People Advisor

Education Partnership North East; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established education provider in the North East is seeking a forward-thinking People Advisor to enhance their people strategy. This role offers a unique opportunity to drive employee relations, support line management, and implement new policies while fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. With a focus on professional development and wellbeing, the organization provides an extensive benefits package, including generous leave and pension options. Join a dynamic team dedicated to transforming lives through education and make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year)

Flexible working options

LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme

Retail discounts through myLifestyle benefits platform

Dental, eye care & health cash plans

Extensive wellbeing support

Free parking on most campuses

Qualifications

• CIPD qualified with experience in HR and employee relations.
• Ability to navigate complex issues and provide frontline advice.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for employee relations issues.
• Support line management and guide them through complex situations.
• Analyze data trends using the new People systems.

Skills

Employee Relations

Negotiation Skills

Coaching

Project Management

Data Analysis

Education

CIPD Qualified at Associate Level

Level 2 in Maths and English

Tools

People Systems

Job description

We are driven by a passion for transforming lives through education. As a leading education provider in the North East of England, our institutions; Sunderland College, Northumberland College, and Hartlepool Sixth Form College, are united in our commitment to delivering exceptional teaching and learning experiences that empower students to reach their full potential.

We are ambitious in our pursuit of excellence, currently ranked as the top-performing Further Education college in the region for students ages 16 to 19, and second nationally.

Our college community is built on a foundation of inclusivity, where we encourage both staff and students to embrace their authentic selves, show respect for others, and innovate in creating an exceptional student experience. Together, we are shaping an exciting future for everyone across our group.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas -Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

About the Candidate

We are looking for a forward-thinking People professional, to join the team and support in driving our people strategy for their designated support group.

The post does not just address Employee Relations and navigating through the grey, it is also about identifying opportunities for change and driving improvement.

Anyone interested in applying, needs to have ‘courage to challenge’ qualities but also take on a coaching mentality when upskilling stakeholders.

All Education Partnership Northeast employees are expected to champion our core values, Courage, Authentic, Respectful and Excellence.

About the Role

The role has become available as one of our People Advisors has made the decision to move across into our Organisational Development team to broaden their experience within the profession.

The role will be based covering Sunderland Bede Campus, with regular travel to Sunderland City Campus and Hartlepool Sixth Form College.

The key stakeholders for the role will be Sunderland City Campus, Hartlepool Sixth Form College, Finance, MIS and Education Partnership Northeast Training.

Alongside a focus on employee relations and data, the role will help drive and embed new policies, procedures and our core values.

It is an exciting time to join the Group as the role will also be about exploring and getting to know our new People System, which is due to be implemented August 2025.

Role Responsibilities

• Being the first point of call to line management for employee relations
• Guiding and supporting line management through employee relations
• Review data using the new People systems to pick up on themes and trends
• Support the People Business Partner in embedding a positive culture, anchoring back to the core values

Qualifications

• CIPD Qualified at Associate Level
• Level 2 in Maths and English
• Demonstrable ability to listen, discuss, negotiate and provide advice on difficult, complex or sensitive issues, considering the views of all parties
• Significant experience in a proactive generalist HR role e.g. providing frontline advice to line managers and staff on a range of employee relations issues including absence management, disciplinary, capability and grievance
• Experience of providing support and advice to managers carrying out investigations
• Experience of leading employee-related cases
• Ability to proactively identify and seek solutions to continuously improve the HR service
• Demonstrable experience of managing small department projects
• Experience of producing reports and management information
• Experience of supporting HR learning and development events
• Experience of working with recognised Trade Unions

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays).
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 23.68%)
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.

As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

We encourage early applications, as shortlisting and interviews will take place as soon as suitable candidates are identified.

Please contact [e-mail] should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.