Job Purpose HR Business Partner
To optimise the performance and impact of service delivery and implement the Councils People Strategy through the provision of professional, HR Business Partner advice and challenge, effective people management and organisational/workforce design/ change activities.
Key Responsibilities HR Business Partner
- To work closely and proactively in providing high level specialist advice in respect of, but not limited to attendance, performance management, disciplinary actions and conflict resolution. This includes associated complex case-work activity, advising and supporting at hearings/appeals/employment tribunals. Providing HR support at hearings and appeals to include advice to panels up to and including termination of contract Ensure learning from casework is shared with the team and reflected in updated guidance.
- To support with the development,review, and implementation of HR strategies and policy for the Council and schools.
- To work with internal and external partners in responding to and progressing claims made by employees and ex-employees to Employment Tribunal Claims. To work collaboratively with legal to collate documents, prepare witness statements and attend employment tribunals to support the legal team and the respondent. In consultation with the Senior Business Partner and legal adviser, to risk assess the claim and lead on devising and negotiating suitable exit plan which may include settlement agreements. To attend ETs and regulatory professional body hearings as the Councils HR witness/representative when required.
- To provide detailed expert HR advice to all levels of management, up to Service Director, or equivalent, using a comprehensive understanding of the various terms and conditions of employment relevant to a range of service areas. This requires research and an interpretation of policies and knowledge of employment law and case law to advise on the practical implementation of HR advice covering a wide range of terms and conditions.
- Under the direction of the Senior Business Partner, to lead on designated corporate-wide HR policy/procedural areas and act as the teams functional expert on these areas, including horizon scanning, researching best practice and keeping abreast of relevant employment legislation and case-law.
- To provide support and advice to managers in respect of organisational transformation and workforce change. To work closely with senior managers and school leaders in relation to restructures, staffing reductions and TUPE. These activities include ensuring solution focused options and associated risks are understood, and appropriate change management processes are in place to minimise risk to the employer.
- To respond to requests for consultancy work in schools as required, including the provision of independent investigatory activities which includes gathering and analysing evidence, culminating in the production of reports to present to external panels at formal hearings.
- To support income generation for the HR Service through effective business partnering in respect of promoting services offered as part of the sold service for schools.
- To attend, contribute and lead internal HR and cross service working groups, forums and external meetings as required.
- To deputise for Senior HR Business Partners, as required.
Experience HR Business Partner
- A minimum of 3 years experience in providing HR support, advice and guidance to managers to include extensive experience of the full range of complex casework.
- Experience of delivering HR services within a large unionised organisation, preferably local government/public sector.
- Experience of Trade Union consultation and negotiations
- Good understanding of and ability to interpret employment legislation and case law to provide risk assessed options to bring cases to a conclusion.
- Experience of contributing to the development and implementation of strategic HR policy including workforce planning.
- Thorough understanding of safeguarding and safer working requirements / issues.
- Experience of supporting change management processes, including reorganisations within a large unionised environment
- Understanding of health & safety issues in the workplace