Formal Process Operations Partner
- Milton Keynes
- Temporary
- Full-time
Location: Home-based, on-site once a month & when required
Duration: 3 month assignment, with potential to extend
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £19.83 per hour
Start date: 1st SeptemberJob DescriptionThis role is based within The Open University's People Services team, providing critical support to the University's severance and redundancy schemes. You will play a vital role in managing settlement agreements, liaising with legal advisors, and supporting colleagues through complex processes with care and professionalism.Your work will ensure that the University meets its legal obligations, while also maintaining a fair and transparent process for colleagues leaving under voluntary severance and redundancy schemes.Main Responsibilities
- Prepare and manage settlement agreements to support OU severance and redundancy schemes.
- Liaise with solicitors, legal advisors, and colleagues to ensure timely completion of agreements, addressing queries and challenges promptly.
- Draft and manage Reaffirmation Letters, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Provide guidance on complex employment law queries related to voluntary severance and redundancy.
- Oversee invoices and legal fee processing linked to settlement agreements.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and trackers.
- Confirm colleagues' eligibility for severance payments, including tax allowance status, and communicate any adjustments.
- Ensure all scheme-related documentation is accurate and up to date.
- Collaborate with colleagues across People Services and wider stakeholders to finalise exits under the schemes.
- Ensure accuracy and compliance in all settlement agreements and legal documentation.
- Communicate complex information clearly, empathetically, and in a timely manner.
- Work both independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines.
- Uphold the professional reputation of the University in all interactions with colleagues and external partners.
- Undertake any other duties as reasonably required.
- Strong legal knowledge and practical experience with redundancy processes.
- Proven ability to understand and interpret settlement agreements and associated legal terminology.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and empathetically.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders.
- Previous experience managing large-scale voluntary severance schemes.
- Experience working in Higher Education or a similar complex organisation.