Job Description

**This position is open to staff working at the Trust in the 'ECT Family' this includes current East Cheshire NHS Trust employees, both NHSP and ECT bank staff, ISS staff and volunteers at the Trust. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications from applicants not listed within these groups.**
*Subject to Job Matching*
Are you passionate about employee wellbeing and reducing sickness absence? Join our friendly and forward-thinking HR team and help make East Cheshire NHS Trust the best place to work.
The Trust aims to reduce sickness absence by at least 1% over the next 12 months. In this role, you will coach and support managers to implement the new Staying Well at Work Policy across the organisation. Using workforce data, you will identify improvement opportunities and deliver practical, creative solutions to improve attendance. This includes delivering training and developing toolkits to strengthen management capability.
Reporting to the Senior HR Manager, you will provide professional, customer-focused HR advice and support on workforce matters, including employee relations casework, engagement, and performance management.
You will be working towards or have achieved CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience). Experience advising on HR policy, coaching managers, and delivering training is important, but above all, you must be passionate about colleague wellbeing and improving attendance.
Hours per week: 37.5
Main duties of the job
Work as a key member of the Directorate HR team, delivering professional, customer-focused advice and support to managers and staff on workforce matters including employee relations, engagement, workforce development, health and wellbeing, and ED&I. The role uses workforce data to identify improvement opportunities and proactively support Directorates in achieving targets and workforce objectives.
You will work closely with Senior HR Managers and People Business Partners to deliver aspects of the Trust's People Plan, helping make ECT the best place to work. The role also includes participation in local and regional networks and project groups to support workforce transformation.
The postholder will ensure Trust values and behaviours underpin all people practices, promoting an open, inclusive, and just culture where feedback, ideas, and concerns are welcomed and acted upon appropriately.
We welcome applications from Graduate visa holders; it is important to note that you must have a minimum of 6 months before this expires at the start of your employment for training and operational reasons.
Non-UK or Irish applicants should check their visa and this role's eligibility for sponsorship before applying. For further information please visit Visas and immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Please be advised we are unable to provide Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship to non-UK residents.
About us
We are committed to providing the best quality integrated care to our patients. To achieve this aim we need highly motivated staff who are united by common values and behaviours.
We believe our workforce is our greatest asset and we actively support our staff to develop their capabilities to the full, with a variety of learning and development opportunities.
Whether you are just starting out in your career or are looking to use your skills and experience in a new role, East Cheshire NHS Trust is the right employer for you. We look forward to you joining us so that we can bring out your best.
Details
Date posted
13 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
31,049 to 37,796 a year (subject to Job Matching)
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
209-A-26-7641117
Job locations
Macclesfield District
General Hospital
Victoria Road, Macclesfield
SK10 3BL
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please read the attached Applicant Pack prior to completing your application form to find out more information.
Please download a copy of the and Person Specification located under the Supporting documents heading to read more about the advertised role.
As part of making your application we encourage you to review the Trusts Careers webpage Careers :: East Cheshire NHS Trust for more information about working for East Cheshire NHS Trust.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The Trust is a Disability Confident Leader and as such, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification).
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application. While this is not discouraged, it is essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section as these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job youre applying for. We kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process and being a member of East Cheshire NHS Trust.
Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we receive a large number of applications.
We look forward to receiving your application. Job description
Job responsibilities
Please read the attached Applicant Pack prior to completing your application form to find out more information.
Please download a copy of the and Person Specification located under the Supporting documents heading to read more about the advertised role.
As part of making your application we encourage you to review the Trusts Careers webpage Careers :: East Cheshire NHS Trust for more information about working for East Cheshire NHS Trust.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The Trust is a Disability Confident Leader and as such, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification).
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application. While this is not discouraged, it is essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section as these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job youre applying for. We kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process and being a member of East Cheshire NHS Trust.
Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we receive a large number of applications.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• CIPD qualification level 5 or evidence of working towards or equivalent experience
• Evidence of continuous learning & development

Desirable

• Coaching qualification

Experience
Essential

• Previous HR experience, including employee relations, employee resourcing, change management, performance management and diversity.
• Track record in providing credible, high-quality advice and services to managers in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Desirable

• Experience of close working with senior management
• Demonstrate ability to work in partnership with staff side colleagues
• Experience of working in a unionised environment

Knowledge
Essential

• Excellent, demonstrable knowledge of current employment legislation, case law, HR best practice

Desirable

• NHS Terms and Conditions of Employment
• Knowledge of leadership and management development tools and techniques
• Understanding of temporary staffing arrangements
• Understanding of a range of Health and Wellbeing interventions and best practice

Skills
Essential

• Well-developed effective written and oral communication skills for a variety of formal, informal, virtual and face to face
• Ability to quickly build relationships and foster effective communication both internally and externally
• Ability to prioritise issues, highlight risk and mitigation
• Presentation skills
• Able to influence, negotiate and persuade regarding sensitive issues at all levels
• IT skills including Microsoft packages
• Ability to interpret, analyse and present high level management information
• Able to manage time and workload pressure
• Ability to learn and research to maintain HR credibility and practice
• Can demonstrate ability to keep stakeholders informed and involved.
• Ability to tailor advice and inputs to an individual and/or given situation

Desirable

• Project management skills and experience
• Experience of working with senior management
• Facilitation and training skills
• Demonstrable leadership skills

Other role requirements
Essential

• Please refer to the and Person Specification for further details

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• CIPD qualification level 5 or evidence of working towards or equivalent experience
• Evidence of continuous learning & development

Desirable

• Coaching qualification

Experience
Essential

• Previous HR experience, including employee relations, employee resourcing, change management, performance management and diversity.
• Track record in providing credible, high-quality advice and services to managers in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Desirable

• Experience of close working with senior management
• Demonstrate ability to work in partnership with staff side colleagues
• Experience of working in a unionised environment

Knowledge
Essential

• Excellent, demonstrable knowledge of current employment legislation, case law, HR best practice

Desirable

• NHS Terms and Conditions of Employment
• Knowledge of leadership and management development tools and techniques
• Understanding of temporary staffing arrangements
• Understanding of a range of Health and Wellbeing interventions and best practice

Skills
Essential

• Well-developed effective written and oral communication skills for a variety of formal, informal, virtual and face to face
• Ability to quickly build relationships and foster effective communication both internally and externally
• Ability to prioritise issues, highlight risk and mitigation
• Presentation skills
• Able to influence, negotiate and persuade regarding sensitive issues at all levels
• IT skills including Microsoft packages
• Ability to interpret, analyse and present high level management information
• Able to manage time and workload pressure
• Ability to learn and research to maintain HR credibility and practice
• Can demonstrate ability to keep stakeholders informed and involved.
• Ability to tailor advice and inputs to an individual and/or given situation

Desirable

• Project management skills and experience
• Experience of working with senior management
• Facilitation and training skills
• Demonstrable leadership skills

Other role requirements
Essential

• Please refer to the and Person Specification for further details

Skills Required