Employee Relations Advisor

Civic Recruitment Limited; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced HR professional for a 12-month contract based in Taunton. The role provides expert advice on employee relations, disciplinary actions, grievances, performance and attendance management, and supports policy development.

You will manage a diverse caseload, ensure compliance with employment law and council policies, assist investigations, and guide managers, headteachers and governors on complex personnel issues while promoting fair outcomes.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Human Resources or Employee Relations.
• Advising on complex employee relations cases including discipline, grievances and investigations.
• Experience interpreting employment legislation and terms of employment.
• Ability to provide practical HR solutions and identify risks.
• Proficient in producing reports and workforce data.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD (CPD active).
• Fluent English communication.
• Must hold a valid driving licence and business use insurance.

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.

Skills

Employee relations

HR advisory

Employment law interpretation

Risk assessment

HR reporting

CPD

Fluent English

Driving licence

Job description

Taunton, United Kingdom | Posted on 02/11/2026

Job Description

12 month contract with a Local Authority

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.
• 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.
• Application deadline is 15th November 2026