Employee Relations Adviser, People Directorate (9 Month FTC) in City of London

Our Employee Relations (ER) team works closely with colleagues across the Bank and with Unite the Union to support constructive employee relations and resolve workplace issues fairly and consistently. We ensure the right people are consulted at the right time and provide clear, expert advice grounded in our policies and values. We are proud of our culture: objective, fair and consistent application of people policies, with a strong focus on treating every colleague with dignity and respect. The ER team is part of the People Directorate, alongside Reward, Culture, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Talent, Acquisition & Development. Many of our team hold CIPD or other relevant HR qualifications, such as mediation.

Your Role

• Build trusted relationships with managers at all levels - including Executive Director and Senior leaders - acting as a key point of contact for clear, confident Employee Relations (ER) advice, including coaching managers where appropriate.
• Manage and prioritise a varied ER caseload, handling often complex and sensitive people matters with professionalism, good judgement and discretion.
• Support organisational change, including consultation and redundancy processes, by guiding managers and colleagues through each step with clarity, empathy and practical advice.
• Develop practical, balanced solutions to challenging issues, interpreting policy in a fair and consistent way while considering the realities of implementation.
• Stay ahead of employment law developments, keep up to date with employment law changes and help shape proactive, best‑practice approaches.

Job Requirements

• Proven experience working as an Employee Relations Adviser in a corporate environment, managing a high‑volume and varied ER caseload (e.g., conduct, grievance, performance, sickness cases).
• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex and conflicting information and provide clear, evidence‑based advice that balances risk and organisational policy.
• Experience preparing clear case summaries and working directly with internal Legal Counsel to support risk‑managed outcomes.
• Track record of developing practical, workable solutions to complex ER issues, aligning policy requirements with operational realities.

Essential Criteria

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with evidence of producing accurate, legally defensible written outputs (e.g., documents that may be disclosed through SARs, FOIAs or litigation).
• Ability to build rapport quickly with managers and employees to gather full and accurate case information.
• Demonstrated resilience when handling sensitive, emotionally complex, or high‑risk employee cases.
• Proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality and discretion when managing sensitive staff matters.

Desirable Criteria

• CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above).
• Experience working in a unionised environment.
• Experience or interest in supporting organisational change or restructuring programmes.

Benefits of the role

• Joining the Employee Relations team means being part of a highly trusted, people‑focused function at the heart of the Bank.
• Impactful, meaningful work - You will help managers and colleagues navigate sensitive and complex people matters, shaping positive outcomes and influencing how we support our people across the organisation.
• Professional growth and development - You will work alongside experienced ER professionals, many with CIPD and specialist qualifications, gaining exposure to a wide variety of cases, change programmes and employment law issues.
• A collaborative, values‑driven culture - Our team is known for being supportive, respectful and inclusive. We champion objectivity, dignity and fairness in everything we do - for colleagues and for each other.
• Visibility and stakeholder engagement - This role gives you the chance to work closely with managers at all levels, including senior leaders, building trusted relationships and strengthening your professional network within the Bank.
• Flexibility and wellbeing support - We promote healthy ways of working, offering flexible working options, wellbeing support, and an environment where people can balance professional demands with personal needs.
• A great place to grow your ER career - Whether you are already working in HR or looking to broaden your experience, this secondment offers hands‑on, ER exposure that builds confidence, capability and future career opportunities.

Location: Leeds or London

About the Team

The Employee Relations (ER) team works closely with colleagues across the Bank and with Unite the Union to support constructive employee relations and resolve workplace issues fairly and consistently. We ensure the right people are consulted at the right time and provide clear, expert advice grounded in our policies and values. We are proud of our culture: objective, fair and consistent application of people policies, with a strong focus on treating every colleague with dignity and respect.

National Security Vetting

Employment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process (and typically can take between 6 to 12 weeks post offer) and the passing of additional Bank security checks in accordance with the Bank policy.

The Bank of England welcomes applications from all candidates, but as a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved sponsor, we have a responsibility to comply with the Immigration Rules and guidance.

The Application Process

Important: Please ensure that you complete the 'work history' section and answer ALL the application questions fully. All candidate applications are anonymised to ensure that our hiring managers will not be able to see your personal information, including your CV, when reviewing your application details at the screening stage.