Employee Relations Manager

Overview

Join to apply for the

Employee Relations Manager

role at

British Council .Location:

UK offices in (London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, and anyone on pre-existing homeworking contracts in the UK)Contract:

Fixed Term Contract, Duration 12 months (extendable by mutual agreement)Apply by:

Sunday, 05th Oct 2025 23:59 Local timeInterview window:

To be discussed laterThe starting salary for this role is negotiable based on skills, and expertise. In addition, there will be an annual LMA of £3,300 for London based candidates.32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidaysCareer average defined benefit pension schemeThis role is open to applicants who already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Relocation and visa sponsorship are not available. The British Council supports flexible working, including hybrid arrangements, subject to line manager approval and operational requirements.Role Context

Situated within the Global Employee Relations (ER) function—an HR Centre of Expertise—the role contributes to a small UK-based team that offers professional support on ER issues including change projects, including restructure and redundancy, as well as guidance to managers on people management issues. As the HR model undergoes strategic review to enhance sustainability, agility, and effectiveness, the role will work closely with the Head of ER Case Management within the ER Centre of Expertise to support organisational transformation and uphold ER standards.This role reports to the Director of Employee Relations providing expert guidance on employee consultation, redundancy, and staff association matters, and collaborates with the Global Reward team on policies with contractual implications such as flexible working, maternity leave, and international assignments. The role also advises on and submits FCDO and Cabinet Office business cases related to settlements, enhanced redundancy, UK redundancies, and high-value exits. They also manage the relationship with the external reporting line provider (currently Navex) and line manage the ER Data Specialist, ensuring all internal and external data reporting requirements are met.Main responsibilities

Consultation Support: Provide expert guidance on UK and EWC consultations related to redundancies and policy changes.Policy and Practice Review: Support development of non-concern-related policies and continuously review ER practices for legal compliance, relevance, and benchmarking.Advisory and Approvals: Review and advise on novel, contentious, and non-contractual payments prior to internal and FCDO business case submissions; manage UK Cabinet Office approvals for redundancy schemes and high value exits.Data Oversight: Ensure timely, accurate collation and analysis of ER data, identifying trends and maintaining consistency for internal and external reporting.Hotline Management: Oversee the external hotline provider contract, ensuring effective triage of concerns in collaboration with Counter-Fraud, Safeguarding, and ER Case Management teams.Role specific knowledge and experience

Proven experience in industrial relations and applying employment law across varied contexts within unionised organisationsStrong policy development skills with ability to write clear, globally applicable guidanceExperience managing legal relationships (internal and external)Proficient in data analysis and reporting to inform decision-makingEffective stakeholder management and alignmentStrong interpersonal and influencing skills; able to challenge constructivelyExcellent planning, accountability, and delivery under pressureInsightful, analytical, and culturally sensitive in complex environmentsFamiliarity with UK employment legal and regulatory frameworksSkilled in interpreting UK Government requirements related to public fundsEducation and Professional Qualification

Degree or certification in UK Employment LawLanguage Requirements

The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.Seniority level

Mid-Senior levelEmployment type

Full-timeJob function

Human ResourcesIndustries

Government AdministrationLegal ServicesHuman Resources ..... full job details .....