Flexible working: this full-time role is based on site at our Manchester office.
Please read the information in this job post thoroughly to understand exactly what is expected of potential candidates.
Opportunities to work from home will be very limited in this role, with a maximum
potential of up to 20% of time working from home, but this cannot be guaranteed and
will be determined by business requirements. We are happy to consider part time &
compressed hours working requests.
About us
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK
safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse
and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect
the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ you’ll do varied and
fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on
teamwork.
The role
As a Senior HR Caseworker at GCHQ, you’ll be at the heart of an exciting new
advisory service. You’ll use your expertise to shape how we tackle people challenges
across the organisation. This is a unique role, full of variety.
On the advisory side, you'll run our HR Casework Advisory, offering timely, practical
solutions to colleague casework related queries by phone and email. As a calm and
knowledgeable voice, you’ll help managers navigate all kinds of situations, from early
performance reviews and absence monitoring to misconduct issues. In every
conversation, you’ll focus on finding fair outcomes before issues escalate, making
sure your advice is always current, compliant and aligned with policy and best
practice.
You’ll also help shape the future of our service. Through regular horizon scanning,
you’ll keep the team informed of new or changing legislation, case law and emerging
employment trends. And, you’ll make sure all casework and guidance are clearly
documented, maintaining accurate, auditable records. Whether you’re reviewing
sanctions and assessments or checking in with line managers to oversee
improvements, you’ll spot opportunities to strengthen our approach even further.
On the investigatory side, you'll lead case investigations and dispute resolutions,
work with our Employment Legal Advisors to support employment tribunal
preparations, and keep accurate, up-to-date records. You’ll mentor junior
caseworkers, sharing your experience to build their confidence and help them
develop the skills to manage their own cases. Whether you’re advising or
investigating, you’ll make sure everything we do meets policy, legal, and compliance
standards.
About you
You’ll hold a Level 5 CIPD qualification and bring proven experience in HR advisory
and case management with a strong knowledge of employee relations, employment
law and HR best practice. Integrity, discretion, and professionalism will come
naturally to you, and colleagues will know they can rely on you for clear, practical
guidance in any situation.
You’ll be organised and confident managing competing priorities, and your
communication skills, both written and verbal, will allow you to provide advice that is
thoughtful, clear and supportive. Flexibility is key in this role; as a brand-new
advisory service, you’ll be comfortable adapting to change and if required, moving
between advisory and investigatory work as the service grows.
You’ll also have some line management responsibilities. While prior experience isn’t
required, you’ll be supported and trained to lead your team confidently. The size and
scale of GCHQ means you’ll have the resources, guidance, and networks you need
to thrive in your role.
Training and development
From the day you join us, you’ll be supported. You’ll be paired with a buddy to help
you settle in, and your team will be there to offer ongoing guidance throughout. You’ll
also have access to a wide range of internal communities, support networks, and
mentors to help you navigate your journey. In line with our commitment to nurturing
talent and developing future leaders, we’ll support you in developing and progressing
in your career.
Rewards and benefits
You’ll receive a starting salary of £50,838 (plus a concessionary payment of £2,658),
plus other benefits including:
• 25 days' of annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and
an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays
• opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• a dedicated development budget
• an interest-free season ticket loan
• an excellent pension scheme
• a cycle to work scheme
• paid parental and adoption leave