Senior Employee Relations

Senior Employee Relations (ER) Advisor

Location: Porton Down, Salisbury

Working Pattern: 3 days onsite per week

Contract: 140 working days (~7 months) with potential extension

IR35: In Scope

Pay Rate: £574.63 per day (Umbrella)

Security: SC Clearance required + Sole UK National (non-negotiable)

About the Role

We are seeking two experienced Senior Employee Relations Advisors to take a leading, hands-on role in delivering complex and high-risk ER casework within a highly regulated and structured environment.

You will provide expert advice, guidance, and challenge to managers, ensuring all employee relations matters are managed consistently, fairly, and in full compliance with UK employment law, Civil Service values, and internal policies.

This is a delivery-focused role requiring strong case ownership, confidence in formal processes, and the ability to manage sensitive and complex employee relations matters from end to end.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex ER casework including disciplinary, grievance, capability, and attendance cases
• Own high-risk and sensitive cases from initiation through to resolution
• Ensure all casework is compliant with UK employment law, policy, and best practice
• Provide expert guidance and quality assurance on formal ER processes
• Support managers in preparing for hearings, appeals, and formal proceedings
• Represent HR in formal hearings and appeal panels where required
• Hold managers to account for their responsibilities in managing ER matters
• Coach and support managers to improve capability and consistency in case handling
• Build and maintain effective relationships with trade unions, legal advisors, and internal stakeholders
• Contribute to a fair, consistent, and legally compliant employee relations environment

Essential Skills & Experience

• 5+ years’ experience in Employee Relations case management
• Proven experience managing complex, high-risk ER cases end-to-end
• Strong background in disciplinary, grievance, capability, and attendance management
• Experience representing HR in formal hearings and appeals
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and its application
• Experience working with trade unions and managing stakeholder relationships
• Excellent written communication skills (case reports, summaries, formal documentation)
• Ability to coach and challenge managers effectively
• Experience working in structured, policy-driven environments

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma (or equivalent experience)

Desirable Experience

• Public sector or government experience
• Exposure to employment tribunals or litigation support
• Experience in defence, regulated, or unionised environments

Additional Requirements

• Must be eligible for SC Clearance (or already hold it)
• Must be a Sole UK National (no exceptions)
• Ability to work onsite in Salisbury 3 days per week