Employee Relations Specialist

Company Description

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to X% [insert the relevant percentage: up to 7% for Levels 1 - 7, as well as 3rd and 4th year apprentices. Up to 15% for L8+ positions] and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment. 
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, 
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Wide range of career development opportunities
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive

What to expect in our recruitment process:
For a step-by-step overview of how we hire from application to offer please see our Recruitment Process page: careers.ukaea.uk/join-us/recruitment-process

Job Description

The salary for this role is £50,311 + Excellent benefits package. Onsite working is expected for 3-2 days each week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working. 

This role can be based at any of the following sites: Culham, Oxfordshire 

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) , including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data. 

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As Employee Relations (ER) specialist you will work as part of the Policy and Employee Relations Team who are responsible for UKAEA’s employment policy framework, the Employee Relations strategy and for providing advice and guidance on all people-related matters and ensuring a consistent case management approach. The team are the subject matter experts on employee relations and policy. 

The ER specialist is responsible for delivering an ER service in all areas across the employee lifecycle such as disciplinary, grievance, probation, performance, long term sick leave etc. ensuring that ER support and advice is delivered in line with policy, best practice and legislative requirements to mitigate risk and escalation.  You'll be responsible for managing complex cases from commencement to case conclusion, which may involve attending an Employment Tribunal on behalf of UKAEA.

Additional Responsibilities:

• You will work with the People business partners and People Specialists providing advice and counsel on policy interpretation and employment practices, ensuring that there is knowledge transfer on a case by case basis. You'll also use ER data insights and trends to diagnose root causes, identifying changes to guidance and policy and sharing learning with the business partners and People Specialists.
• You will maintain the required standard of detailed ER case documentation, including investigation reports and outcome letters, with robust controls in place to maintain data and information security.
• You will develop trusted and effective working relationships across People and Culture and with internal and external partners such as Trade Union, UKAEA’s legal team and external legal partners.
• You will manage and control spend on external legal advice ensuring that this does not exceed budget.

Qualifications

Essential Requirements:

• Professional certificate in Employment Law or HR ie. CIPD Level 5 desirable or working