Employment Policy Manager

This is a part time (22.2 hours per week) permanent contract.

Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”

We’re ambitious in our plans and continue to climb University league tables. Our people are at the heart of the University - Our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.

We hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our advancements in gender equality, representation and progression.

The role

Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Employment Relations and Policy Team Leader, the Employment Policy Manager will be responsible for the revision and management of the University’s people policies.  Whilst this is a standalone role, the postholder will work alongside a variety of stakeholders, including trade unions, ensuring that our policies support the University’s People Strategy, comply with employment law, promote leading employment practice with consistency of approach.

About the team

Based in the People Directorate, the Employment Policy Manager is a part of the Employment Relations and Policy Development Team. The team consists of five People Managers that each provide professional ER advice and support to our Faculty and Directorate managers.

What will I be doing?

●     you’ll be responsible for delivering a comprehensive and ongoing review of the University’s people policies, working in close collaboration with colleagues across the People Directorate

●     as the Employment Policy lead, you will take a flexible and enabling approach to policy standards, ensuring that they are responsive to business needs

●     working closely with the Employment Relations and Policy Team Leader, you will maintain the People Directorates policy register, overseeing and reviewing policies in line with review dates and timeframes

●     you will need to keep up-to-date with employment legislation, as well as best practice in the public, private and third sectors, ensuring any changes are incorporated in good time

●     you will provide coaching, training and mentoring support on any complex policy-related queries or issues, as well as providing expert coaching/training as required for any policy and legislative changes ensuring any updates are communicated clearly.

What skills do I need?

●      organisational skills are key in this role as you’ll be managing multiple policy related projects and working cross functionally

●      excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

●      deliver policy related training to a variety of audiences

●      previous experience of working in a people policy related role within HR, ideally in the Higher Education sector, or other large, complex organisation

●      negotiation and influencing skills with experience of working effectively with managers, employees and trade unions

●      the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines that have been set.

While this is a standalone role, internal relationships are really important. You will also be responsible for supporting managers across the wider university in how to interpret and apply policies. It is essential that the successful candidate has prior experience in writing employment related policies, delivering briefing sessions and driving process improvements.

About the location

Based at our Headington campus, you’ll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport.  This role will be hybrid and we expect that this role is likely to require 1-2 days on campus per week.

Benefits

We prioritise the well-being of our employees—both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx. 5 per year).

We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.

We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme (19.8 % Employer contribution rate), as well as providing all staff with access to financial coaching and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.

In addition, all employees have access to:

●     discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities and access to a variety of other university facilities including Brookes on-site Nursery

●     discounted travel options (Discounted bus travel in and around Oxford, BrookesBus - Park & ride scheme, Interest-free loans for travel tickets and cycle to work scheme)

●     TOTUM card discount scheme

●     relocation scheme - £5000 for candidates moving more than 30 miles on a permanent basis

●     training and development opportunities

●     connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship making it. a vibrant and inclusive place to work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.

This role will not attract sufficient points to obtain a sponsored Tier 2 visa under the points based immigration system, however applications are welcome from candidates who don’t currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a visa via another route.

CV and Personal Statement :

As part of the application process all applicants are required to complete our online application form by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button below.  All parts of the application form should be completed and in the section of the form called “Supporting Documents”, applicants must upload their CV and a Personal Statement.  To complete the Personal Statement part of the application, applicants must download the Personal Statement document which is part of the advert below and complete the form, providing examples and explaining how they meet each item detailed on the document.  The Personal Statement must then be uploaded to the application form along with the CV.

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