Job summary
We are looking for an experienced and proactive Employee Relations Specialist to join the North West London Pathology (NWLP) HR team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping a compassionate, people-centred approach to employee relations and workforce wellbeing across one of the largest pathology networks in the UK.
Working closely with the NWLP HR Business Partner, operational managers and the wider Imperial HR function, you will lead on complex employee relations casework and support managers to manage people matters effectively. With a particular focus on attendance management, wellbeing, workplace stress, and early resolution of workplace issues.
You will also contribute to the development of policies, training programmes and innovative initiatives that improve workforce health, wellbeing and organisational performance.
Main duties of the job
- Reduction in long term sickness absence and in particular stress related absence.
- Efficient use of Occupational Health expertise through quality management referrals.
- Skilled and confident managers who understand their role in managing employment mattersincluding performance, conduct, disputes and grievances and with a particular focus onsickness absence, preventing workplace stress, managing stress related absence and employees with mental health conditions.
- Early, informal resolution of workplace issues wherever possible, working with the ResolutionSpecialist to triage and resolve these.Reduction in average time taken to resolve employee relations casework, particularlysickness, disciplinary and resolution.
- Effective and efficient systems, policies and practices that support our managers withresolving employee relations matters.
About us
Benefits include career development, flexible working, staff wellbeing programmes, staff awards and recognition scheme. We also have available benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.
NWLP Induction
The NWLP induction will run on the first Monday of each month (provided it does not fall on a bank holiday) and includes laboratory training (for relevant laboratory roles). All new staff must attend the NWLP induction during their first week with NWLP.
For 2026, see below the start dates which you will be able to book once you have completed all your pre-employment checks.
Monday 13 April 2026
Monday 11 May 2026
Monday 1 June 2026
Monday 6 July 2026
Monday 3 August 2026
Monday 7 September 2026
Monday 5 October 2026
Monday 2 November 2026
Monday 7 December 2026
Candidates are advised to consider these start dates before agreeing end of service date with their current employer.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.
For both overviews please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.
For both overviews please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential
- Degree level educated
- Professional qualification (CIPD) or equivalent significant relevant experience
- Evidence of continuing personal and professional development
Desirable
- Mental health first aid or similar
Skills / abilities
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
- Digital literacy with ability to effectively use technology to work efficiently and deliver objectives
Desirable
- Able to demonstrate innovation and new approaches in improving attendance
- Understanding of health and safety standards; NICE guidance and the latest best practice in improving attendance at work
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
- Using a range of mechanisms to consult with stakeholders to gain insight, ideas and feedback
- Coaching and advising managers and other HR practitioners to improve practice standards
Desirable
- Experience of a large, highly complex organisation / NHS
- Supervising/managing staff
- Providing high quality case supervision
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential
- Degree level educated
- Professional qualification (CIPD) or equivalent significant relevant experience
- Evidence of continuing personal and professional development
Desirable
- Mental health first aid or similar
Skills / abilities
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
- Digital literacy with ability to effectively use technology to work efficiently and deliver objectives
Desirable
- Able to demonstrate innovation and new approaches in improving attendance
- Understanding of health and safety standards; NICE guidance and the latest best practice in improving attendance at work
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
- Using a range of mechanisms to consult with stakeholders to gain insight, ideas and feedback
- Coaching and advising managers and other HR practitioners to improve practice standards
Desirable
- Experience of a large, highly complex organisation / NHS
- Supervising/managing staff
- Providing high quality case supervision
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.
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.
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).
