On behalf of the DSTL, we are looking for 2 x Employee Relations Advisors - Inside IR35 for a 7 month contract working on a Hybrid basis (3 days per week on site in Porton Down, Salisbury and remaining WFH)
DSTL is the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s science and technology organisation, providing unique expertise, crucial insights and delivering battle-winning solutions for the benefit of the nation and allies. DSTL is one of the principal government organisations dedicated to science and technology in the defence and security field. DSTL supplies specialist and sensitive services to MOD and wider government, working collaboratively with external partners in industry and academia and worldwide, providing expert research, specialist advice and invaluable operational support.
To provide support to and take a leading role in complex and formal employee relations (ER) casework, providing expert advice and guidance to managers and stakeholders in-line with UK employment law and Dstl policies and procedures.
The role ensures consistent, fair, and legally compliant handling of ER matters, holding managers to account for their responsibilities and working collaboratively with subject matter experts (SMEs) to shape and deliver in-line with organisational goals and Civil Service values.
PLEASE NOTE:
SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance
The main duties and responsibilities of the Senior Employee Relations Advisor would be to:
- Lead on the resolution of high-risk, sensitive, or complex ER cases including disciplinary, grievance, capability, and attendance matters. Ensure cases are managed in line with policy, employment law, and best practice.
- Provide expert guidance and quality assurance on formal casework, ensuring consistency, fairness, and timely resolution. Support managers in preparing for hearings and appeals, and represent HR in formal proceedings where required.
- Actively hold managers to account for their role in managing people effectively. Provide coaching and challenge where necessary to ensure ownership and compliance with ER processes.
- Build strong relationships with relevant stakeholders including trade unions, legal advisors, and internal stakeholders to support effective resolution of ER issues and promote a positive employee relations climate.
- Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and employees on HR policies and best practices within the specialist discipline(s)
- In-depth understanding of UK employment legislation and its application in case management.
- Competence in preparing documentation and advising on disciplinary, grievance, and appeal hearings.
- Strong written communication skills for preparing case summaries, policy documents, and formal reports.
- Ability to deliver training or coaching sessions to managers on ER processes and responsibilities.
Experience:
- Proven track record of managing high-risk, sensitive, or complex ER cases from start to resolution.
- Experience representing HR in formal hearings and appeals
- Building and maintaining effective relationships with trade unions, legal advisors, and internal stakeholders.
- Navigating sensitive situations and conflict resolution.
- CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma or equivalent experience.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DSTL guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant
DSTL guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.
