HR Business Partner – Industrial Relations

FirstGroup Internal; Gloucester, Westbury, Bristol, Oxford, Reading; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation company in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Industrial Relations Advisor. You will work closely with the Head of People Relations & Strategy to help shape the Industrial Relations strategy and foster collaborative relationships with trade unions. The ideal candidate will have CIPD Level 5 qualification and proven experience in industrial relations. This full-time position requires strong negotiation skills and the ability to handle complex challenges in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package

Qualifications

• Strong relationship-building skills with trade unions and senior leaders.
• Proven experience in industrial relations and trade union engagement.
• Up-to-date knowledge of employment law and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing an Industrial Relations strategy.
• Provide guidance on Trade Union negotiations and consultations.
• Update policies and ensure alignment with UK employment legislation.

Skills

Relationship-building skills

Industrial relations experience

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving abilities

Data interpretation skills

Mediation skills

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualified

Job description

Salary circa £50k, depending on skills and experience, plus excellent benefits package

About the role

In this key role, you'll work closely with the Head of People Relations & Strategy to shape and deliver our Industrial Relations strategy. You'll be at the forefront of both proactive and responsive initiatives that foster strong, collaborative relationships with our People and Trade Union partners - helping to maintain a positive working environment and minimise disputes.

Your expertise will also be instrumental in supporting the design and implementation of people-focused initiatives across the business. You'll provide trusted industrial relations guidance that ensures our workforce strategies are not only effective, but also aligned with our values and long-term goals.

You will

• Preferably be CIPD Level 5 qualified.
• Have strong relationship-building skills with trade unions, senior leaders and key stakeholders, with the ability to nurture these on an ongoing basis.
• Have proven experience in industrial relations and trade union engagement within an HR capacity.
• Be up to date on employment law, IR trends and best practice.
• Be confident advising senior stakeholders at both strategic and operational levels.
• Be resilient, assertive and comfortable navigating complex challenges.
• Be skilled in interpreting data and using insights to shape and influence decisions.
• Have excellent mediation and fact-finding abilities.
• Turn feedback and challenges into clear outcomes and next steps.
• Enjoy problem-solving and thrive in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of People Relations & Strategy in developing and implementing an Industrial Relations strategy based on the needs of Great Western Railway. You will assist with correspondence with Trades Union and attend specific Trades Union meetings i.e. Company Council.
• Provide information, support and guidance on Trade Union negotiations and consultations including pay and Terms and Conditions. This will include:
  • Maintaining detailed knowledge of Agreements and Management Information.
  • Gathering correct information and assist line management in resolving complex business challenges and initiatives.
  • Scheduling pre-meetings with appropriate people to ensure time is used productively and aim for meaningful consultations with correct information provided in a timely manner.
• Provide support and advice on escalated people management issues. This will include:
  • Presenting briefings to line managers and HR Business Partners regarding Agreements, explaining your role and establishing yourself as point of contact. Success in this will be:
    • People knowing where to go for information.
    • Positive and collaborative Trade Union relationships.
    • Early intervention resolution and prevention of escalation of issues.
• Work with the HR team to update GWR policies and procedures, ensuring they are in line with UK employment legislation.
• Provide Industrial Relations support to assist in the design and implementation of people initiatives.
• Keep your own knowledge up to date on Industrial Relations and HR Issues, maintaining links with ER & IR professionals in other Train Operating Companies and businesses.
• Adhere to safety responsibilities in this role at all times.

Location

This role will be working across the GWR network, primarily supporting our Driver and Engineering functions, along with wider corporate activity. Our Head Quarters is based in Swindon and the role will require travel across the GWR network.

Working pattern

This role is a full-time role, Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week.

To Apply

For further information, please contact Steven Hawker, Head of People Relations and Strategy [e-mail]

Please submit your application online via the internal FirstGroup careers website: https://internal-careers.firstgroup.co.uk/

In case of technical difficulties when submitting your application, please contact the Recruitment Team at [e-mail]

We all belong at GWR

This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability. We maintain zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.

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https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/