Job Introduction
This opportunity is currently being offered on a fixed term contract until 31 March 2028; however, if budgets allow the contract length may be extended and/or become permanent, though this is not guaranteed. If an internal council employee wishes to apply for this role, a secondment opportunity may be considered (please state this on your application).
Are you an experienced HR professional looking for an opportunity to lead and influence workforce attendance and employee relations across a large and diverse organisation?
Medway Council are seeking a highly skilled Senior Employee Relations Consultant (Absence Lead) to lead our team of Employee Relations Consultants (Absence Leads) and drive improvements in attendance management across Medway Council. This is a key role within our HR service, contributing directly to the delivery of our Workforce Strategy and supporting managers to create positive and productive workplaces.
About the role
Reporting to the Head of Learning and Development, you will provide leadership, coaching and support to Employee Relations Consultants, ensuring the delivery of a high quality, customer focused service. You will work closely with senior leaders, managers and key stakeholders in leading initiatives to reduce sickness absence through proactive case management, early intervention and the consistent application of absence management policies.
About you
You will be a credible leader who can combine strong technical employee relations experience with the ability to inspire and develop others.
You will have –
- CIPD Level 5 or equivalent relevant qualification
- extensive experience of implementing initiatives to reduce absence in the workplace and managing complex absence casework.
- experience of leading, mentoring and developing a team.
- excellent knowledge of employment law, attendance management and HR best practice.
- experience of managing occupational health and employee assistance programme contracts
- experience of developing and delivering training to managers on absence management.
- experience of working collaboratively with Trade Unions and external bodies such as ACAS.
- experience of analysing data, identifying trends and implementing effective solutions.
- excellent communication, negotiation and mediation skills.
Why Medway?
At Medway Council, we are committed to creating a workplace where people can thrive. We offer hybrid working, opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing and performance of our workforce.
If you are passionate about leading high performing teams and delivering innovative attendance management solutions, we would love to hear from you.
Interviews will be held on the 27 & 28 October 2026
If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please e-mail Lisa Morgan on lisa.morgan@medway.gov.uk.
Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. The salary you will be offered will be at level A. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.
When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.
The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:
Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.
Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.
Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.
We are seeking a Senior ER Consultant (Absence Lead) to join the team at level B. This level attracts a salary that is mid-point of the range. You will have related experience and be able to demonstrate applied and developed knowledge, experience and skills to be effective in this role. All elements of level A and B listed within the person specification are essential. You will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.
Important Information-
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria at level A which are essential for appointment to the role.
- Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK.
- For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
- Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
- Please note, we prioritise applications from current Medway Council redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
- We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
