Advisor jobs

Employee Relations Advisor

Location: London – Hybrid working (2 days per week in the office)

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £36,000-£39,000 (depending on experience)

Make a real impact through brilliant people management

Goodman Masson are excited to be recruiting an Employee Relations Advisor to join a busy, values-led organisation delivering a high-quality, proactive HR service. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and is passionate about enabling managers to get the very best from their people.

You’ll be joining a large and very supportive ER Advisor Team of around 15 and partner closely with managers across the business, providing expert, pragmatic advice that drives performance, builds capability and minimises employee relations risk.

What you’ll be doing

As an Employee Relations Advisor, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering an effective and responsive HR service. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Partnering with managers to improve people management capability and confidence
• Providing expert advice and coaching on employee relations matters, including absence, performance, wellbeing and employee engagement
• Managing disciplinary and grievance cases independently, ensuring fair, consistent and legally compliant outcomes
• Supporting organisational change projects, including restructures, consultations and redundancy processes, in line with policy and employment law
• Building strong, trusted relationships with stakeholders across the organisation to deliver practical, customer-focused HR solutions
• Working closely with HR Business Partners, Recruitment teams and external providers to deliver joined-up people solutions
• Ensuring HR policies are up to date, legally compliant and consistently applied
• Maintaining accurate HR records and systems (including iTrent) and supporting KPI reporting
• Identifying risks and gaps in ER processes and proactively recommending improvements
• Supporting establishment budget management within relevant business areas

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a confident, credible HR professional who enjoys working collaboratively and isn’t afraid to take ownership. You’ll bring:

• CIPD qualification (or equivalent relevant experience)
• Strong technical knowledge across employee relations and employment law
• Proven experience managing disciplinary and grievance cases independently (essential)
• Housing Association experience – highly desirable
• Public Sector experience – highly desirable
• Exposure to complex ER casework (desirable but not essential)
• Demonstrable experience influencing and advising senior managers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and commitment to continuous improvement
• High levels of IT literacy, including advanced use of HR systems and MS Office
• Coaching qualification (desirable)

The organisation is looking for the successful candidate to start ASAP but are happy to wait up for a month notice period for the right candidate.

Main purpose of job: To provide emotional and practical support and information to victims and survivors of sexual violence who have reported to the police, or are considering reporting to the police. 

Location: Hybrid: working from home, with regular attendance at CARA premises in Colchester and regular travel across mid and north Essex.

Preferred start date: ASAP (subject to enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references)

Salary: £32,151 - £34,020 (pro rata).

Contract: This is a permanent contract.

Hours: 28 - 35 hours per week.  

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional gift days at Christmas.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Application deadline: 9am, Monday 2nd February 2026.

Interviews:  Wednesday 11th February 2026.  

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Job Description

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) provide emotional and practical support and information to victims and survivors of sexual violence who have reported to the police, or are considering reporting to the police. 

The role of an ISVA is to support victims and survivors by:

·Ensuring their voice is heard.

·Helping them make the choices that feel right for them.

·Accompanying them to important appointments and to court.

·Supporting them with their next steps after the legal process is over, regardless of the outcome of the case.

If victims and survivors are considering reporting to the police, ISVAs can also help them by:

·Providing impartial information to enable them to make an informed decision.

·Offering an overview of police processes and what to expect if they do decide to report.

·Supporting them in their next steps.

CARA provides an ISVA service to adults, young people and children who have been victims of sexual violence from across mid and North Essex, and Uttlesford.

Most ISVA clients are referred to CARA through the Police or the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).  Clients can also refer themselves.

Duties and Responsibilities

For all clients

· To liaise with CARA’s Information and Referrals Coordinator and First Contact Navigators in supporting new referrals to the ISVA service.

· To undertake risk assessment and support needs analysis with clients.

· To develop individual service plans to address risks/support needs of clients. 

· To help clients access services to which they are entitled, e.g. through setting up fast-track referral systems to sexual health follow-up services, making referrals to mental health services, assisting with return to work/absence from work arrangements.

· To provide face-to-face and telephone support (non-therapeutic) to clients and their supporters where appropriate. 

· To help clients to develop their own support network.

· To explain criminal, legal and if relevant, civil remedies to clients.

· To provide information in relation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

· Where relevant and with client’s consent, to keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation.

· To consider safeguarding issues and follow CARA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.

If a client reports to the Police

· To support the client throughout their time in the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within it.

· Subject to local arrangements and their wishes, to support the client at every step; from the provision of their witness statement through to a trial.

· To liaise with the police and CPS on behalf of the client.  To keep them informed about the progress of their case on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.

· To participate in case conferences with the police and CPS. 

· To understand and support the need for some clients to access special measures.

General

· To manage a caseload of around 50 clients (pro rata), including adults, young people and children.

· To travel to client meetings in a variety of settings, including outreach premises and clients’ homes.

· To maintain and monitor records, using a purpose-built online database.

· To follow procedures and protocols so that the safety of the client is kept central to any process.

· To note and feedback to other agencies any difficulties clients are having accessing their service.

· To contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within areas of practice as necessary. 

