Ethics Specialist

About Network Rail

Network Rail is dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country.

We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

Milton Keynes, GB

Duration: Permanent.

Location: This role is based in Milton Keynes. While it is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered but full-time hours will be required. For Quadrant: MK, you must live within 90 minutes.

Band & Salary: Band 4b (£35,582 - £42,218)

We’re looking for an Ethics Specialist for a permanent, full-time role based in Milton Keynes. In this role, you’ll provide day-to-day support and management of the company’s ethical policies.

You’ll be a key player in a small team. Working alongside the Principal Ethics Officer, a Business Information & Reporting Analyst and another Ethics Specialist, you’ll be integral to managing our ethical policies and processes.

The team is constantly striving to enhance and improve our offering, so we’re looking for someone with strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills, plus the ability to handle confidential information. We want someone with ideas, energy and a willingness to try new things while working at pace.

You’ll take the lead in managing confidential whistleblowing cases, ensuring they are handled sensitively, fairly and in line with statutory requirements, including the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) and recognised best practice.

You’ll maintain clear and supportive communication with whistle-blowers and work closely with investigating managers to monitor case progress and provide strong second line assurance.

A key part of the role is producing insightful management reports that track performance, highlight trends and support consistent and timely investigation outcomes, ensuring case data is accurate and well maintained so reporting is reliable and emerging risks can be identified early.

You’ll also identify and implement improvements to our whistleblowing and ethical processes, such as streamlining triaging of Speak Out cases and improving how we manage queries received through the Ethics mailbox.

In addition, you’ll support the business by providing practical guidance on conflicts of interest, gifts and hospitality, modern slavery, anti‑bribery and Speak Out concerns, working with colleagues at all levels and confidently challenging where needed to ensure decisions align with our policies and ethical principles.

You’ll also contribute to the wider Ethics programme, helping to design and deliver initiatives that strengthen ethical awareness, organisational culture and compliance across the business.

We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of whistleblowing processes and PIDA, along with proven experience of handling highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

You’ll need to be comfortable making independent, pragmatic decisions based on policy and guidance.

An excellent communicator, able to translate complex or legal information into clear, accessible messages that build trust and confidence with stakeholders at all levels.

Strong analytical skills are essential, as you’ll interpret performance data, identify trends and turn insights into meaningful recommendations for senior managers.

A continuous improvement mindset and a ‘can do’ attitude are required, especially experience in identifying inefficiencies, improving processes and embedding new ways of working.

Strong organisational skills are important, as you’ll manage multiple priorities and build positive working relationships across the business.

• A good understanding of whistleblowing processes and the Public Interest Disclosure Act.
• Extensive experience of dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong organisational skills and experience dealing with various stakeholders at…