Union Relations Partner
The company is the leading provider of specialist education in the UK and strives to give children access to a great education that caters to their specific needs, abilities and aspirations.
On a growth trajectory, the newly formed role of Union Relations Partner has arisen to support the business through its next phase of growth.
The Industrial Relations Partner will be pivotal in maintaining positive and constructive relationships between the organisation, its employees, and trade unions. This role ensures compliance with UK employment law and sector-specific regulations, while managing the resolution of workplace disputes and leading negotiations on collective bargaining agreements.
As a key advisor to senior leaders, the Industrial Relations Manager will ensure that policies and employment practices align with the needs of staff and our organisation. Additionally, the role will work closely with internal teams to promote effective communication, support staff engagement, and ensure that health, safety, and employment standards meet statutory requirements.
Key Accountabilities- Managing Industrial Relations: Develop and maintain positive relationships with trade unions, leading negotiations to secure collective agreements
- Compliance with Employment Legislation: Ensure full compliance with UK employment laws and education sector-specific regulations, keeping policies up to date and legally sound.
- Supporting Senior Leadership: Provide expert industrial relations advice to senior leaders, delivering reports on risks, trends, and strategic opportunities in employee relations.
- Policy Development and Implementation: Design and implement industrial relations policies, ensuring consistent application and effective communication across the organisation.
- Employee Engagement and Communication: Promote open communication channels between staff, management, and union representatives to foster engagement and transparency.
- Conflict Resolution and Dispute Management: Mediate and resolve workplace disputes promptly, minimising disruption and ensuring fair outcomes for all parties involved.
Requirements
Technical Skills- In-depth understanding of UK labour laws, including the Employment Rights Act, Trade Union and Labour Relations Act.
- Expertise in conducting and leading collective bargaining negotiations with trade unions, including drafting and reviewing agreements.
- Strong skills in conflict management, including experience with dispute resolution techniques, mediation, and handling grievance procedures.
- Ability to design, implement, and update industrial relations policies, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and alignment with organisational goals.
- Familiarity with the processes involved in UK employment tribunals and the ability to represent or prepare the organisation's case if necessary.
- Solid knowledge of health and safety legislation as it relates to industrial relations and working conditions, especially in the education sector.
- Proficiency in analysing industrial relations data (e.g., workforce trends, grievances) and preparing detailed reports for senior management.
- Ability to manage industrial relations projects, from collective bargaining to implementing new policies or initiatives, ensuring timelines and objectives are met
- Law degree or exposure to employment law
- Experience negotiating with and managing relationships with trade unions.
- Experience practical experience in applying UK employment Law in a professional setting, including dealing with legal disputes and tribunals.
- Experience in developing and implementing IR policies and procedures.
- Strong communication and analytical skills.
- Capability to provide strategic advice and build IR strategies from the ground up.
In addition you will be afforded flexible working in the form of a hybrid working model and a 4 day working week (paid for 5) once probation is passed.
Applicants will only be considered from individuals who meet the specified criteria.
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