Overview

We are looking for a highly experienced Employee Relations/HR caseworker, who will be able to lead on their own caseload of highly sensitive, complex cases. This role will suit an individual that is comfortable operating across complex casework, following employment policy and having a good working knowledge of employment law requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a business-focused employee relations plan that meets the needs of all Service Line and Corporate stakeholder groups.
• Act as an ER expert, promoting best practice in all ER interventions undertaken by the team.
• Support change management and TUPE commissioned by People Delivery Partners.
• Provide high-standard advice, guidance and support to managers on the application of investigation and hearings processes in the Trust.
• Work closely with HR Business Partners to ensure HR involvement achieves business objectives through efficient and effective ER casework management.
• Collaborate with the HR Direct First point of contact service to handle complex cases escalated through a triage process.
• Manage the role on a 6-month fixed-term basis, based at Tolworth Hospital with remote working.
• Engage in the interview and assessment process, including a presentation with Q&A followed by an interview.
• Provide expert advice and support to all Trust members, including the Executive Team, on employment law and the application of Trust-wide policies and procedures.
• Project manage and monitor the delivery of investigations, engaging relevant staff, setting timescales and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Ensure consistency of ER approach across the team and maintain ER best practice within Trust policy, delivering pragmatic solutions responsive to service needs.
• Lead the development of Trust-wide policies reflecting up-to-date case law and practice, liaising with the Trust\'s solicitors when needed.
• Ensure timely advice and case handling within agreed SLAs/KPIs.
• Provide ER support to managers for informal/formal matters, including policy, procedures, investigations, preparation of management cases, support for chairs at hearings and written outcomes.
• Oversee Employment Tribunal cases, prepare and settle claims where appropriate, represent the Trust at Tribunal when necessary, and support staff in preparation.
• Provide advice and support to all staff on highly complex and sensitive organisational changes, including leadership of all TUPE-related cases.
• Undertake appropriate research within the NHS and wider HROD community to develop SWLSTG people management policies, procedures, guidance and toolkits aligned with business needs and legislative requirements.
• Benchmark ER practice against other organisations to apply best practice and modernisation to SWLSTG.
• Collate qualitative and quantitative information and produce meaningful analysis to support decision making.
• Regularly review and update people management policies, procedures and guidance and maintain a suite of SOPs for all ER processes.

Qualifications and experience

The role requires extensive experience in employee relations and HR casework, strong knowledge of employment law, and the ability to work independently on a caseload of complex matters, with a track record of delivering timely, compliant ER interventions.

Location and terms

This role is offered on a 6-month fixed-term basis and is based at Tolworth Hospital, complemented by remote working.

Working arrangements

Flexible and agile working opportunities are offered. The role generally operates Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm, with a focus on work-life balance.

About our organisation

We are South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust. We are inclusive and diverse and actively anti-racist. We co-produce with local communities and offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits.

Location specifics

Tolworth Hospital, Surbiton. Tolworth is undergoing layout transformation in 2026 to add wards; the site has a canteen and is accessible by road, rail and bus, with connections to Clapham Junction and London Waterloo.

Application process

As part of the interview and assessment process, applicants can expect a presentation with Q&A, followed by an interview. This advert closes on Monday 6 Oct 2025.