How do I get grievance skills?

The questionI am currently working in HR operations in the public sector and my role does not include dealing with grievance and discipline cases. However, I have been advised by employment agencies, and realise myself from applying for jobs, that I will need this type of experience to further my career in HR. But I’m unable to move into the areas that currently deal with grievance and discipline cases in my organisation, either through promotion or lateral transfer, because there are no vacant posts. How can I gain this experience – either voluntary or otherwise? Without it, I feel my career has stalled. The adviceOffer to shadow someone in-house, writes Corinne Mills, careers coach Have you thought about creating development opportunities within your organisation to help you gain the skills you need? First stop is to talk to your manager. Explain that you are keen to develop your HR competencies and that exposure to employee relations would help this. Ask to spend some time with the person responsible for employee relations. See if you can sit in as an observer at some of the hearings and offer to take notes – something that is very time-consuming for the HR adviser, but a good learning experience for you. Attend any in-house courses. As you build up your understanding of the in-house process ask if you can be assigned the occasional case. These development opportunities require minimum cost and input from your organisation, especially if you offer to make good any time lost on your normal duties.