Employee Relations Advisor - 6 month fixed termNHS

Job summary

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is not offered for this post.

Your expertise can shape how we support our people.

Are you an experienced Employee Relations professional with strong expertise in absence management, looking for a focused six-month fixed-term opportunity?

We are looking for an Employee Relations Advisor to join our People and Culture team at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust on a six-month fixed-term contract.

This role will focus predominantly on supporting managers with short- and long-term sickness absence cases, while also providing expert advice on a range of complex and sensitive employee relations matters.

You'll bring sound ER judgement, current employment law knowledge and the confidence to coach managers through fair, consistent and timely processes. You'll join a supportive team committed to positive working relationships and a culture where people can thrive.

Main duties of the job

As an Employee Relations Advisor, your main focus will be absence management. You'll also provide professional ER and HR advice across a broader range of complex and sensitive employment matters, including:

• Taking a proactive, case-management approach to short- and long-term sickness absence, helping managers progress cases promptly and compassionately.
• Advising managers on complex absence matters, including reasonable adjustments, return-to-work planning, occupational health recommendations and formal capability processes.
• Coaching managers to hold effective wellbeing and attendance conversations, apply policy consistently and produce clear case documentation.
• Using absence data and management information to identify themes, monitor progress and support targeted improvement.
• Providing expert advice on grievance, disciplinary and Respect (anti-harassment) procedures, alongside other complex ER casework.
• Supporting investigations, hearings and appeals, including the preparation of investigation reports, management statements of case and hearing documentation.
• Advising on employment legislation, terms and conditions, contracts and Trust policies.
• Advising on suspensions and exclusions, balancing risk, patient safety and operational priorities.
• Building constructive partnerships with recognised Trade Unions, senior managers and key stakeholders.

Job description

For further information regarding the role please read the attached job description and person specification.

About us

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is one of the region's busiest providers of healthcare. It was formed on 1 April 1998 following a merger between East Surrey Healthcare NHS and Crawley Horsham NHS Trusts. We are often referred to as 'SASH'.

We run East Surrey Hospital in Redhill, where we have more than 700 beds and provide acute and complex services. In addition, we provide a range of outpatient, diagnostic and less complex planned services at The Earlswood Centre, Caterham Dene Hospital, Crawley Hospital and Horsham Hospital.

Every year, over 120,000 people attend our Emergency Department, we deliver nearly 4,000 babies and almost half a million people have outpatient appointments with us.

We are a major local employer, with a diverse workforce of around 5,500 staff providing healthcare services to a growing population of some 744,000 people.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we work hard to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. At our Trust, we strive to be the best place to work and receive care. We are dedicated to supporting you in your current role while helping you grow and develop your career. As part of our team, you will have access to excellent training opportunities, flexible working, dedicated support networks, and a strong emphasis on health and wellbeing to ensure a thriving and positive work environment.