Employee Relations (ER) Advisor
17 hours ago
Bolton
We’re reimagining work/life balance – and you could be part of it. At OFG, we're proud to be part of the 4-Day Working Week trial – a bold step toward giving our teams more time to recharge, refresh, and enjoy life outside of work. That means you could be working 80% of your usual hours, while still earning 100% of your pay. If the trial proves successful, we’ll roll out the 4DWW across the Group – making now the perfect time to join #TeamOFG and help shape the future of work. Job Title: Employee Relations (ER) Advisor Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum not pro rata (dependent on experience and qualifications) Location: Hybrid - Bolton (Initially 3 days in the office, 2 days WFH. Moving to 2 days in office with 4dww after 6 months) Contract: Fixed Term Contract- 12 Months Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Mon-Fri 9-5 The role: To deliver expert advice and guidance on complex employee relations matters across Outcomes First Group, supporting managers and senior leaders to ensure consistent, fair, and compliant handling of people issues. Working within a large, matrix organisation, the ER Advisor will lead on case management and contribute to the development of best practice, policies, and manager capability. What you'll do: • Provide professional advice and guidance on complex ER issues, including performance management, long-term absence, grievance, disciplinary, safeguarding, and organisational change., • Manage a large portfolio of ER cases end-to-end, ensuring resolution within agreed timescales and in line with employment law, company policy, and safeguarding requirements., • Coach and support managers to build capability in handling ER matters confidently and consistently., • Partner with senior leaders to deliver people solutions that balance risk, compliance, and business needs., • Prepare and review case documentation, including investigation notes, outcome letters, and legal correspondence., • Support collective consultation processes, redundancies, restructures, and TUPE transfers., • Collaborate with the wider People Team to identify trends, provide insights, and develop proactive interventions., • Maintain accurate and timely records in HR systems, supporting audit and compliance requirements., • Significant experience managing complex ER cases in a large, multi-site or matrix organisation., • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice., • Proven ability to coach and influence managers and senior leaders., • Demonstrated experience in organisational change processes (restructures, redundancies, consultations, TUPE)., • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive matters with professionalism., • Experience in a regulated environment (education, healthcare, care)., • CIPD Level 5 or equivalent qualification. About the Group Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high quality special needs education and care. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the people we educate and care for. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running. Our divisional brands include Acorn Education, Options Autism, Blenheim Schools and Momenta Connect. Our Vision Empower every child, whatever their ability, with a world-class education that nurtures potential, inspires lifelong learning, and equips them to thrive in a diverse and evolving world. Our Mission We commit to unlocking our pupils’ potential through personalised learning, innovation, and opportunity, supporting growth and aspirations. Our Promise We Listen. We never assume. We work together. To make the remarkable happen. We are accountable. To each other and for one another. Benefits Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including: • Life Assurance, • Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions, • “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks, • A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits, • 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad, • Cycle to Work Schemes, • Electric Car Purchase Scheme All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. Please note: 4DWW is subject to successful completion of your probation period and is not a contractual benefit. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.