About EPNE
We are driven by a passion for transforming lives through education. As a leading education provider in the North East of England, our institutions; Sunderland College, Northumberland College, and Hartlepool Sixth Form College, are united in our commitment to delivering exceptional teaching and learning experiences that empower students to reach their full potential.
We are ambitious in our pursuit of excellence, currently ranked as the top-performing Further Education college in the region for students ages 16 to 19, and second nationally.
Our college community is built on a foundation of inclusivity, where we encourage both staff and students to embrace their authentic selves, show respect for others, and innovate in creating an exceptional student experience. Together, we are shaping an exciting future for everyone across our group.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
About the Candidate
We are looking for a forward-thinking People professional, who can follow Employee Relations policies but also navigate through the grey. Anyone interested in applying, needs to have ‘courage to challenge’ qualities but also take on a coaching mentality when upskilling stakeholders.
All Education Partnership Northeast employees are expected to champion our core values, Courage, Authentic, Respectful and Excellence.
About the Role
The role has become available as one of our People Advisors will be entering their next stages of life and expanding their family. This means we are after a strong People professional to hold the fort, whilst she is on Maternity Leave.
The role can be based in either our Northumberland or Sunderland but will involve travel between our campuses. The key stake holders for the role will be Ashington and Kirkley College (Northumberland College), Inclusive Learning and Student Support Services or Sunderland College (Bede Campus)
With a primary focus on employee relations and data, the role will help drive and embed new policies, procedures and our core values.
It is an exciting time to join the Group as the role will also be about exploring and getting to know our new People System, which is due to be implemented August 2025.
Role Responsibilities
- Guiding and supporting line management through employee relations
- Review data using the new People systems to pick up on themes and trends
- Support the People Business Partner embed a positive culture, anchoring back to the core values
Qualifications
- CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience)
- CIPD Qualified at Associate Level
- Level 2 in Maths and English
Essential Skills & Experience
- Demonstrable ability to listen, discuss, negotiate and provide advice on difficult, complex or sensitive issues, considering the views of all parties
- Significant experience in a proactive generalist HR role e.g. providing frontline advice to line managers and staff on a range of employee relations issues including absence management, disciplinary, capability and grievance
- Experience of providing support and advice to managers carrying out investigations
- Experience of leading employee related cases
- Ability to proactively identify and seek solutions to continuously improve the HR service
- Demonstrable experience of managing small department projects
- Experience of producing reports and management information
- Experience of leading employee related cases
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience of supporting HR learning and development events
- Experience of with recognised Trade Unions
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive and extensive benefits package.
- Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35 days per year, plus public holidays).
- Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
- LGPS Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7%)
- Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
- We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
- Extensive wellbeing support through a dedicated Wellbeing Adviser, and a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
- Free parking on most campuses.
Our Values
As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
For a sneak peak into the future of EPNE and how we are developing the next wave of changemakers please check out the link below.
EPNE Strategic Plan 2025 2030
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Please contact Chris Burleigh, People Business Partner on chris.burleigh@educationpartnershipne.ac.uk should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.