Job Introduction
HR is responsible for providing a service that is fit for purpose and understands the needs of the business. Our Employee Relations Team provides a comprehensive and professional employee relations service to the City Council, schools and academies.
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Employee Relations Advisor to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing employee relations matters across the council and within maintained schools and academy clients. The role supports and advises on complex employee relations case work, ensuring high standards of customer service and communication whilst continuing to seek improved performance.
Your new role
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
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Provide expert advice and support on employee relations issues, including conflict resolution, performance management, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures.
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Collaborate with HR and management teams to develop and implement effective employee relations strategies.
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Support managers to conduct investigations and provide recommendations on complex employee relations cases
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Facilitate training sessions and workshops on employee relations topics for staff and management.
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Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.
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Promote a culture of teamwork, respect, and outstanding customer service.
Who is the person summary:
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Be able to manage conflicting demands and deal with high volume enquiries.
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Be CIPD qualified or have proven equivalent experience or willing to work toward being CIPD Qualified.
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Experience of working with complex cases utilising policies and procedures and the ability to interpret and implement these.
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Able to demonstrate a consultative approach, working with managers/ Head Teachers in advising, influencing a solution focused approach.
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Have proven successful experience of operational HR delivering successful outcomes on complex employee relations matters and casework.
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Have proven experience of providing professional advice to Senior Manager/Head Teachers assisting them to drive business processes.
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Have experience in working with Trade Unions or workplace representatives
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Having a good understanding of safeguarding principles and legislation.
For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile below attached.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
As part of Local Government Reorganisation, current plans will see Portsmouth City Council combine with the district and borough councils of Fareham, Gosport and Havant and parts of East Hampshire and Winchester district councils to form a new, larger unitary authority for south east Hampshire.
We are working towards an implementation date of 1st April 2028, known as vesting day, subject to Parliamentary approval. Until then, we remain focused on maintaining continuity, supporting our workforce, and continuing to deliver excellent services to our residents throughout the transition to the new unitary authority.
This is an exciting time to join us, offering the opportunity to contribute to organisational transformation, develop your career, and help shape future services for our communities.
More information about Local Government Reorganisation can be found on our website: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/council-and-democracy/your-council/devolution-and-lgr/
Additional Information
If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact Karen Thomas: [email protected]
Interviews will take place w/c 7th September 2026.
Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office minimum 2 days a week (pro rata for part time), this remains flexible, depending on the role and subject to business needs.
We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we have a large number of applications.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
If applying as a secondment you will need permission from your current line manager releasing you for this secondment. Please state you have this on your personal statement on the application.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact [email protected] or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
