We’re First Central Insurance & Technology Group (First Central for short), an innovative, market-leading insurance company. We protect the things customers love so they can get on with what matters to them in life.
Data drives us. It fuels our outstanding distribution, finance, technology and legal services. Our underwriting skills are built on data expertise; it creates the insights we need to give the right cover to the right customers at the right price. But, it’s the people inside and outside our business that power us. They make us stand out, help us succeed. We’re ambitious. We’re growing. We’ve won awards.
Are you a seasoned professional in the field of Employee Relations (ER) looking for a fresh challenge?
We’re looking for a highly experienced Employee Relations Advisor to join us on a 6-month Fixed Term project to provide comprehensive Employee Relations (ER) support and advice. As the Employee Relations expert you’ll ensure compliance and delivery of guidance to managers on ER policies and employment matters. This is a pivotal role supporting the implementation of ER strategies and initiatives, where you’ll also participate in and co-ordinate the roll-out of ER root cause analysis and projects across the business. Other responsibilities will include conducting regular analysis of ER-related management information (MI) identifying trends and areas for improvement. If you’re approachable, self-motivated, have bags of energy, you’ll fit right in.
Working flexibly, you'll spend most of your time working from home, with one day a week spent in the office (so living within a commutable distance to Haywards Heath, West Sussex would be perfect). But of course, it’s your choice - if you prefer to be in the office more - that's good with us too.
You’ll be the perfect person for us if:
- You’re passionate about employment relations (ER) and enjoy project work.
- You’re solution focused and confident in supporting continuous improvements.
- You enjoy working in a fast past environment and want to add value.
- You’re self-motivated, enthusiastic and keen to get involved and share ideas.
- You’ve worked within the Insurance or Financial Services sector – although this isn’t essential – but is highly advantageous.
We run on people power. Come and join us.
What’s involved:
- To provide advice, coaching and support to managers on all employee relations people management matters including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, attendance management etc.
- Develop robust relationships with managers in order to influence and support them in delivering on their business objectives.
- Attend disciplinary and grievance hearings as the ER Representative, providing appropriate advice to managers and ensuring a fair and consistent process.
- Produce month end reports and other ad-hoc reports as required, and conduct analysis to identify trends and areas of improvement.
- Support and advise managers and employees in delivering change, facilitating effective consultation, and advising on the legal and ER aspects of change proposals.
- Work with the People Pillar to identify, develop and implement ER initiatives and track progress against the project plan.
- Meet with department managers on a regular basis to present analysis of ER trends within their departments and work with these managers to identify improvements.
- Coach managers and employees in ER Policy and Practices and provide expert advice in the application of ER Policy and people management practices, ensuring procedures are followed and risks minimised.
- Consult with the L&D function when training needs are identified in particular areas.
- Advise managers on requests to vary contractual terms ensuring that correct policy is applied, and complex issues are resolved in liaison with the ER Business Partner
- Assist in gathering feedback from employees through various communication methods such as Upward Appraisals, Employee Survey, Team Brief and Suggestion Schemes
- Support the ER Services Manager to ensure that all ER policies and procedures are up to date and relevant.
- Work closely with the business to implement any new projects into ER which may also impact other business areas.
- To ensure compliance with company and other relevant standards/ FCA regulations at all times (including Consumer Duty)
Experience
- Experience of working in a similar role, ideally in the Financial Services industry
- Solid experience of co-ordinating projects
- Experience of conducting MI analysis
- Experience of using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio and ideally MS Project
- Solid knowledge of current employment legislation and a good understanding of ER policies
- Awareness of SMCR and wider FCA regulation (including Consumer Duty)
Skills
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Good time management and organisation skills
- Problem solving skills with the ability to adopt a logical approach to solving problems.
- Stakeholder orientation skills
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- Presentation skills
- Excellent data and statistical analysis skills, including the ability to use Excel to a high standard.
Qualifications
- CIPD Qualification desirable
Behaviours
- Commercially focussed.
- A confidential and professional approach is essential.
- Can demonstrate integrity and respect.
- Self-motivated and enthusiastic
- Embrace, embed and incorporate the First Central Values
- An organised and pro-active approach
- Takes initiative to make decisions and provide ‘fit for purpose’ ER solutions in a changing environment.
- Emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy
- A flexible approach and positive attitude
- Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business.
Ready to embark on this exciting journey? Apply now or reach out to the talent team to learn more about this exciting opportunity.
What can we do for you?
People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive. To get a taste of the advantages you’ll enjoy, take a look at all our perks in full here.
Intrigued? Our Talent team can tell you everything you need to know about what we want and what we’re offering, so feel free to get in touch.
