Responsible to: HR Business Partner with functional responsibility for Health and Wellbeing and Employee Relations
Responsible for: HR Employee Relations staff
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the HR Business Partner
1. Employee Relations
1.1 Responsible for providing a professional support service to managers on the operation of relevant employee relations policies and procedures to include, but not limited to, Discipline, Grievance, Capability, Dignity at Work, Hybrid Working.
1.2 Undertake and provide support for effective consultation with Trade Unions, staff and stakeholders on a range of Employee Relations issues, using early consultation as a means of effective early resolution to problems.
1.3 Work collaboratively with other HR staff, internal and external stakeholders to ensure that Employee Relations policies and procedures are operated with fairness and consistency.
1.4 Advise managers on HR solutions through early intervention and preventive measures through effective engagement and communication, and appropriateness of the use of informal resolution, mediation and other solutions.
1.5 Carry out employee relations investigations on disciplinary, grievance, dignity at work, capability or other procedures as required, liaise with Trade Unions, organise meetings, take notes, update records and compile investigation reports and correspondence detailing findings and make recommendations as applicable.
1.6 Support administration of and attend formal hearings arising out of employee relations investigations as required.
1.7 Attend the Labour Relations Agency at formal independent appeal hearings and to contribute and/or assist managers in presenting of the case to the independent panel.
1.8 Consult with Libraries NI Legal Service and support the compilation, preparation and presentation of information, and reports to respond to and defend legal proceedings, and other complaints lodged with outside agencies.
1.9 Attend Industrial Tribunals/Court Hearings as required.
1.10 Produce reports to support the monitoring of performance and recommend interventions as appropriate.
2.0 Staff Management and Service Delivery
2.1 Manage a dedicated support team and duties will include assigning work, co-ordinating activities, dealing with resourcing matters, approving leave of absence requests, and dealing with any attendance management, employee relations issues.
2.2 Carry out performance management reviews and implement personal development plans.
2.3 Responsible for best practice service delivery in a designated specialist functional area or a specialised area of work.
2.4 Contribute to the review, revision and implementation of HR systems and work processes as required in consultation with senior staff.
2.5 Contribute to the service area plans and the reviewing, of performance targets for the effective and efficient delivery of service.
2.6 Provide accurate and timely management reporting information as required.
2.7 In conjunction with line management ensure that business risks are identified, documented, controlled and mitigated.
2.8 Undertake reviews and implement improvements in efficiency and consistency of HR business processes and develop resources for managers in relation to the implementation of new systems and ways of working.
2.9 Planning and delivery of workshops/presentations for service users in relation to service improvement initiatives and implementation of revised policies and procedures.
2.10 Delivery of a robust Employee Relations administration service to ensure transactions and contractual changes are actioned and notified to staff and payroll on a timely basis.
2.11 Give direction, undertake and support direct work processes in relation to policy implementation and system management.
2.12 Manage the deployment of resources including staff, to plan the work of others and be responsible and accountable for service delivery in an assigned area.
3.0 Policy, Procedure and Governance
3.1 Provide advice, guidance and support to managers on complex HR issues across the area of Employee Relations in accordance with relevant policies and legislative requirements.
3.2 Make decisions within policy guidelines on contentious or complex matters associated with service delivery.
3.3 Provide support, advice and coaching to managers to facilitate the management of people and ensuring that HR matters are effectively and consistently dealt with.
3.4 Support and build capability of managers who have responsibility for people management, development and performance.
3.5 Drafting of appropriate business cases and quotations, in line with financial and procurement regulations, policies and procedures.
3.6 Contribute to HR service plans and to the review, revision and development of existing and new policies and procedures related to employee relations area of work.
3.7 In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislations at all times.
3.8 Provide a high level of internal and external customer service including and to ensure continued and effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
3.9 Comply with and implement all Libraries NI Policies, Procedures and Frameworks, including but not limited to those relating to legal requirements such as equality, health and safety and information governance.
3.10 Comply with Libraries NI policies on Schedule of Records Management and Data Protection (in particular, processing of sensitive personal information) to ensure good governance and records management.
3.11 Ensure all processes are addressed in a timely manner in accordance with agreed policy and procedures effectively and consistently in line with best practice and employment law.
3.12 Support other HR staff involved in the provision of wider HR partnering on matters pertaining to policy, pay and reward.
4.0 Other Duties and Responsibilities
4.1 Provide training and guidance to colleagues and assist in covering key aspects of work during periods of absence.
4.2 Participate as required as a selection panel member and/or provide direct HR support to selection panels when required.
4.3 Participate in projects or working groups which contribute to continuous improvement.
4.4 Undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of Libraries NI.
4.5 Direct and signpost managers and officers to the appropriate source for issues outside the remit of this post.
4.6 Undertake any other duties which may be assigned to meet organisational need and change which are reasonably regarded as within the nature of the duties, responsibilities and grade of the post as defined.
Note: This job description is intended to provide an outline of the level of duties that the postholder will be expected to undertake across the Employee Relations functional area within the Human Resources Department. It is not intended to be rigid or inflexible but should be regarded as a summary of responsibilities and personal duties not intended to be exhaustive. This role will develop and change in line with strategic corporate programmes and projects. The postholder may be assigned to a specific functional area on appointment in view of the nature of work the postholder may be required to undertake duties in other HR functional areas to cover peak periods of work or vacancies.