Employee Relations Adviser - Part time

University of Bristol; West of England; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

40 days annual leave

Flexible hybrid working

Inclusive culture

Job summary

University of Bristol is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Adviser to join our HR team. You will manage a diverse ER caseload, advising managers to make fair, lawful, people‑centred decisions that support a positive workplace culture across the University.

You will apply HR policies consistently, maintain accurate case records, and coach investigations, while promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in employee relations and advising on complex cases.
• Ability to draft high‑quality case documentation and guidance.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and ER best practice.
• Experience maintaining accurate case records and GDPR compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse portfolio of ER cases and provide expert advice to managers.
• Apply HR policies consistently and ensure legally compliant resolutions.
• Maintain case records in the management system and ensure GDPR compliance.
• Coach managers and support investigations, promoting equality and inclusion.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and Trade Union representatives.

Skills

Employee relations

Policy guidance

Stakeholder management

Discretion & judgement

Communication skills

Tools

Case management system

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Employee Relations Adviser to join our HR team and play a pivotal role in supporting fair, consistent, and people‑centred decision making across the University.

In this specialist role, you will manage a diverse and often complex portfolio of ER cases ranging from ill health and performance to grievance, conduct, attendance, and pay‑related matters. Acting as a trusted expert, you’ll support managers to navigate challenging people issues with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

What will you be doing?

You will manage a diverse portfolio of employee relations cases, acting as a trusted expert and main contact for managers and colleagues. Your work will cover a wide range of employee relations issues, ensuring fair, timely, and legally compliant resolutions.

You will apply HR policies consistently, maintain accurate case records in the case management system, and uphold GDPR standards.

Through coaching, guidance, and support for investigations, you will help managers build confidence in handling people matters and making well‑reasoned decisions.

You will draft high‑quality case documentation, stay up to date with employment law and ER best practice, and develop strong relationships with stakeholders and Trade Union representatives while promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout your work.

You should apply if

You will bring strong experience in employee relations and a passion for enabling managers to succeed. You’ll be confident advising on sensitive and complex cases, with excellent judgement, communication skills, and a people‑first mindset. You’ll be comfortable working autonomously, balancing multiple cases, and building trusted relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and confidently to a range of stakeholders.

This is an opportunity to use your ER expertise to make a meaningful difference—improving the working lives of colleagues and supporting a positive, inclusive culture across the University.

In return, the University offers an excellent benefits package, including:

• 40 days of annual leave per year (including bank holidays) pro rata
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• An inclusive and welcoming culture that values diversity of thought, experience, and background

Additional information

Contract type: Fixed term until 31/07/2027

Work pattern: Part time - 17.5 hours

Hybrid working is available, and you will be expected to attend campus every Thursday, and once a month on a Wednesday.

Grade: I

School/Unit: Human Resources

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on: Sunday 11th October 2026

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