Employee Relations and Policy Specialist

Employee Relations and Policy Specialist

West Midlands Combined Authority

Location

16 Summer Lane

Salary

£46,929 - £52,135 per annum

Closing date 28 Oct 2026

Reference WMCA/TP/26674/1023

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Sector Local Councils

Job Type Human resources / OD / Training

Contract Type Fixed Term Contract

Working Pattern Standard

Hours Full-Time

The West Midlands Combined Authority is working to become the best place to work and belong, creating an environment where people feel supported, treated fairly and able to contribute their best. To do that well, our managers need clear, consistent and practical support when dealing with people matters, and our colleagues need confidence that employee relations issues are handled fairly, sensitively and in line with policy.

As ER & Policy Specialist, you will support the day-to-day delivery of employee relations casework across WMCA. This role is about keeping cases moving, supporting managers with practical advice, maintaining accurate records, following up actions and helping ensure people matters are managed consistently and professionally. We are looking for someone with hands-on experience dealing with ER cases, confidence working with managers, and a willingness to get involved in the administrative detail that sits behind a good ER service. You will also support policy reviews, help embed people policies across the organisation, and provide ER advice that is aligned with employment legislation, internal policy and best practice.

You will also support change management activity, helping managers work through people-related changes in a structured and compliant way. This could include preparing template documents and letters, supporting consultation processes, advising on risks and different scenarios, and making sure managers have the practical guidance they need to handle change fairly and confidently.

Please note that we are recruiting for two positions that are both advertised on a 12-month fixed-term contract and interviews are taking place W/C 2nd November:

• Tuesday 3rd November: 12:00 - 13:30
• Wednesday 4th November: 11:00 - 17:00
• Thursday 5th November: 09:00 - 17:00

What you’ll be doing.

• Manage a high volume and wide range of employee relations cases from informal resolution through to formal hearings, ensuring advice is consistent, timely and aligned to policy and employment legislation.
• Support managers with day-to-day ER queries, coaching them to handle people management issues fairly, confidently and appropriately.
• Keep accurate casework records, track actions and outcomes, and make sure recommendations are followed up and documented properly.
• Work with People & Culture colleagues, Legal Services, People Business Partners, managers and Trade Union representatives to coordinate input and progress ER cases.
• Support the drafting, review, consultation and implementation of people policies and guidance, helping ensure they remain clear, fair, legally compliant and embedded in day-to-day management practice.
• Support organisational change activity by preparing documentation, advising on process, highlighting risks and helping managers apply policy and legislation consistently.

What’s essential.

• Proven experience advising and supporting on informal approaches through to complex employee relations issues across the casework lifecycle
• Evidence of providing value-add HR advice on a range of employment matters to stakeholders across the entire employee lifecycle.
• Evidence of using coaching skills to develop manager’s competence and confidence in dealing with people management issues
• Understanding and knowledge of relevant employment legislation
• Educated to at least degree level
• CIPD qualified to level 5
• Evidence of continued professional development

For a full list of duties and essential criteria, please refer to the job description attached.

Hiring Manager: Nathan Morrison Talent Acquisition Partner: Tom Bailey Pay Scale: SP34 - SP38

Location.

The location for these roles is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

There may be a requirement to work outside normal office hours on occasion, including working within stakeholder and partner offices within the WMCA constituent area on a regular basis.

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to d