Employee Relations Advisor​/Senior Employee Relations Advisor

Employee Relations Advisor / Senior Employee Relations Advisor

Join to apply for the Employee Relations Advisor / Senior Employee Relations Advisor role at Great Western Railway (GWR)

At GWR, we're more than a train company - we're the custodians of one of the UK's most iconic rail networks. Every year, we help over 100 million people travel across the South West, South Wales and London, through some of the country's most scenic routes. With a modern fleet, ambitious plans for the future, and a high customer satisfaction score, our people are at the heart of a journey of continuous improvement.

As an Employee Relations Advisor, you'll play a key role in supporting them every step of the way.

We are looking for either a Senior Employee Relations Advisor or an experienced Employee Relations Advisor. In this role, you will provide comprehensive HR support to Line Managers, ensuring the delivery of a consistent, professional and effective service across all people policies and procedures for GWR managers and employees. You will support Line Managers by providing a professional advisory service in relation to all employee matters.

• Provide a professional HR advisory service to line managers and employees on all employment matters, including employment legislation, terms and conditions of employment and Company policies and procedures.
• Lead end-to-end case management for employee relations cases, supporting all levels of employees across GWR with a focus on performance, grievance, attendance and ER related projects.
• Provide Line Managers with advice and guidance on a range of employment matters including disciplinary, grievance, performance management, absence management issues and other relevant casework.
• Provide coaching and support to develop managers' competence during day-to-day management activities, including holding local briefings. This may also include attending some meetings to support managers.
• Acting as the point of contact for line managers, employees and other HR team members.
• Assist the progress of Employment Tribunal claims and liaise with the Casework Manager and Line Managers to collate all relevant case information/documentation, ensuring that appropriate advice and support is provided and that legal services are used as necessary.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of employment legislation to provide appropriate advice to line managers.
• Managing staff relationships, responding to any queries or problems that they have and managing their expectations.
• Work closely with other HR colleagues, to ensure consistency and best practice across the division.
• Undertake other duties as directed.

• Have hands-on experience with IT programmes and HR systems.
• Be driven and determined.
• Be practical and logical; able to solve problems quickly.
• Can train, coach and support line managers in building ER capabilities and developing manager's competence.
• Be emotionally resilient in difficult situations.
• Be personable with strong communication and relationship building capabilities across all levels of the business.
• Be focused on providing the best outcomes for all parties.
• For the Senior ERA position, you will have experience of complex case work up to tribunal level and experience of managing a team.

• CIPD qualified or part qualified.
• Knowledge of employment legislation.
• Knowledge, and practical experience of, HR procedures, processes and practices.
• Proven work experience in an HR advisor capacity. A minimum of 2 years proven casework experience for the ERA role and 5 years for the Senior ERA position.

This role will be field based, looking after the Central region of our network, including Bristol, Taunton, South Wales, Gloucester and south, Westbury, Fratton and Weymouth.

This is a full-time, fixed-term role for 18 months.

Please apply online via our website

If you have any problems applying, please email

As well as a great team environment and comprehensive training, all GWR colleagues enjoy a range of benefits including:

• Defined benefit pension scheme with the Railways Pension Scheme
• Free rail travel across the GWR network for you and your family
• Company-sponsored health care plan
• Discounted shopping and gym membership
• Employee assistance programme and much more

We all belong s is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value our differences and maintain zero tolerance towards prejudice. We celebrate diversity and flexible working options where possible.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, please follow the links below to help us provide a fair process.

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