· To develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including the police, CPS, HMCTS, social services, education, primary care trust (mental and sexual health), Victim Support, Witness Service, CAFCASS and voluntary sector organisations.

·To participate in team meetings, supervision, training and development. 

·To participate in co-location working within Colchester and Chelmsford police stations.

· To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in the delivery of training sessions.

· To have a clear understanding of the myths surrounding sexual violence, and the trauma and long-term mental health effects it creates, including self-harm, suicidal feelings and suicide attempts.

· To be aware of resources available regarding interpreters, signers etc.

· To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.

· To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding.

· To report to the ISVA Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of written reports.

· To be administratively self-servicing.

· To undertake any other related activities as required by the ISVA Manager, Head of Operations, CEO or Board of Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on our website.  We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy East

CARA is part of Synergy East. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.

Location: Hybrid (Weekly travel to West Division Centres & London for monthly team meetings)
Hours: 35 hours, Monday to Friday
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £30,321.51 - £36,689.03 (depending on location, experience and skills)

About the Role 
We’re looking for a proactive and professional HR Advisor to join our People team. In this role, you’ll provide expert advice and support on a wide range of HR matters, including employee relations, performance management, and compliance. You’ll focus on our stakeholders and work closely with managers and colleagues to ensure policies, procedures, and best practices are followed, while driving initiatives that add real value to our organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as first point of contact for HR advice on policies, processes, and employee relations.
• Support managers with complex ER issues such as absence, disciplinary, and grievance cases.
• Promote self-service for HR systems and processes, and coach managers where needed.
• Assist with annual appraisal and salary review processes.
• Oversee sickness reporting, occupational health referrals, and compliance checks.
• Provide HR system support, reporting, and payroll administration.
• Contribute to HR projects and policy development.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong ER and HR advisory experience, ideally in a multi-site environment.
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment legislation and best practice.
• Ability to manage complex ER cases with confidence and professionalism.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Organised, proactive, and solutions-focused approach.

Why Join Us? 

We offer a supportive, values-driven environment where your contribution is recognised and rewarded:

Financial Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Up to 5% employer pension contribution
• Fast expense reimbursement (within 10 days)

Work-Life Balance

• 25 days annual leave + your birthday off
• Family-friendly policies

Rewards & Perks

• Long service recognition
• Discounts at 4,000+ retailers via Blue Light Card

Health & Wellbeing

• 24/7 GP access
• Employee Assistance Programme

Career Development

• Paid training and development
• Accredited apprenticeships
• Clear progression pathways

BACKGROUND

Church of England Birmingham (CofEB) is on a journey of growing churches at the heart of every community. Through this we are seeing growth in many exciting ways. Financially we are at a challenging point. We have had an operational deficit for a number of years and this cannot continue. The National Church has agreed to partner with us around this through their Diocesan Investment Programme enabling us to have the time, and resource, to tackle this head on. One key aspect of this is for us to increase our Common Fund returns (the giving from our parishes that supports the costs of our life together). We are taking a radical new approach to our finances which includes intentional reallocation of income to support the costs in our most economically deprived parishes and deeper relationships with each parish around finance through conversation rather than correspondence. Over the next five years we are hoping to be able to move to a financially sustainable platform which will enable us to better serve our communities in the future.

We have recently recruited a new Head of Generosity, who is also Bishops Advisor for Common Fund, to lead on this work and we are now looking to recruit the team to work with them. The focus of the team is to develop long term relationships with all of our parishes leading to:

• Greater support for our parishes.
• Increased generosity by, and within, our parishes.
• Increased Common Fund.

The current plan is to recruit two Giving & Generosity Advisor roles and one Giving & Generosity Support Officer role. Together this team will work with all of our parishes to roll out our financial approach, through in person meetings, and the support that is on offer as part of this. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The primary focus of this role is to work with parishes to:

• Understand their current financial situation and how this links to the wider Church of England Birmingham situation.
• Understand our model and how support is on offer for parishes who are economically deprived.
• Assess with them the support needed to increase generosity and giving at a local level and create an action plan around this that is bespoke and contextual.
• Create a long-term plan for their participation in the common fund.

We have 146 parishes and the Head of Generosity will manage the team so that all parishes can be engaged as quickly as possible. It is the Head of Generosity and two Giving & Generosity Advisors who will be carrying out the in-person meetings with each parish. These roles will work closely with a range of people and teams across Church of England Birmingham so that this work is integrated within our wider strategy and parishes are not confused by multiple disjointed initiatives. This will mean working with Archdeacons and Area Deans, Mission Support Team, Ministry Team, Property Team, Finance Team, Community Regeneration Team and Communications Team as well as others.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Develop strong relationships with parishes that will enable this project to flourish and also help increase the connection between parishes and the DBF. Signposting to other teams and projects will be important.
• Inspiring and encouraging parishes in their Christian approach to giving and generosity
• Creating bespoke multiyear plans for Common Fund with parishes with the support of a Steering Group that includes the Archdeacons and other key stakeholders.
• Provide consultancy, resources, and hands-on support to parishes to grow regular giving, legacies, and other forms of financial support. This work will be able to draw on the resources developed by the national church as well as the data held on their Cornerstone Grants Platform. The post-holder will be expected to engage in the work of the National Giving Team as part of the development of these wider resources.
• Develop and deliver training for clergy, lay leaders and PCCs on the theology and Christian practice of giving and generosity and also practical financial management (in conjunction with the Finance Team).
• Work closely with the Finance Team in matters of technical accounting, governance and financial management identified as needed by parishes.
• Encourage and assist parishes in the implementation of the Parish Giving Scheme, introduction of contactless giving mechanisms and related diocesan resources.
• Source, develop and curate practical resources (digital and print) to support local stewardship campaigns and initiatives.

