Employee Relations Advisor

About the role

The Employee Relations (ER) Advisor provides specialist advice and guidance to managers at all levels on the practical, legally compliant application of the organisation's ER policies and procedures. The role focuses on improving the employee experience through effective, timely management of formal people processes, and keeping the organisation safe through policy compliance and risk management under relevant employment and labour laws. It works through 1:1 coaching and advice to build managers' confidence and encourage early, often informal, resolution of workplace conflict. The position is based flexibly around British Council offices; no mobility, relocation or visa sponsorship is provided.

Key responsibilities

• Advise and guide managers to make fair, effective decisions within policy and procedural frameworks, covering misconduct, bullying and harassment, grievances and appeals.
• Manage and resolve people issues using recognised best practice and evidence-based, case-based analysis.
• Support informal resolution of workplace conflict and grievances, and advise on matters linked to local labour laws.
• Build line managers' confidence and consult with internal customers to tailor advice to current and future business needs.
• Challenge stakeholders to improve business practices and make professional recommendations on local ER issues and wider solutions.

Required profile

• Demonstrable experience in a generalist or specialist People/ER advisory role across several countries and/or a large, complex country, with full knowledge of ER policies and procedures.
• Track record of building relationships with managers and business leaders and managing internal and external stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of employment and labour law in the candidate's own country or region, and experience leading support on ER cases.
• Experience resolving people management matters informally while balancing risk.
• Ability to analyse people issues, identify root causes and handle confidential information with sound judgement, including data protection.
• C1 level written and spoken English; an HR qualification such as CIPD (UK) or equivalent is desirable.