Employee Relations Specialist

Company Description 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.

Job Description As an Employee Relations Specialist, you will be a key member of the Policy and Employee Relations Team, responsible for UKAEA's employment policy framework and ER strategy. The team provides expert advice and guidance on all people-related matters, ensuring consistent case management across the organisation. This role delivers ER support across the employee lifecycle—including disciplinary, grievance, probation, performance, and long-term sick leave—ensuring advice and interventions comply with policy, best practice, and legislative requirements. The role also manages complex cases from start to finish, which may include representing UKAEA at Employment Tribunals.

Your core responsibilities:

• Provide expert advice to People Business Partners and People Specialists on policy interpretation and employment practices, ensuring effective knowledge transfer.
• Analyse ER data and trends to identify root causes, recommend changes to guidance and policy, and share learning across the organisation.
• Manage complex ER cases from commencement to resolution, including preparation of investigation reports, outcome letters, and potential representation at Employment Tribunals.
• Maintain high standards of documentation and ensure robust controls for data protection and information security.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships across People & Culture and with internal and external partners, including Trade Unions, UKAEA's legal team, and external legal advisors.
• Ensure effective use and management of external legal support within budgetary limits.
• Support the development, review, and continuous improvement of ER policies, procedures, and best practice frameworks.

Qualifications:

• Professional certificate in Employment Law or HR (e.g., CIPD Level 5) desirable or in progress.
• Extensive experience in a dedicated Employee Relations role, managing complex casework and working with Trade Unions.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and case law, with the ability to coach and mentor colleagues.
• Proven ability to work under pressure while maintaining resilience, composure, and professional judgment.
• Excellent written communication skills, with experience drafting clear and concise ER documentation.

Additional Information A full list of our benefits can be found here but highlights include: £50,311 base salary, Final salary defined benefit scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution, 25 days annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure, 2.5 privilege day and 8 Bank holidays, Flexible and hybrid working options. 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, and inclusion 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. Further information can be found here. UKAEA is committed to being accessible. Please email [email protected] if you require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis.

Salary: £50,311+ excellent benefits including outstanding pension

Division: People Division

Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire

Confirmed Grade: Level 5

Department: People & Culture