Employee Relations Advisor

Employee Relations Advisor (6-Month Contract)

Location:

Exeter (Hybrid – 1 day per week onsite)

Rate:
Up to £300 per day (MAX)

Clearance: SC / SC Eligible

Interview: 1-stage Teams (informal / suitability-based)

A public sector organisation is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Advisor to join its People Team on a 6‑month contract. This key role supports the delivery of a high‑performing, people‑focused environment where effective employee relations and high‑quality case management are central to success. You will take a lead role in shaping and delivering the Employee Relations (ER) casework function, ensuring consistent, legally compliant and high‑quality outcomes across a range of complex and sensitive cases.

Acting as a subject‑matter expert, you will provide trusted advice, escalation support and professional judgement on high‑risk ER matters. The role offers the opportunity to influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership, while building strong working relationships with trade unions and external partners.

• Leading and developing the Employee Relations casework function
• Managing complex and high‑risk ER cases, including escalation support
• Providing expert advice on employment law, HR policy and best practice
• Supporting Employment Tribunal preparation and risk management where required
• Coaching and developing line managers to improve ER capability
• Building effective relationships with trade unions and key stakeholders
• Working with occupational health and EAP providers to support employee wellbeing
• Using people data and insights to identify trends and improve ER service delivery
• Driving continuous improvement across ER processes, tools and ways of working
• Supporting wider People Team initiatives and service improvement activities

• Strong background in Employee Relations and complex case management
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Experience managing grievance, disciplinary, absence and performance cases
• Confidence handling high‑risk and sensitive ER matters
• Experience engaging with trade unions and senior stakeholders
• Strong coaching and influencing skills with line managers
• Ability to use data and insights to improve HR/ER services
• Strong decision‑making skills in complex and confidential situations

• Experience in public sector or regulated environment
• Exposure to Employment Tribunal processes or case escalation
• Experience contributing to ER transformation or service improvement
• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience