We’re not just your average health company; we’re aiming to revolutionise access to healthcare in the UK by offering innovative health and wellbeing solutions that are affordable, accessible, and effective. From preventive care to comprehensive medical support, we aim to empower individuals to take charge of their health, inspiring them to make the most of their wellbeing. Added to that we’re the first health insurer in the UK to be awarded B-Corp status in recognition of our significant achievements in sustainability, in addition to our ambitious environmental and social responsibility goals.
As Employee Relations Partner, you’ll work in partnership with our HR Business Partners, Employee Relations Specialist and the wider People Team to create and implement a structured Employee Relations roadmap that is aligned to our functional People Plan.
Reporting to our Head of HR Partnering, you’ll be responsible for providing employee relations advice to the business and handling complex employee relations matters related to misconduct, grievances, performance management (including appeals), and health & wellbeing case management.
You’ll also support change activity through an ER lens, where there’s a people impact, developing market-leading policies by staying ahead of trends and legislation, and ensuring our managers are effectively coached and upskilled to drive positive employee relations, through the effective implementation of our HR policies & processes.
Key responsibilities
- Create and implement an Employee Relations roadmap aligned to our functional people plans, setting out the key priorities linked to employee relation themes in the business. Identify areas of opportunity and improvement by using data and insight to analyse ER trends to inform solutions that support both wellbeing and business performance.
- Alongside the Employee Relations Specialist, manage end-to-end processes for complex disciplinary, investigation, grievance and appeal cases including, but not limited to health & wellbeing, underperformance, conduct and probation, supporting involved parties throughout the process.
- Build strong relationships with managers to offer expert employee relations advice, coaching them to handle challenging conversations and to confidently navigate ER processes. Ensure high quality and documentation of managed cases, with sensitive data being handled in compliance with GDPR and Data Privacy requirements.
- Develop and deliver tools, guides, and workshops to equip managers with the confidence to manage issues proactively, aiming to resolve cases efficiently and informally when possible.
- Employee Relations Lead for the consultation aspects of business changes and for effectively facilitating employer and employee consultation activities through the appropriate forum.
- Keep company policies up to date with emerging UK employment legislation and in line with the company policy governance framework, whilst ensuring they remain practical and market leading. Look to simplify where possible and identify and implement any training that may be required.
- Responsible for the management of any litigation raised via ACAS or an Employment Tribunal, working closely with the relevant stakeholders to share risks, identify and recommend potential solutions via case management conferences.
- Maintain the relationship with our Occupational Health Provider, acting as the first point of contact for new and ongoing referrals, providing feedback where necessary to the provider, reviewing the MI available and ensuring the services provided are in line with Simplyhealth’s needs.
- Act as the lead contact for any Employee Relations issues that require engagement with our Life Assurance and Income Protection advisors, ensuring that the appropriate controls are in place.