Defence Business Services (DBS) HR Caseworker

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 UKs 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 UKs 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 UKs defence industrial base.

Come and join the DBS community today!

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 Departments 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.

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.