Employee Relations Specialist - 12 months FTC in Didcot

Full-time Division: People Division Department: People & Culture

About us Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon‐free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground‐breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.

This is a specialist role for an experienced ER professional who enjoys managing complex cases, influencing policy, and supporting managers through challenging people issues. You will play a key role in ensuring employee relations matters are managed consistently, fairly and in line with employment law, best practice and UKAEA policy.

Working closely with the business partnering team, trade union representatives and legal colleagues, you will help shape policy, build organisational capability and use data‐driven insights to improve employee relations outcomes across the business.

What You'll Be Doing

• Manage a portfolio of complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, performance, probation and long‐term absence matters from investigation through to conclusion.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers, People Business Partners and Advisors on employee relations issues, employment law and policy interpretation.
• Prepare documentation for Employment Tribunals and represent UKAEA where required.
• Support the development, review and implementation of employment policies, ensuring compliance with legislation, best practice and organisational requirements.
• Design and deliver training and guidance to enhance employee relations capability across People & Culture and the wider organisation.
• Develop practical tools, guidance and resources to support managers in handling employee relations matters effectively.
• Analyse employee relations data and trends to identify root causes, share learning and drive continuous improvement.
• Monitor developments in employment law and case law, ensuring policies and practices remain current and compliant.
• Work closely with Trade Union representatives, legal partners and internal stakeholders to support effective employee relations outcomes.
• Maintain robust case management records and documentation, ensuring compliance with information governance and data security requirements.

Qualifications

• Five years' experience in a dedicated Employee Relations role managing complex casework.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, employment case law and employee relations best practice.
• Experience advising managers and HR colleagues on complex employee relations matters and policy interpretation.
• Experience working with Trade Unions and supporting consultation activities.
• Ability to analyse employee relations data and translate insights into practical recommendations and improvements.
• Strong report‐writing and case documentation skills, including the preparation of investigation reports and outcome letters.
• CIPD Level 5, Employment Law qualification, or equivalent professional experience is desirable. Experience attending Employment Tribunals would be advantageous.

Benefits

• Up to 7% corporate performance bonus
• Final salary defined benefit scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave, 2.5 privilege days and 8 Bank Holidays
• 3 days of site closure over Christmas break
• Flexible working options plus family‐friendly leave provisions

Our commitment to ED&I

UKAEA's mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce.

We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.