Introduction
You can often tell a successful business organisation by the state
of its employee relations. A happy worker is a good worker.
Many firms have advisors, or industrial relations officers, who
ensure that there is a stable and effective framework for the
conduct of fair employer/employee relations. They get great
satisfaction from helping to solve difficult and sensitive
situations. All local authorities have human resource or
personnel departments in their corporate directorates. This is
where the Industrial Relations Officer is located.
Work Environment
It is an office-based job involving some travel to various
locations - all service sections within the council, schools,
depots, regional meetings, national conferences and seminars.
A smart appearance is required. Though it is usually face-to-face
interaction, officers also use computers in their work.
Daily Activities
This is a key post within human resources that provides advice and
guidance to managers in all council services, schools and further
education colleges. The work includes employment law advice,
advising on disciplinary and grievance cases, policy development
and trades union consultation.
There are day-to-day priorities arising from telephone and
written queries which require action involving trades union
negotiations (pay and conditions, possible victimization etc) and
disciplinary cases where managers need advice. Sometimes
solicitors, local councillors and MPs are consulted. Officers will
occasionally attend industrial tribunal hearings to see that fair
play is observed.
On an on-going basis, industrial relations officers will keep an
eye on any developments in employment legislation that might
provide opportunities for improving service efficiency and reduce
operating costs. They will also need to be aware of any changes
affecting workers' rights. IR officers work on special
projects such as the development of employees' use of electronic
communications, telephones, e-mail and the internet and how it
affects their working conditions. They work on their own initiative
in developing policies but liaise closely with fellow team members
to meet annual targets for the management of human resources - the
council's workforce.
Skills & Interests
To do this job well you need:
- attention to detail;
- confidence;
- ability to get on with people from different backgrounds;
- diplomacy.
You also require common sense and a respect for justice.
Entry Requirements
Depending on the level of the post these could range from
A-Levels, degrees and professional qualification of Chartered
Institute of Personnel and Development. Lower posts would
take entrants with GCSEs and day release Business Studies or the
equivalent, leading to a professional qualification (CIPD).
Relevant experience in private sector human resource management is
an advantage. It is expected that any level of entry would
entail working towards CIPD membership.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
These are improving with the enhanced profile of human resource
management. There is a wide range of opportunity in industrial
relations. Promotion is dependant on qualifications, experience,
flexibility and adaptability. There are similar posts in the
private sector. The top job is Head of Human Resources,
Director or Assistant Chief Executive. You can move sideways
into related areas of work such as Recruitment, Performance
Management and Development, Training, Consultancy.
Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development www.cipd.co.uk
Chartered Management Institute www.managers.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.