Senior Investigator (Employee Relations)

Network Rail; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

Generous annual leave

Discounts at stations

Defined benefit pension

Subsidy on train tickets

Travel loan

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking a Senior Investigator in Employee Relations to lead complex HR investigations, evaluate evidence, and produce balanced reports under UK employment law. You will manage sensitive cases, interview witnesses, and provide guidance to improve investigation practices across HR.

You will work in a flexible, hybrid setup with opportunities to influence policy and support organisational learning in a large railway environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience of managing complex investigations in a fast-paced working environment.
• Strong knowledge of investigation practice, including preparing, reviewing, analysing and verifying evidence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to influence and manage sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

• Leading investigations into grievance, disciplinary and whistleblowing cases.
• Interviewing witnesses and subjects of investigations with sensitivity and fairness.
• Preparing robust investigation reports with clear findings and rationale.
• Managing a varied caseload including complex or sensitive cases.
• Providing specialist advice and coaching to improve investigation quality.

Skills

Investigations

Interviewing

HR policies

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Microsoft Office

Education

CIPD qualification or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Investigator (Employee Relations)

IRC2366357

Who We Are

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Some of our great benefits:

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.

Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

Defined benefit pension scheme.

75% subsidy on train tickets.

Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

About the role

Duration: Permanent

We're looking for an experienced employee relations professional to join us as a Senior Investigator, Employee Relations.

In this role, you'll lead complex and sensitive HR investigations, helping to establish the facts, evaluate evidence and produce clear, balanced, and comprehensive reports. You'll manage investigations in line with our internal policies and UK employment law, making appropriate recommendations to support fair outcomes and organisational improvement.

This is an opportunity to use your professional judgement, analytical skills and employee relations expertise in a role that can make a meaningful difference to colleagues and the wider organisation.

• Leading investigations into grievance, disciplinary and Network Rail Speak Out whistleblowing cases.
• Identifying immediate and underlying causes, examining evidence and delivering reports that meet the agreed remit and timescales.
• Preparing accurate, robust and comprehensive investigation reports that clearly explain the findings, supporting evidence and reasons for the outcome.
• Conducting effective and sensitive interviews with witnesses and those who are the subject of an investigation.
• Managing a varied caseload effectively, including complex or sensitive cases.
• Building strong working relationships with functional, route and regional teams, the employee relations community, HR Direct and policy owners within our Centres of Expertise.
• Keeping up to date with policy and employment legislation changes and recommending improvements where appropriate.
• Identifying themes, risks and lessons from investigations, and sharing insight with the HR leadership team and wider HR community.
• Producing reports and presentations that promote shared learning, best practice and continuous improvement.
• Providing specialist advice, coaching and support to Investigation Managers to improve the quality of investigation processes and reports.
• Representing Network Rail at Employment Tribunals when required, clearly explaining and supporting the content and conclusions of investigations.
• Proactively developing your own knowledge and helping colleagues remain up to date with employment legislation and organisational changes.

The quality of an investigation can have a significant impact on everyone involved. Your work will help ensure that complex and sensitive concerns are considered carefully, objectively, and consistently.

By identifying themes, risks, and lessons from individual cases, you'll also help the organisation learn from investigations, improve its practices, and reduce the likelihood of similar issues happening again.

You'll provide valuable guidance to colleagues across HR, raise the standard of investigation practice and support fair, evidence-based decision-making across Network Rail.

Next Steps

CV shortlisting will take place after the advert closes, with interviews planned from the week commencing 12th October, subject to business needs. Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert early due to high application volumes.

We encourage you to review our Safety Vision , as safety is an important part of the culture at Network Rail

• Proven experience of managing complex investigations in a fast-paced working environment.
• Strong knowledge of investigation practice, including preparing, reviewing, analysing and verifying evidence.
• The ability to conduct effective interviews with witnesses and subjects of investigations, supported by a good knowledge of interview techniques.
• Extensive and current knowledge of employment legislation, HR policies and HR processes.
• A CIPD qualification or relevant experience that demonstrates an equivalent level of professional competence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to influence and manage sensitive or challenging situations.
• The ability to build collaborative relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leaders.
• Strong analytical skills, sound judgement and a logical approach to assessing information and reaching evidence-based conclusions.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities while working under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

It would also be beneficial if you have

• MCIPD membership, a postgraduate HR qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced, unionised environment.
• Knowledge of railway operations and different terms and conditions of employment.
• An understanding of Network Rail's values and how they apply to employee relations investigations.