Company Description

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative."

Job Description

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, 
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Wide range of career development opportunities
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive

UKAEA’s pay arrangements and grading structure are currently under review as part of a transformation project and proposed multi-year pay deal. UKAEA aims to introduce a new grading structure in 2024. This will enable us to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise the scientific and economic benefit. Now is a great time to join the Organisation and be part of the journey.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)  including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.

The Role

A pivotal role within the organisation, the People Advisor is responsible for leading on all aspects of employee relations - enabling fair and equitable processes and procedures are adhered to within the people department.

You should be equipped to advise managers at all levels; coaching, mentoring and supporting them to improve people management capability. You should also have demonstrated experience with reducing absence, grievances and disciplinaries.  

If you have a passion for people and a deep understanding of policies, processes, employment law and best practice then we would love to hear from you. 

What will you be responsible for?

• Providing professional advice and support to employees and managers on the application and interpretation of people processes and procedures, ensuring a fair and equitable approach.
• Leading on employee relations issues, ensuring that cases are well managed, handled swiftly and effectively and in line with organisational policy and legal requirements.
• Advising managers at all levels; coaching, mentoring and supporting them.
• Using and interpreting management information to identify trends/issues. 
• Demonstrating an in depth understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and ensuring that this is applied throughout all activities.
• Leading on project work, including researching topics, benchmarking externally and stakeholder management, to ensure appropriate outcomes in line with business needs.

Qualifications

Essential skills, experience and competence required

• Experience leading employee relations cases (such as advising on disciplinary/grievance/ill health absence cases)
• Ability to work with minimal support/supervision
• Competent in the use of Excel/reporting from management systems 
• Significant interview experience
• Ability to lead coaching conversations effectively 

Desirable skills, experience and competence

• HR experience and/or CIPD Level 5 
• Job evaluation understanding and experience
• Previous experience within a research, engineering or technical environment

Additional Information

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.