Employee Relations Advisor

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave plus bank hols

LGPS pension scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Advisor to help shape policy development and implementation across the organisation. You will translate employment law into practical guidance, collaborate with managers and unions, and lead HR policy projects to improve the employee experience.

The role focuses on policy development, manager capability and project work, providing a platform to influence employment practices across the Council. Hybrid working options are available.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of employment law and HR practice.
• Ability to translate complex subjects into clear, accessible guidance.
• Ability to build relationships with managers and trade unions.

Responsibilities

• Research, review and develop employment policies and guidance.
• Translate changes in employment law into clear, practical approaches.
• Help ensure policies support culture and employee experience.
• Develop communications, guidance, briefings and learning for managers.
• Work with trade unions, managers and colleagues across the Council.
• Use feedback to improve how policies work in practice.
• Lead and contribute to wider HR projects.
• Support consultation and engagement activities linked to policy development and change.
• Build effective working relationships with managers, colleagues and trade union representatives.
• Promote consistent and fair application of employment policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR services and employee experience.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Project management

Job description

Salary: Grade 10 - £38,510 to £43,149 per annum

Contract: FTC until 31st March 2028

Hours: Full Time – 37 hours

Closing Date: 27th October 2026

About the Role

Help shape the policies that shape how we work.

This is a particularly exciting time to join our Employee Relations team. With the Employment Rights Act 2025 changing the employment landscape, we are looking for an experienced HR professional to join us as an Employee Relations Advisor, helping to develop employment policies that are legally sound, practical and aligned with the culture we want to create at Somerset Council.

This role has a particular focus on policy development, manager capability and project work, rather than day-to-day operational casework.

As an Employee Relations Advisor, you'll help take policy from research and development through to consultation, communication and implementation. Just as importantly, you'll help bring our policies to life, improving awareness and giving managers the confidence to understand and apply them consistently.

What You'll Be Doing

• research, review and develop employment policies and guidance.
• translate changes in employment law into clear, practical approaches.
• help ensure our policies support the culture and employee experience we want to create.
• develop engaging communications, guidance, briefings and learning for managers.
• work with trade unions, managers and colleagues across the Council.
• use feedback and evidence to improve how our policies work in practice; and
• lead and contribute to wider HR projects.

These areas build on the policy, project, trade union engagement and manager development responsibilities within the Job Description.

In addition, you'll:

• Support consultation and engagement activities linked to policy development and organisational change.
• Build effective working relationships with managers, colleagues and trade union representatives.
• Promote consistent and fair application of employment policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR services, processes and employee experience across the Council.

About You

You’ll have a strong understanding of employment law and HR practice, with the ability to turn complex subjects into clear, accessible and practical guidance.

You’ll be a strong communicator and relationship builder who enjoys developing ideas, influencing change and helping others understand not just what a policy says, but why it matters.

If you enjoy employment policy, employment law, improving how things work and turning policy into practice, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we’re a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England’s most beautiful counties, it’s a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.