Employee Relations Caseworker

Waltham Forest; New Addington; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career average pension

Employee assistance programme

Enhanced sick pay

NUS Employee discount

Vodafone Advantage

Free onsite parking

Cycle to work scheme

Sodexo benefits scheme

Benenden Health care scheme

Job summary

Waltham Forest College is seeking an experienced Employee Relations practitioner to own a varied caseload and provide expert advice to managers on disciplinary, grievance, capability, sickness absence, dignity at work and organisational change issues.

You will conduct investigations, prepare reports and support managers through hearings and formal meetings, while driving policy development and staff engagement across trade unions and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a broad range of employee relations cases.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and its practical application.
• Experience undertaking workplace investigations and producing robust reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of employee relations cases from start to finish.
• Provide practical, commercially focused and legally compliant employment advice.
• Conduct investigations and producing high-quality investigation reports.
• Support managers through hearings, appeals and formal meetings.
• Identify employee relations trends and recommending solutions.
• Coaching managers to build confidence and capability in managing people issues.
• Supporting the development and review of HR policies and procedures.
• Delivering training and workshops on employee relations topics.
• Building positive relationships with employees, trade unions and stakeholders across the College.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Judgement and resilience

Proactive and solutions-focused

Education

A Level 5 HR qualification or equivalent experience

Associate or Chartered CIPD membership

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Employee Relations practitioner to take ownership of a varied and challenging caseload across the College. You will provide expert advice and guidance to managers on a wide range of employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, sickness absence, dignity at work and organisational change issues. You'll support managers throughout formal processes, undertake investigations, prepare reports and ensure that cases are managed fairly, consistently and in line with employment legislation and College policies. Working closely with managers, trade unions and colleagues across the College, you'll play a key role in fostering positive employment relations whilst helping to minimise organisational risk and support effective people management.

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing a portfolio of employee relations cases from start to finish.
• Providing practical, commercially focused and legally compliant employment advice.
• Conducting investigations and producing high-quality investigation reports.
• Supporting managers through hearings, appeals and formal meetings.
• Identifying employee relations trends and recommending solutions.
• Coaching managers to build confidence and capability in managing people issues.
• Supporting the development and review of HR policies and procedures.
• Delivering training and workshops on employee relations topics.
• Building positive relationships with employees, trade unions and stakeholders across the College.

We are looking for someone who combines excellent employee relations knowledge with strong judgement, resilience and exceptional communication skills.

You will have:

• A Level 5 HR qualification or equivalent experience.
• Associate or Chartered CIPD membership.
• Significant experience managing a broad range of employee relations cases.
• Experience handling complex, sensitive and high-risk employee relations matters.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and its practical application.
• Experience undertaking workplace investigations and producing robust reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to build credibility and influence at all levels.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach.

Experience within Further Education and/or a unionised environment would be advantageous.

Waltham Forest College has been rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted following its most recent inspection and has distinguished itself as one of only a small number of General Further Education Colleges across the country to achieve the prestigious 'Outstanding' rating. Waltham Forest College has been named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025, a testament to its exceptional employee experience and organisational culture. Survey results revealed staff engagement and confidence in leadership to be significantly above the national average, underlining the College's focus on wellbeing, inclusivity, and professional growth. Ranked in the top 5% of GFE colleges nationally for student achievement, Waltham Forest College continues to be an aspirational destination for learners. With state-of-the-art industry-standard facilities, a dedicated and expert teaching team, and a strong network of employer partnerships, the College ensures students are future-ready and equipped for success. At a time when employee relations is becoming increasingly complex, we're looking for an experienced and confident Employee Relations professional to join our People Services team and help us create a positive, fair and high-performing workplace.

We offer the opportunity to help develop your skills and knowledge in a friendly team environment, plus a range of benefits including a career average pension scheme, employee assistance programme, enhanced sick pay, NUS Employee discount, Vodafone Advantage, free onsite parking, cycle to work scheme, Sodexo benefits scheme and Benenden Health care scheme.