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Defence Business Services (DBS) HR Caseworker

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United Kingdom
Work type
Hybrid
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Abbey Wood North, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8QW

Job Summary

Are you a dedicated person who is passionate about making a difference?

Would you like to work for the Ministry of Defence? 

Defence Business Services (DBS) is one of the largest shared service organisations in Europe that provides a wide range of corporate services, to over 1.2 million end users, including serving and past military and families, as well as MoD civil servants and industry.

DBS delivers large scale administration and smaller specialist services to enable the wider MOD to focus on its core aims, maintaining the UK’s Defence and Security. Services include Human Resources, Pay, Veterans, Finance and Procurement.

The 2025 – 2030 Corporate Plan came up with a new mission and vision which are now:

Vision

To be the best shared service centre in Government

Mission

Proudly delivering excellence in shared services, through customer centric solutions to enable Defence outcomes

DBS is committed to creating a great place to work for all our colleagues. We are building an inclusive culture and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of the society. 

We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us through opportunities to develop your skills and experience. We also offer a range of flexible working patterns and support to make a fulfilling career accessible to you and offer a Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%. Where your role permits, we support a blended working approach alternatively known as hybrid working.

DBS is part of The National Armaments Directorate (NAD) Group which is at the heart of delivering and sustaining the UK’s defence capability. Bringing together organisations responsible for developing, procuring, supporting and modernising Defence equipment, infrastructure and services, the Directorate works closely with industry, international partners and academia to ensure the Armed Forces have the capabilities they need to deter threats, protect the nation and succeed on operations. NAD drives innovation, operational readiness and value for money while supporting economic growth and strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base.

Come and join the DBS community today!

https://youtu.be/gUw0ToaRGgk

Job Description

Our HR Caseworkers provide specialist HR advice to employees, line managers and other responsible managers across a full range of issues, in accordance with HR policies and guidance.

The HR Advisory and Casework Service is a fast-paced, busy and demand-led environment. You will need to be resilient and motivated, with excellent customer service skills. You will predominantly support customers through digital channels, so the ability to build rapport and trust quickly is essential. Travel may be required where there is a business need.

You Will Provide Expert Knowledge Of The Department’s HR Policies And Procedures And Their Practical Application. This Includes, But Is Not Limited To:

  • Absence management
  • Conduct and discipline
  • Grievance
  • Bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation
  • Performance
  • Capability
  • Probation
  • Employment tribunals

You will actively engage in continuous improvement and change activities.

Responsibilities

You will sit within one of the HR ACS teams and report to a Senior Casework Team Leader.

Your Duties Will Include:

  • Managing a range of complex HR cases effectively and providing advice and guidance to managers, employees and other responsible stakeholders in accordance with HR policy.
  • Providing advice on absence management and occupational health, conduct and discipline, performance and capability, grievance and complaints, including bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation, and workplace adjustments.
  • Managing a full caseload, prioritising work and working to strict timescales while maintaining high-quality advice.
  • Preparing effective and professional case packs for decision makers and/or appeal managers for complex HR decisions, up to and including dismissal.
  • Ensuring cases are handled consistently and appropriately, escalating concerns to a team leader where required.
  • Improving line manager confidence and capability by coaching managers through workplace issues.
  • Advising MOD employees on HR policy and supporting informal and formal resolution of workplace issues.
  • Supporting employees and managers with workplace adjustments.
  • Supporting employment tribunal claims, liaising with internal and external stakeholders and representing MOD at tribunals where required.
  • Interpreting legal requirements and developing options and associated risks in relation to HR issues.
  • Updating internal systems so that information, actions and decisions are accurately recorded.
  • Participating in continuous improvement activity to enhance professional service delivery.
  • Taking responsibility for learning and development to ensure advice remains compliant with policy and employment legislation.
  • Facilitating workplace dispute mediation.
  • Proactively resolving cases in line with the agreed momentum model, reinforcing business accountability and escalating high-profile cases through the management chain where appropriate.
  • Improving customer engagement and building confidence, knowledge and capability through coaching and advice on resolution options.

There is a requirement for business travel nationally, which may include overnight stays.

DBS supports flexible working and hybrid working is adopted within the service. The weekly office attendance requirement is 40% in office and 60% homeworking. During initial training periods office attendance may be increased.

Fixed-term appointment information

This is a Fixed-term Appointment as a HR Caseworker in the HR Advisory and Casework Service. Your responsibilities will be as described in this job advert. The

reason why you are appointed for a fixed period is to implement recommendations from a HR casework review. This post will therefore begin on your appointment and end 24 months after that date.

If you are a permanent MoD civil servant and are found successful for an advertised Fixed-term Appointment (FTA) you should move into the post under a Temporary Transfer (for up to a maximum of 24 months). At the end of the posting you will return to your previous MoD Business area. If this posting is at a higher grade, your promotion will be temporary, and you will return to your substantive grade at the end of the Temporary Transfer. If a Temporary Transfer cannot be agreed between all parties then a transfer on an FTA contract is possible, read the FTA and Change of Work Location in the UK policy for further information. If you are transferring to MoD from another government department (OGD) you should join the MoD on an inward loan. At the end of the loan you will return to your home (OGD) department. If a loan cannot be agreed between all parties then a transfer on an FTA contract is possible, read the FTA policy for further information.

Our HR Caseworkers provide specialist HR advice to employees, line managers and other responsible managers across a full range of issues, in accordance with HR policies and guidance.

The HR Advisory and Casework Service is a fast-paced, busy and demand-led environment. You will need to be resilient and motivated, with excellent customer service skills. You will predominantly support customers through digital channels, so the ability to build rapport and trust quickly is essential. Travel may be required where there is a business need.

