Investigating Officer (0626)

Role overview

The University of Warwick is expanding its newly established Case Management function, and this post sits within the People Team. The Investigating Officer will lead high-quality, fair and well-structured investigations that help maintain a consistent employee relations service across the University.

This is a significant role involving complex and sensitive casework. You will handle matters such as staff complaints and grievances, allegations of misconduct, bullying and harassment, discrimination, safeguarding issues, and other high-risk cases that require a formal investigation. Your work will centre on producing clear, impartial and evidence-led reports to support timely and fair decisions.

You will collaborate with colleagues in People Partnering, Conduct & Resolution, Legal Services and recognised Trade Unions, making sure investigations are compliant, thorough and aligned with guidance from relevant professional bodies. The role also contributes to quality assurance, capability-building across the team, and ongoing improvements to policy, process and practice.

This position offers the chance to influence standards, support others through coaching, and contribute to learning across the institution. Because the work involves highly sensitive issues, the role calls for strong judgement, resilience and a steady, professional approach.

About the team

The post is part of the People Partnering team, supported by People Operations and centres of excellence covering Employee Relations, Talent and Development, and Reward. The team is focused on helping colleagues reach their full potential while supporting the University’s priorities of excellence, financial sustainability, and reputation.

About the University

The University of Warwick is a research-intensive institution founded in 1965. It is ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK, and 92% of its research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

What you will do

• Lead and manage a portfolio of complex investigations across a range of employee relations and safeguarding matters.
• Prepare balanced, well-evidenced reports that help decision-makers reach fair outcomes.
• Work with internal stakeholders including HR, legal and employee relations colleagues, as well as Trade Union representatives.
• Ensure investigations follow best practice and remain compliant with relevant guidance.
• Support quality assurance activity and help strengthen investigative practice across the team.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in systems, policies and ways of working.
• Present findings clearly to internal and external audiences, including appeal panels and, where required, employment tribunals.

Candidate profile

This role is aimed at an experienced employee relations or higher-education professional who can work independently while also contributing positively to a collaborative team environment. You should be confident handling competing priorities, maintaining accurate documentation and presenting complex findings in a clear and structured way.

How to apply

The closing date for applications is Thursday 18 June 2026 at 11:55pm UK time. Applications should be submitted through the University careers portal only. A CV and cover letter are required, and you should use them to summarise your employment and education history, explain why you are interested in the role, and show clearly how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the attached job description.

The interview dates are 22 and 23 June 2026, and the planned start date is 1 July 2026. Applications cannot be submitted after the deadline, even if started earlier. Career breaks may be included in your application if relevant.

Flexible working

The University will consider applicants who wish to work part-time or on another flexible basis, including job share, even though the post is advertised as full-time.

Benefits

• Access to an attractive pension arrangement.
• 30 days of annual leave plus the University Christmas closure.
• A generous leave policy for parental and adoption circumstances.
• Onsite childcare provision.
• Strong learning and development support.
• Flexible working options to support work-life balance.
• Recognition as a Living Wage employer.

Additional information

For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Sue Horner, Head of Case Management, at Sue.horner@warwick.ac.uk.

If you do not already have the right to work in the UK and/or need Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, further guidance is available through the University’s right-to-work information.

Further details on the experience and skills needed can be found in the attached PDF job description.

The University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.