Job summary
This post is only open for applications from individuals
employed within the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board.
Organisations within scope are as follows:
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Isle of Wight NHS Trust
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Band 7: £49,387 - £56,515 per annum (effective from
01/04/2026)
Hours Per Week: 37.5 full time
Contract Type: Permanent
Work Base: Block 4000, Lakeside North Harbour, Western
Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3EN
Are you an experienced HR professional with strong
leadership skills and a passion for building positive, fair, and supportive
working environments?
We are looking for a highly skilled and proactive Employee
Relations Manager to join our dynamic Employee Relations (ER) team, supporting
both Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust as
part of our Single Corporate Services model.
This is a key leadership role, offering the opportunity to
make a meaningful impact on culture, capability, and staff experience across
two large NHS organisations. If you are a confident HR professional with strong
leadership capability and a drive to deliver high quality employee relations
services, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
As an Employee Relations Manager, you will play a senior and
influential role in shaping the delivery of high quality ER services across
both Trusts. You will:
- Lead and manage complex employee relations cases, ensuring
fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes.
- Provide expert guidance to managers on a HR issues,
including disciplinary matters, grievances, sickness management, MHPS,
performance concerns, and organisational change.
- Support and develop the Assistant ER Managers and ER
Advisors, ensuring high standards of case management and continuous
professional growth within the team.
- Represent HR in complex hearings and appeal panels,
providing assurance of robust and fair processes.
- Build strong relationships with managers, leaders, Trade
Union colleagues, and other stakeholders to deliver collaborative and solution
focused outcomes.
- Drive process improvement, policy development, and best
practice across ER operations.
- Present ER data, analysis, and trends at divisional and
Trust-level meetings to support effective and informed decision making.
- Lead and deliver training programmes for managers to
strengthen people management capability and embed a just and learning culture.
- Support the coordination and response to Employment Tribunal
claims, Subject Access Requests (SARs), FOI requests, and police enquiries
relating to investigations.
- Take responsibility for divisional ER leadership, reporting
performance and ensuring alignment with Trust objectives.
About us
As part of the Single Corporate Service, Employee Relations
Team provides a service across both Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth
Hospitals University NHS Trust and plays a vital role in creating a fair,
supportive, and inclusive workplace culture.
Our team mission is to drive the delivery of high-quality
employee relations services, provide specialist advice and support to managers,
and ensure compliance with employment legislation and Trust policies.
Our responsibilities include advising line managers on
various HR matters such as disciplinary actions, grievance resolutions,
performance management, attendance issues, and conflict resolution. A core
aspect of your role will be to enhance managerial capabilities and enabling
them to address personnel and work environment challenges effectively.
The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of
everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic
benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those
long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming
pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and
DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we
can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job purpose
The purpose of the Employee Relations Manager for Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust is to drive the delivery of high-quality employee relations services, provide specialist advice and support to managers, and ensure compliance with employment legislation and Trust policies.
The role involves providing guidance on a wide range of complex employment issues and supporting the Trust in achieving its strategic and operational objectives within the scope of national and Medical terms and conditions.
The post holder will play a crucial role in fostering a just and learning culture, promoting a culture of improvement, and ensuring consistent office cover and effective service delivery across both Trusts in alignment with the objectives of a Single Corporate Service.
Job summary
As an Employee Relations Manager, you will serve as a key authority in Employee Relations, managing complex employee relations cases, guiding managers on optimal practices, and supporting team members through investigations. Your role includes representing HR in Trust hearings and appeals while promoting a resolution-focused environment that encourages staff engagement and empowerment.
You will design and implement training programs for managers and staff, monitor employee relations performance metrics, and support the day-to-day operations of the Employee Relations team. Your responsibilities will include advising line managers on various HR matters such as disciplinary actions, grievance resolutions, performance management, attendance issues, and conflict resolution. A core aspect of your role will be to enhance managerial capabilities, enabling them to address personnel challenges effectively.
As a recognised expert in Employee Relations, you will develop training modules for both managers and People and Organisational Development personnel, enhancing skills and competencies within the team. Your focus will be on creating effective, value-driven employee relations processes that ensure compliance with best practices and legal standards.
Collaborating with other Employee Relations Managers, you will share accountability for advancing employee relations services, conducting training sessions, updating intranet resources, and presenting regular Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports to leadership.
Specific Core Functions
Case Management:
- Lead and facilitate complex employee relations cases, ensuring compliancewith best practices and legal requirements, while promoting a resolution-focused approach.
Coaching and Development:
- Coach managers in designated areas to enhance their leadership and people management skills in alignment with Trust competencies, values, behavioural framework and fostering a just and learning culture.
Communication and Reporting:
- Provide information and advice to directorates and other management groups regarding employee relations and workforce issues via telephone, email, or in person.
- Prepare workforce reports and attend Directorate Management Weekly Meetings, Management Quarterly Boards, and Monthly Performance Reviews to present these papers.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders to enhance employee relations.
Conflict Resolution:
- Act as an impartial mediator between parties to seek resolutions for disputes as required.
Leadership and Development of Employee Relations Team:
- Provide supportive line management to the Assistant Employee Relations Managers and Employee. Relations Advisors, offering guidance and mentoring to enhance their skills and ensure effective case management and service delivery within the team.
- Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and appraisals with team members to provide constructive feedback and identify individual developmental needs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Assist in the coordination of training programs and workshops that enhance the capabilities of the Employee Relations team, ensuring that team members are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to address employee relations challenges effectively.
- Encourage a collaborative team environment that values input and ideas from all members, promoting engagement and shared responsibility for achieving departmental goals.
Expert Guidance on Employee Relations Issues:
- Provide specialised guidance on medical employee relations issues, particularly concerning Maintaining High Professional Standards (MHPS) and Trust policies, as well as TUPE processes.
- Provide comprehensive employee relations advice and guidance on complex issues based on policies, AfC and Medical terms and conditions, and best practices.
- Manage and complete job evaluations in accordance with NHS job evaluation criteria, ensuring that all positions are assessed fairly and equitably based on a systematic analysis of responsibilities, skills, and the impact on patient care, while promoting best practices in workforce management.
For additional information, please see attached Job description.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job purpose
The purpose of the Employee Relations Manager for Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust is to drive the delivery of high-quality employee relations services, provide specialist advice and support to managers, and ensure compliance with employment legislation and Trust policies.
The role involves providing guidance on a wide range of complex employment issues and supporting the Trust in achieving its strategic and operational objectives within the scope of national and Medical terms and conditions.
The post holder will play a crucial role in fostering a just and learning culture, promoting a culture of improvement, and ensuring consistent office cover and effective service delivery across both Trusts in alignment with the objectives of a Single Corporate Service.
Job summary
As an Employee Relations Manager, you will serve as a key authority in Employee Relations, managing complex employee relations cases, guiding managers on optimal practices, and supporting team members through investigations. Your role includes representing HR in Trust hearings and appeals while promoting a resolution-focused environment that encourages staff engagement and empowerment.
You will design and implement training programs for managers and staff, monitor employee relations performance metrics, and support the day-to-day operations of the Employee Relations team. Your responsibilities will include advising line managers on various HR matters such as disciplinary actions, grievance resolutions, performance management, attendance issues, and conflict resolution. A core aspect of your role will be to enhance managerial capabilities, enabling them to address personnel challenges effectively.
As a recognised expert in Employee Relations, you will develop training modules for both managers and People and Organisational Development personnel, enhancing skills and competencies within the team. Your focus will be on creating effective, value-driven employee relations processes that ensure compliance with best practices and legal standards.
Collaborating with other Employee Relations Managers, you will share accountability for advancing employee relations services, conducting training sessions, updating intranet resources, and presenting regular Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports to leadership.
Specific Core Functions
Case Management:
- Lead and facilitate complex employee relations cases, ensuring compliancewith best practices and legal requirements, while promoting a resolution-focused approach.
Coaching and Development:
- Coach managers in designated areas to enhance their leadership and people management skills in alignment with Trust competencies, values, behavioural framework and fostering a just and learning culture.
Communication and Reporting:
- Provide information and advice to directorates and other management groups regarding employee relations and workforce issues via telephone, email, or in person.
- Prepare workforce reports and attend Directorate Management Weekly Meetings, Management Quarterly Boards, and Monthly Performance Reviews to present these papers.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders to enhance employee relations.
Conflict Resolution:
- Act as an impartial mediator between parties to seek resolutions for disputes as required.
Leadership and Development of Employee Relations Team:
- Provide supportive line management to the Assistant Employee Relations Managers and Employee. Relations Advisors, offering guidance and mentoring to enhance their skills and ensure effective case management and service delivery within the team.
- Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and appraisals with team members to provide constructive feedback and identify individual developmental needs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Assist in the coordination of training programs and workshops that enhance the capabilities of the Employee Relations team, ensuring that team members are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to address employee relations challenges effectively.
- Encourage a collaborative team environment that values input and ideas from all members, promoting engagement and shared responsibility for achieving departmental goals.
Expert Guidance on Employee Relations Issues:
- Provide specialised guidance on medical employee relations issues, particularly concerning Maintaining High Professional Standards (MHPS) and Trust policies, as well as TUPE processes.
- Provide comprehensive employee relations advice and guidance on complex issues based on policies, AfC and Medical terms and conditions, and best practices.
- Manage and complete job evaluations in accordance with NHS job evaluation criteria, ensuring that all positions are assessed fairly and equitably based on a systematic analysis of responsibilities, skills, and the impact on patient care, while promoting best practices in workforce management.
For additional information, please see attached Job description.
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).
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.
- 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.
- Providing high quality case supervision.
- Employment Tribunal Preparation.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Good understanding of best practice in improving attendance and creating healthy work environments.
- 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.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a particular emphasis on report writing for the board and employment tribunals.
- Up-to-date knowledge on employment legislation.
- Understanding of NHS medical and AfC Terms and Conditions.
- 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.
- Trained in Job Evaluation.
- ER Cases Management Systems.
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).
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.
- 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.
- Providing high quality case supervision.
- Employment Tribunal Preparation.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Good understanding of best practice in improving attendance and creating healthy work environments.
- 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.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a particular emphasis on report writing for the board and employment tribunals.
- Up-to-date knowledge on employment legislation.
- Understanding of NHS medical and AfC Terms and Conditions.
- 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.
- Trained in Job Evaluation.
- ER Cases Management Systems.
