HR Industrial Relations Partner

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the fifth year running.We're on a mission to give our colleagues an amazing work/life balance!Job title: HR Industrial Relations PartnerLocation: BoltonSalary: Up to £50,000 per annumHours: 9-5 Monday-Friday Contract: Permanent UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. About the role The HR Industrial Relations Partner at OFG will be pivotal in maintaining positive and constructive relationships between the organisation, its employees, and trade unions. This role ensures compliance with UK employment law and sector-specific regulations, while managing the resolution of workplace disputes and leading negotiations on collective bargaining agreements. As a key advisor to senior leaders, the Industrial Relations Manager will ensure that policies and employment practices align with the needs of staff and our organisation. Additionally, the role will work closely with internal teams to promote effective communication, support staff engagement, and ensure that health, safety, and employment standards meet statutory requirements.Key AccountabilitiesManaging Industrial Relations: Develop and maintain positive relationships with trade unions, leading negotiations to secure collective agreements that align with OFGs goals.Compliance with Employment Legislation: Ensure full compliance with UK employment laws and education sector-specific regulations, keeping policies up to date and legally sound.Supporting Senior Leadership: Provide expert industrial relations advice to senior leaders, delivering reports on risks, trends, and strategic opportunities in employee relations.Policy Development and Implementation: Design and implement industrial relations policies, ensuring consistent application and effective communication across the organisation.Employee Engagement and Communication: Promote open communication channels between staff, management, and union representatives to foster engagement and transparency.Conflict Resolution and Dispute Management: Mediate and resolve workplace disputes promptly, minimising disruption and ensuring fair outcomes for all parties involved.RequirementsTechnical SkillsIn-depth understanding of UK labour laws, including the Employment Rights Act, Trade Union and Labour Relations Act.Expertise in conducting and leading collective bargaining negotiations with trade unions, including drafting and reviewing agreements.Strong skills in conflict management, including experience with dispute resolution techniques, mediation, and handling grievance procedures.Ability to design, implement, and update industrial relations policies, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and alignment with organisational goals.Familiarity with the processes involved in UK employment tribunals and the ability to represent or prepare the organisations case if necessary.Solid knowledge of health and safety legislation as it relates to industrial relations and working conditions, especially in the education sector.Proficiency in analysing industrial relations data (e.g., workforce trends, grievances) and preparing detailed reports for senior management.Ability to manage industrial relations projects, from collective bargaining to implementing new policies or initiatives, ensuring timelines and objectives are met.Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS) for managing employee data, industrial relations records, and monitoring compliance.Experience5-7 years experience in the industrial relations field.Experience negotiating with and managing relationships with trade unions.Experience practical experience in applying UK employment Law in a professional setting, including dealing with legal disputes and tribunals.Experience in developing and implementing IR policies and procedures.Strong communication and analytical skills.Capability to provide strategic advice and build IR strategies from the ground up.Why join Outcomes First Group?About the GroupOutcomes First Group is the leading provider of specialist education in the UK. We exist to give neurodivergent children and young people access to a great education that caters to their specific needs, abilities and aspirations.There are three brands in our Outcomes First family: Acorn Education, Options Autism and Momenta Connect. Together, we educate, care for and support children, young people, and adults across the UK, empowering them to be happy and make their way in the world.We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the fifth year running.Our VisionWe believe that with a great education, every neurodivergent pupil can thrive and make their way in the world.Our MissionEvery day we improve the lives of our pupils, their families, and local communities through a relentless focus on wellbeing and learning.Our PromiseWe are kind to ourselves and each other...We work together... and we make things happen.Our Promise sits alongside our Vision and Mission. It describes the sort of people we are and our commitment to how we treat each other, work together, and behave. BenefitsYour health and wellbeing are important to us, so youll get an exceptional reward package including:Life AssurancePension scheme with options to increase your contributionsYour Wellbeing Matters access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checksAnd a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package thats right for you, including:A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits100s of discount options valid in the UK and abroadCycle to Work SchemesElectric Car Purchase SchemeCritical illness coverAnd thats not all, we place the outcomes of the pupilsand vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so youll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.We're on a mission to give our colleagues an amazing work/life balance!We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the fifth year running.We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.JBRP1_UKTJ