People Relations Advisor (Casework) – Higher Education HR

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Newcastle University is looking for an experienced HR professional to join the People Relations and Policies Team as a People Relations Advisor (Casework). You will provide expert guidance across employee relations and support a positive, inclusive workplace culture within a large, unionised environment.

This full‑time, fixed‑term role runs to 31 October 2028 with a salary of £36,636 to £38,784, progressing to £46,049 per annum.

Qualifications

• Substantial People Services experience across a range of People Services activities.
• Experience in Higher Education or similar complex, large organisation.
• Evidence of supporting managers with performance and capability issues.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment legislation.
• Well-developed influencing, facilitation and negotiating skills.
• Evidence of dealing with complex employee relations issues.
• Excellent organisational skills with ability to plan and deliver across multiple activities.
• Ability to develop effective partnerships with trade unions.

Responsibilities

• Provide Employee Relations advice, coaching and support to managers to foster a positive ER environment.
• Draft, amend or update employment policies in line with changing needs and requirements.
• Collaborate with People Services to deliver a coordinated service.
• Provide generalist HR advice across the employee lifecycle and support HR initiatives.
• Assist managers with reorganisations, contract changes, redundancy consultations, TUPE, and flexible working requests.
• Advise on sickness absence, coordinate with Occupational Health, and implement reasonable adjustments.
• Engage with trade unions on contract and conditions of service matters.

Skills

People Services experience

Higher education experience

Performance management

Employment law

Influencing and negotiation

Employee relations issues

Organisational skills

Trade union partnerships

Education

First Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Newcastle University is looking for an experienced HR professional to join the People Relations and Policies Team as a People Relations Advisor (Casework). You will provide expert guidance across employee relations and support a positive, inclusive workplace culture within a large, unionised environment.

This full‑time, fixed‑term role runs to 31 October 2028 with a salary of £36,636 to £38,784, progressing to £46,049 per annum.