Employee Relations Advisor

12 month contract with a Local Authority Pay Rate: £27.20 per hour Umbrella Hybrid - 2 days in the office minimum (Wednesday and Thursday) plus other days as required by the business Summary This is a 12-month contract role with a Local Authority, offering a pay rate of £27.20 per hour under an umbrella arrangement. The position requires a hybrid work setup, with a minimum of two days in the office (Wednesday and Thursday) and additional days as needed.

The primary responsibility is to provide expert advice on various employment matters, such as disciplinary actions, grievances, performance, attendance management, recruitment, investigations, and employment law. The role supports managers in making fair and legally compliant decisions and contributes to organizational development, policy creation, and workforce enhancement programs.

Responsibilities

Offer expert guidance on employee relations issues, including disciplinary actions, grievances, performance, attendance, capability, recruitment, and conduct. Manage a diverse caseload, ensuring adherence to employment laws, Council policies, and best practices. Advise managers, headteachers, and governors on complex personnel management issues, providing practical, risk-aware solutions.

Support investigations and formal employee relations processes, ensuring fairness and compliance with procedures. Assist in consultations, collective bargaining, and negotiations with Trade Union and professional body representatives. Interpret and provide advice on employment terms and workforce policies. Challenge inappropriate practices and encourage managers to adopt effective people management strategies.

Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of HR and Organizational Development policies and procedures.

Requirements

Extensive experience in Human Resources or Employee Relations. Proven track record in advising on complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary actions, grievances, performance, and attendance management, as well as investigations. Experience in interpreting and applying employment legislation, policies, and terms of employment.

Ability to provide practical HR solutions to managers and identify related risks. Proficient in producing reports, management information, and interpreting workforce data. Relevant degree, professional qualification, or equivalent HR experience. Evidence of ongoing professional development (CPD). Fluent English communication skills as per Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016.

Must hold a valid driving license and have commercial and business use driving insurance. Additional Information Working hours are 37 hours per week. The role is based at County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY, United Kingdom. Bi-weekly payment schedule. Application deadline is 15th November 2026; apply as soon as possible.