Employee Relations Complex Cases Specialist

Provide a visible, timely and professional ER service, supporting managers with complex case management.

Support the application of ER policies, with a particular focus on complex cases. Coach managers, lead policy improvements and provide expert guidance to HR colleagues.

Attend disciplinary appeal hearings and final-stage complex sickness absence hearings, supporting managers with best-practice advice.

Support and coach managers in handling complex sickness absence cases and performance improvement cases in the build up to a Performance Improvement Plan Stage 3 hearing.

Advise on discrimination, bullying and harassment matters, grievance investigations and other complex employee relations cases. Coach managers, investigators and HR colleagues on the appropriate approach and, where risk requires, attend earlier-stage meetings.

Review cases that may result in dismissal, assess key risks and provide coaching and feedback to HR colleagues to support fair and consistent decision-making.

Review disciplinary allegations prepared by HR colleagues before disciplinary hearings take place, ensuring they are clear, appropriate and aligned to the relevant process.

Design, develop and deliver related learning, development and upskilling programmes for managers, supporting understanding of policy requirements, emerging legislative changes and ER best practice.

Facilitate confidential employment discussions, liaise with ACAS if required.

Contribute to management and HR meetings by sharing employee relations trends, risks and insights.

Support collective bargaining activity as and where required including trade union forums, policy working groups and pay talks.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with recognised trade unions and employee representatives.

Proven experience as an Employee Relations specialist, with the ability to manage complex cases and provide practical, legally informed and commercially aware advice.

Strong understanding of UK employment law, good practice and external guidance, including ACAS requirements for relevant HR policies and processes.

CIPD qualified (level 5+)

Experience of supporting and managing complex hearings and case work, including cases that may result in dismissal.

Experience of advising and coaching line managers on sickness absence, performance improvement, grievances, discrimination, bullying and harassment matters, including investigations cases, and those that may result in dismissal or ill-health retirement.

Ability to work under pressure and deliver high-quality work in a timely manner, multi-task and prioritise to offer a consistently high level of delivery.

Ability to confidently challenge current ways of working and influence and encourage change.

Experience of contentious matters in both an internal and external context including early conciliation, settlement agreements and employment tribunals.

Delivery & Customer focused, resilient and tenacious, and a team player, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Salary £55,000 - £60,000 (dependant on experience)

Market-leading double-match pension (for every £1 you add, we add £2)

Annual performance bonus

26 days holiday plus 8 statutory days

10x salary life assurance and income protection

Family-friendly policies, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities

We're building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, championing diversity, and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution. We support reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

National Gas is a Disability Confident employer and signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

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This is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract opportunity

Advert close: 29th September 2026

Interviews: w/c 5th October 2026 onwards