Employee Relations Advisor

Role: Employee Relations Advisor

Location: Exeter (around 1 day per week on site, remainder remote)

Contract length: 6 months

Day rate: Up to 300 (inside public sector environment)

Clearance: SC-eligible

Interview: 1-stage, Teams (conversational / suitability-focused)

Why this could interest you

• Lead the Employee Relations function in a well-known public sector organisation.
• Work directly with stakeholders up to Executive level and key external partners.
• Blend complex casework with strategic improvement of ER approaches and policies.
• Enjoy a largely remote working pattern with only limited on-site presence.

The impact you would have

• Take ownership of the ER function, acting as the go-to expert and escalation point, including complex cases up to Employment Tribunal.
• Supervise and drive the casework function, shaping how ER case management is delivered and continuously improved.
• Ensure best practice in ER, staying up to date with employment law, policy changes and wider CPD, and embedding this into the team''s approach.
• Use people metrics and reporting to identify trends, risks and opportunities to enhance the overall ER offering.

Key relationship & stakeholder focus

• Build strong, respected relationships with internal stakeholders, including senior leaders and the wider People team.
• Manage external contracts such as Occupational Health and Employee Assistance Programme services.
• Work collaboratively with the recognised Trade Union (Prospect), promoting constructive partnership working.
• Support and coach Line Managers to handle people issues confidently and consistently.

What our client is looking for

• Deep Employee Relations experience with a strong track record of handling complex and sensitive cases.
• Up-to-date, expert knowledge of UK employment legislation and ER best practice.
• Confidence in leading on escalated cases, influencing decisions and providing clear, balanced advice.
• A proactive People professional who is passionate about ethical practice and improving the employee experience.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and casework while driving continuous service improvement.
• Eligibility to obtain SC.

About the environment

You would be joining a People team that is seen as integral to organisational performance. The role offers visibility with senior stakeholders, a clear mandate to enhance the ER function, and the chance to bring new ideas and innovative ways of working into a high-profile public sector setting.