Your Duties Will Include:

  • Managing a range of complex HR cases effectively and providing advice and guidance to managers, employees and other responsible stakeholders in accordance with HR policy.
  • Providing advice on absence management and occupational health, conduct and discipline, performance and capability, grievance and complaints, including bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation, and workplace adjustments.
  • Managing a full caseload, prioritising work and working to strict timescales while maintaining high-quality advice.
  • Preparing effective and professional case packs for decision makers and/or appeal managers for complex HR decisions, up to and including dismissal.
  • Ensuring cases are handled consistently and appropriately, escalating concerns to a team leader where required.
  • Improving line manager confidence and capability by coaching managers through workplace issues.
  • Advising MOD employees on HR policy and supporting informal and formal resolution of workplace issues.
  • Supporting employees and managers with workplace adjustments.
  • Supporting employment tribunal claims, liaising with internal and external stakeholders and representing MOD at tribunals where required.
  • Interpreting legal requirements and developing options and associated risks in relation to HR issues.
  • Updating internal systems so that information, actions and decisions are accurately recorded.
  • Participating in continuous improvement activity to enhance professional service delivery.
  • Taking responsibility for learning and development to ensure advice remains compliant with policy and employment legislation.
  • Facilitating workplace dispute mediation.
  • Proactively resolving cases in line with the agreed momentum model, reinforcing business accountability and escalating high-profile cases through the management chain where appropriate.
  • Improving customer engagement and building confidence, knowledge and capability through coaching and advice on resolution options.

There is a requirement for business travel nationally, which may include overnight stays.

DBS supports flexible working and hybrid working is adopted within the service. The weekly office attendance requirement is 40% in office and 60% homeworking. During initial training periods office attendance may be increased.

Fixed-term appointment information

This is a Fixed-term Appointment as a HR Caseworker in the HR Advisory and Casework Service. Your responsibilities will be as described in this job advert. The

reason why you are appointed for a fixed period is to implement recommendations from a HR casework review. This post will therefore begin on your appointment and end 24 months after that date.

If you are a permanent MoD civil servant and are found successful for an advertised Fixed-term Appointment (FTA) you should move into the post under a Temporary Transfer (for up to a maximum of 24 months). At the end of the posting you will return to your previous MoD Business area. If this posting is at a higher grade, your promotion will be temporary, and you will return to your substantive grade at the end of the Temporary Transfer. If a Temporary Transfer cannot be agreed between all parties then a transfer on an FTA contract is possible, read the FTA and Change of Work Location in the UK policy for further information. If you are transferring to MoD from another government department (OGD) you should join the MoD on an inward loan. At the end of the loan you will return to your home (OGD) department. If a loan cannot be agreed between all parties then a transfer on an FTA contract is possible, read the FTA policy for further information.

Person specification

We would love to hear from you if you are an HR professional looking for the next step in your career and an opportunity to work in a supportive team where you can develop and flourish.

Essential Criteria

  • Proven experience in an HR Adviser or similar role.
  • Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to adapt, build rapport and provide advice at all levels.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and attention to detail.
  • Highly organised and responsive, with the ability to manage a high volume of queries.
  • Confident and tenacious, taking ownership of issues and progressing them promptly to resolution.
  • A positive attitude and the ability to relate effectively to a diverse range of people.

A team-focused approach and an understanding that the function must work collaboratively to deliver success.

Desirable criteria

Appropriate level of CIPD membership and a Level 5 CIPD People Professional qualification.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Working Together
  • Delivering at Pace

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

  • Communicating and Influencing

Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

  • Learning and development tailored to your role
  • An environment with flexible working options
  • A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
  • A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
  • 25 days paid annual leave, rising by one day per year to 30 days after five years’ service, pro rata.
  • Public holidays
  • Opportunities for Reward and Recognition.
  • Family-friendly policies, including parental and adoption leave.
  • This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Please ensure that at the application and interview stages of the campaign you review the Success Profiles Framework to assist you in the demonstration of your skills and experience.

Your suitability for the role will be assessed using the Success Profile elements that have been chosen for this campaign. Each element will be scored accordingly, and the successful candidate will be appointed on merit.

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history and previous skills and experience.

A statement of suitability of no more than 750 words explaining how the candidate meets the criteria in the job description, with examples of relevant tasks, skills and experience.

At sift, candidates will be assessed against their CV and Statement of suitability and the following:

  • Communicating and Influencing

At Interview, Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Working Together
  • Delivering at Pace

Applications Will Be Sifted On All Success Profile Elements, But In The Event Of a High Number Of Applications, An Initial Sift Will Be Conducted On The Following Success Profile Elements:

Primary: Personal Statement

Secondary: CV

In The Rare Case Where Individuals Have Exact Matching Scores, The Order Of Merit Will Be Determined Based On The Behaviour Scores At Interview In The Following Order:

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Working Together
  • Delivering at Pace

If Candidate Scores Are Still Exact, The Merit Order Will Then Be Determined On The Sift Score In The Following Order:

  • Personal Statement
  • CV
  • Communicating and Influencing

Sift start date: week commencing: 16 Nov 26

Interviews are currently taking place via the following method: Face to Face

Interview start date: week commencing: 30 Nov 26

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:

  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact :

  • Name : Christine Simeon
  • Email : Christine.Simeon489@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

  • Email : DBS-EnhancedRecruitmentTeam@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact DBS-EnhancedRecruitmentTeam@MOD.gov.uk in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints/

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