Part Time HR Adviser (Fixed-term)

Job Summary

Robert Gordon University delivers more than 300 courses to over 16,000 full and part-time students from 130 countries. Over the last decade we have consistently had one of the best records of any UK university for graduate- level employment. A £135 million construction project at our Garthdee campus was completed in 2015 and provides our students and staff with state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities.

We aspire to be recognised, in Scotland and beyond, as a distinctive university, one that will enter the global university rankings, diversify and secure its income and resources, and enter into close collaborative agreements with key strategic partners.

Reporting to an HR Business Partner, you will be a key player in a team of HR professionals and specialists working to support the realisation of the University’s vision and strategy. You will work closely with schools and departments to deliver a high quality, pro-active HR service across a broad spectrum of issues. A strong networker, you will quickly establish highly effective relationships with your client group and add value and impact to their business needs. There will also be scope to learn and develop your experience on projects and wider HR initiatives within a supportive environment.

Degree qualified, you will need to evidence experience in a similar role and across a range of core HR issues.

This part time role is part of a job share to be worked over Wednesday to Friday (although working patterns can be discussed) and is offered on a fixed term basis, to cover maternity leave, for up to 11 months.

To apply, please submit an up to date CV and covering letter detailing how you meet the person specification of the role.

In keeping with RGU's commitment to work/life balance you will have the opportunity to work from home for a portion of the working week and also benefit from a generous pension scheme, 46 days annual leave (including statutory days) an onsite nursery and sports centre, as well as a range of voluntary health and travel benefits. 

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: HR Business Partner

RESPONSIBLE FOR: No Supervisor responsibility

PURPOSE OF POST:  Pro-actively provides effective and professional HR advice, guidance and support to a designated client group comprising of schools and departments whilst supporting the HR Business Partner with projects and wider HR initiatives. Uses professional judgement to decide when to give advice, and when to escalate.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

Client Engagement – Able to understand Client’s strategic plans and how they impact on a variety of HR issues to ensure the right advice and guidance is being delivered. Provision of day-to-day HR support and guidance on operational issues and regular reports to Heads and Deans of Departments/Schools on issues such as – absence, turnover, performance management, hotspots, and progress towards short term goals and objectives.

Absence – Analyse monthly statistics on absence and liaise with Managers on how to manage individual issues. Liaise with Occupational Health providers, individual Employees, and Managers to ensure that a case management approach is taken to all long and short-term absence cases.

Performance Management – Responsible for supporting and coaching line managers on all aspects of performance management including the drafting of Performance Improvement Plans. Ensures that RGU policies and best practice are followed.

Grievance/Disciplinary– Provides support to line managers at initial investigations and formal meetings. Provides support to staff and managers and offers fair treatment advice and mediation where required.

Recruitment & Selection – Provides input and advice to clients on preparation of Job Descriptions, Person Specifications, and advises on best recruitment and selection methods. Participates in select interview selection panels and ensures that RGU policies and best practice are used as the basis for all recruitment and selection decisions.

Relationship Building – Works closely with the HR Business Partner to build and maintain effective relationships with Clients, Employees, peers and other specialist providers of services within and out with the HR team.

Legislation – Has a strong grasp and understanding of all statutory employment legislation, including UKVI compliance. Understands the importance of record keeping and ensures notes are taken of all conversations including phone calls, formal and informal meetings.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion – Works in collaboration with the Staff Equality Champion to discuss issues, contribute to activities, and promote inclusivity on a specific equality strand across the university.

Staff Development – Understands the Appraisal (EPR) process and provides advice and support to line managers on its implementation. Participates in team development events in conjunction with other HR team members.

Project Management – Undertakes projects as delegated by the HR Business Partner / Senior HR Adviser such as restructures, redundancy programmes, introduction of new policies etc. Understands the basics of project management.

Job Evaluation – Carries out role analysis in liaison with line managers and attend role evaluation panel meetings. Understands, and is able to explain the process and the link to pay and grading structures.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

First Degree

Working towards (or willing to work towards) CIPD/PGDip HR

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of UK Employment law.

Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to persuade and influence.

Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.

Professionalism and positive attitude.

Experience

Proven work experience as an HR generalist in a similar role.

Direct experience of advising on performance, disciplinary, grievance, absence management, visa and immigration and general employee relations issues including termination of employment.

Proven experience of building effective relationships with internal client base

 

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

Assoc CIPD or PGDip HR (or equivalent)

Behaviours

Behaviour 1: Communication

Ability to receive, understand and convey information requiring careful explanation and information of a complex or conceptual nature, in a clear and accurate manner.

Behaviour 2: Service Delivery

Experience of exploring and adapting a service to meet customers expectations and also identifying ways of improving standards.

Behaviour 3: Pastoral Care and Welfare

Experience of: calming and reassuring those with work/study related problems who may be experiencing distress; dealing with difficult welfare situations or confidential matters; providing support for those in considerable distress or requiring long-term complex support.

Behaviour 4: Decision Making Processes and Outcomes

Experiences of: using own judgement to make decisions; making collaborative decisions with others to reach conclusions; providing advice or information that will influence the decisions of others.

Behaviour 5: Analysis and Research

Experience of identifying or designing data gathering and analytical methods appropriate for each investigation, and producing reports that identify key issues and findings.