Employee Relations Advisor
The firm
Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact.We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.
We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.
To discover more about our benefits, please visit: Benefits Package.
The role
The Employee Relations Advisor is responsible for fostering a positive and productive work environment by addressing and resolving employee relations issues.
This role involves providing guidance and support to employees and managers on a wide range of employment matters, ensuring compliance with policies and employment laws, and promoting a culture of fairness and respect.
You will join an established, reputable People team where you will be warmly welcomed as a specialist in your chosen area of HR. You will work closely with our HR Business Partners and HR Advisors.
Main responsibilities
Employee Relations Support:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues.
- Provide advice and support to employees and managers on HR policies, procedures, and employment law.
- Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into employee complaints, grievances, and disciplinary matters.
- Support the progress of ET’s, COT3’s and settlement agreements liaising with ACAS, and solicitors as necessary.
Conflict Resolution:
- Mediate conflicts and disputes between employees and management.
- Facilitate resolution meetings and provide recommendations for conflict resolution.
Policy Development and Compliance:
- Assist in the development, continuous improvement and implementation of HR policies, practice notes, letter templates and procedures.
- Ensure Firm policies are consistently applied and comply with legal standards.
- Monitor legislative changes and regulatory changes and update policies and processes as necessary.
Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Collect and analyse data related to employee relations issues.
- Prepare reports and provide insights to senior management and HRBP’s on trends and areas for improvement.
- Recommend proactive strategies to enhance employee engagement and retention.
Employee Engagement:
- Promote a culture of open communication and feedback.
- Support in employee engagement initiatives and surveys.
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the firm.
Organisation Performance:
- Supporting the HR Advisory team drive organisational performance by advising on employee success plans (performance management) and creating clear, realistic and measurable objectives.
- Provide support on any organisation change initiatives including restructures, redundancies, business transfers (TUPE), changes to terms and conditions of employment, etc.
Other Duties:
- Provide general HR support and assist employees or direct them to specialist teams as needed.
- Perform any other duties as assigned within the scope of the role, as directed by the Director of People, Employee Relations Manager or Head of HR.
Skills and qualifications
Skills:
- Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency working with Microsoft Office Suite, data analytics and reporting and use of AI where appropriate.
Experience:
- Minimum of 3 - 5 years of experience in employee relations, human resources, or a related field.
- Experience working in Human Resources and ideally specifically Employee Relations.
- Ideally, professional or financial services experience within a regulated environment.
- Proven experience in conflict resolution, mediation, and conducting investigations.
Equal opportunities
Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.
This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.