• Evaluate the impact of stewardship and generosity initiatives and adapt strategies accordingly to achieve the project outcomes.
• Working with our Communications Team, create compelling communication tools that articulate the impact of generosity.

As we are looking to recruit two people into these roles there is flexibility to appoint people with complementary skill sets who may have greater expertise in certain elements of the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Strong understanding of church governance structures and financial operations and requirements.
• Knowledge of generosity principles and Christian financial stewardship.
• A prayerful Christian with a deep commitment to the Church’s mission (Genuine Occupational Requirement).
• Experience of working in a sensitive environment and handling confidential matters with tact and diplomacy.

Essential Skills & Attributes:

• Resilient and adaptable, able to handle challenges and maintain momentum in a demanding role.
• Strong people skills, able to engage effectively with parishes and church communities.
• Good communicator being able to engage a wide range of stakeholders and hold their attention.
• Trustworthy and credible, able to build and maintain confidence with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Empathetic towards parishes and deeply committed to supporting the local church.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills, capable of handling difficult conversations with care and professionalism.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities and keep track of numerous ongoing responsibilities.
• Capable implementer, ensuring initiatives are successfully delivered, both at a local and diocese wide level.
• Financially literate, with a good understanding of budgets, stewardship, and sustainability within the Church.
• As the role involves visiting parishes across the diocese, including some locations not accessible by public transport, candidates must be able to travel independently. This requires holding a valid driving licence and access to a suitably insured vehicle.
• Be a person of integrity. 

Other Considerations:

• The role requires significant evening and weekend work, demanding flexibility and commitment.
• Local presence is essential—the role must be delivered in an incarnational way, engaging directly with communities.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The post-holder will be employed by the Diocesan Board of Finance for a fixed term ending on 2nd November 2030, subject to funding.

Salary and Pension: Salary of £35,000 plus membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with 12% employer contribution. We are open to discussion especially if you are ordained and are moving out of parish ministry. 

Hours: Full-time 35 hours (5 days) per week. Weekend and evening work will be required, for which the equivalent time may be taken back from standard working hours. We are happy to consider requests for flexible working and candidates seeking part-time hours. Please do mention in your application if you would be interested in looking at alternative working hours.

Holidays: 5 weeks per year plus Bank Holidays and 3 Discretionary Days between Christmas and New Year

Employer: Birmingham Diocesan Board of Finance

Responsible To: Head of Generosity

CLOSING DATE: 1stFebruary 2026

INTERVIEWS: 16th February 2026 in central Birmingham

For an informal conversation or further information about the role, contact Dawn Baker, Head of Generosity. 

The Church of England Birmingham is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where all can be themselves and bring their unique identity to their ministry and/or work. 

We welcome applications from any individuals who feel that they meet the person specification for any post, in particular from those who are currently under-represented in or staff teams such as those from Global Majority Heritage or UK Minority Ethnic backgrounds, those with visible or invisible disabilities and those who identify as LGBTQI+.

We offer a range of inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and other services to our staff teams.

The Church of England Birmingham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment.

Citizen’s Advice is a leading advocate for change, offering free, confidential and impartial advice to people across England and Wales. For 85 years, Citizens Advice has been helping to shape a society that’s fairer for everyone by working on issues that affect the whole of society. Nationally, the Citizens Advice helped 2.66 million people during 2022-2023.

Here at Staffordshire North, we offer various services providing advice on debt, immigration, benefits, consumer and energy. Our Consumer Service alone helps on average 120,000 consumers each year across the country to tackle the problems they face, for exampleenergy supply, holidays and transport, buying or repairing a car, scams, problems with purchases for goods or services, post, insurance and many more.

Salary - £25,301 p.a.

Reporting to – Team Leader

Purpose of the job:

As a Consumer Service advisor, you will be responsible for handling calls, webchat and webforms received through our national help desk. You will assist consumers by providing free advice and information on contracts for goods and services before, during, or after purchase, including legislation or industry regulations and practical guidance.

Through your excellent communication skills and attention to detail, you will be able to provide accurate and detailed information to consumers and businesses across the country, whilst achieving your individual KPI’s and targets.

By joining us as a consumer service advisor you’ll launch your career into the 3rd sector, and we’ll provide you with in-depth induction training where you’ll quickly become an expert in providing advice to help consumers with the problems they face. Upon completion of probation, you will be able to develop your skills opening up opportunities for progression within the team when available.

Flexibility is a key characteristic of all our posts and the post-holder may be asked to carry out other tasks consistent with the grade from time to time.