising line managers/surveyors with the interpretation and implementation of policies and procedures, including disciplinary, grievance, performance/capability, sickness absence etc. in a fast paced environment.
• Attend employee relations meetings as required, (e.g. disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence, flexible working etc).
• Advise on investigations up to complex matters (including discrimination, whistleblowing, etc).
• Compile and issue all appropriate HR documentation required within employee relations cases.
• Facilitate complex exit strategies when required including settlement agreement negotiations.
• Discuss any restructure proposals with the Surveyor / Line Manager to devise the business/HR strategy to move forward with facilitating this process and manage any potential redundancy situations arising as a result of restructure proposals.
• Identify and escalate ER related risk and emerging trends and take ownership of actions recommended (e.g. coaching / training)
• Contribution to the management of escalated casework including the preparation of Employment Tribunal bundles

TUPE

• Manage the mobilisation process of the transfer of employees (both in and out), ensuring the Company complies with TUPE regulations and that any transition of employees is smooth and professional with the least disruption to the employee.

Procedures

• Keep abreast of changes in relevant employment law legislation and ensure that the Company complies. Attend seminars / training programs to enhance knowledge.
• Assist in reviews of existing or development of new internal SMR policies, procedures and HR documentation.

Record Keeping

• Ensure all completed case work is securely stored electronically, on paper records within personnel files and up to date on the Company’s online HR system, Cascade.
• Ensure all paperwork arising from general HR queries is stored electronically and/or on employee personnel files as appropriate.
• Ensure employee confidentiality is maintained at all times and data protection legislation is adhered to.

Recruitment & Selection

• Provide line managers with general advice on following a fair and consistent recruitment process.
• Assist the HR Operations team where necessary to ensure the job description and person specifications are complete for all roles being recruited to.
• Attend interviews when appropriate.

General

• Hold full ownership of and accountability for case management within allocated region, with support from Senior HR Business Partner/Head of HR Advisory
• Support Senior HRBP with wider projects and HR initiatives.
• Regular travel to and presence on properties within the geographic North East region and Scotland. Additionally, some national travel and over-night stays are required from time to time for events such as team meetings, training and assistance within other regions.
• Liaise with the HR Operations team to arrange for new starters documentation to be issued where appropriate and review prepared employment contracts.
• Liaise with the HR Operations Team to keep records up to date and ensure standard letters are issued in a timely manner.
• Ensure efficient communications within internal teams and to appropriate third parties, where applicable.
• Liaise with the Operations Team on issues such as TUPE, Health and Safety and Security.
• Liaise with the Pathways Training team on the training needs of employees and assist with Inductions, where appropriate.
• Work with other team members on the implementation of the Human Resources Business Plan including working on ad hoc HR projects.
• Attend scheduled meetings within the department to ensure that all members are aware of all key issues.
• Act as a role model for SMR’s values and contribute to creating a workplace with wellbeing and inclusion at its core, highlighting opportunities to improve any people practices.
• This role will report to the Manchester based Senior HRBP but work closely with the Scotland Senior HRBP.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Knowledge

• Knowledge of current employment legislation
• Knowledge of best practice in specific HR areas (such as recruitment & selection, absence management, capability issues, disciplinary and grievance, etc.)
• Knowledge of good line management practice

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to demonstrate a level of punctual and reliable attendance at work required to satisfactorily fulfil job role
• Ability to use MS Office competently
• Ability to manage and influence managers to develop best practice and personal performance
• Ability to communicate effectively and build rapport with others
• Ability to maintain a professional and confidential attitude to all aspects of the post
• Ability to examine management information and use it to best advantage
• Ability to enable line managers to achieve policy compliance whilst working in a busy environment
• Ability to produce accurate and legible written material, plans and reports to meet deadlines
• Ability to organise and prioritise own workload to meet job requirements

Qualifications Required

• Grad CIPD or evidence of good progress with award
• 5 GCSE or equivalent standard in Maths and English (Grade
• C or above)

Experience Required

• 3 years’ Experience of working in a fast-paced generalist HR environment
• Experience of using Information Technology in a HR and administrative context
• Practical experience of participating in procedural meetings and in advising on HR issues

Working Hours - 37.5 hours per week, 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Please see our Benefits Booklet for more information.