Workplace Investigations Senior Manager

UK Research & Innovation

Salary: £46,743 per annum

Band: UKRI Band E

Contract Type:
Fixed Term (12 months)

Hours:
Full-time/ Part Time (minimum 0.6 FTE) (flexible working available)

Location:
Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire - Hybrid working available (Min 2 days per week in the office)

Closing Date: 12th October 2026

The Workplace Investigations Senior Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the investigations they undertake are completed in line with best practice as part of a professional investigation service. The role sits in a pilot team and supports the effective and professional enforcement of UKRI policies through investigations and alternative informal processes and initiatives that enable good outcomes and maintain UKRI’s reputational standing.

The role will work within a pilot team of five and alongside a pool of trained investigators embedded in UKRI teams as well as third-party investigators. The postholder will support proper use of investigation resources as well as ensuring delivery of timely investigations that are relied upon for decision making.

The investigations will cover concerns raised in relation our policies on:

• Grievances, Bullying & Harassment & Discrimination.
• Whistleblowing.
• Health and Safety.
• Safeguarding, Complaints, Managing Performance and Conduct.
• Research Integrity.
• Modern Slavery.
• Research Misconduct.

The Workplace Investigations Senior Manager is a subject matter expert with significant experience of leading investigations work. Each investigation will require the creation of a tailored terms of reference reflecting the specific circumstances of the concern with the decision maker for the case.

They will deliver investigations including formulating investigation plans, supporting performing quality assurance of working papers, and drafting of reports before issue. Working with the Lead and other partners to ensure that reports meet their expectations and ensure actions from investigations are taken forward.

The Workplace Investigations Senior Manager will need insightful business awareness with the ability to understand and analyse complex information to: assess and manage risk; make sound evidence- based judgements; implement the policies and standards of UKRI.

This is a new position in a pilot team offering a new function for the organisation bringing together investigations’ activities into one team. This is a role that will be expected to facilitate new ways of working across the organisation, to provide a highly regarded joined-up investigations service for UKRI.

• Support the triage of complex concerns received into the Digital Front Door and complex case management meetings.
• Undertake workplace investigations, ensuring timely and quality delivery of cases in accordance with legislation and UKRI policies such that the work can be relied upon for disciplinary or other action.
• Deliver investigations in an efficient and effective manner.
• Obtain technical case direction and decision-making in relation to complex cases, working collaboratively with legal, HR and other collaborators.
• Author high-quality reports on the outcomes of investigations that enable effective and appropriate enforcement of UKRI policies through investigations, and alternative informal processes and initiatives that enable good outcomes.
• Peer review of terms of reference, investigation reports, and advice. Identify risks and issues arising from investigations ensure they are brought to the attention of key stakeholders for action.
• Apply the highest standards of integrity, maintaining confidentiality, and can solve complex problems in an environment where strategy, governance and politics is highly relevant.
• Foster effective relationships with a diverse set…