HR Advisor

NHS Jobs; Runwell; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS pension

Flexible and agile working

Progression to Band 6 opportunity

Job summary

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) is seeking an HR Advisor to provide professional guidance to managers and staff across employee relations matters. You will support disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance management and organisational change while ensuring fair, compliant outcomes and consistent practice.

You may deputise for senior colleagues in specialist HR areas. Applicants should be CIPD qualified, or working towards a recognised HR qualification, with

Qualifications

• CIPD qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Experience supporting employee relations casework and complex employment matters.
• Ability to engage with managers, staff representatives and HR colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional HR advice and guidance on employee relations matters.
• Support disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance management and organisational change processes.
• Interpret policies and contribute to workforce planning and strategic HR objectives.
• Attend hearings and deputise for senior colleagues in specialist HR areas.

Skills

Employee relations expertise

HR advisory

Communication skills

Problem solving

Influencing

Education

CIPD qualified

HR qualification in progress

Tools

HR policies & procedures

Job description

About the Team

Our Employee Relations Team plays a key role in supporting managers and staff across Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). We are a collaborative, supportive and forward-thinking team that is passionate about delivering high-quality HR services and helping create positive workplace cultures. Guided by our values of We Care, We Learn and We Empower, we work in partnership with operational leaders to provide pragmatic, solutions-focused advice that supports our people and ultimately contributes to excellent patient care. We foster a culture of learning, continuous improvement and professional development, encouraging colleagues to share ideas, develop specialist expertise and build rewarding careers within HR. Whether you're an experienced HR professional or joining through a developmental pathway, you'll receive support from knowledgeable colleagues and exposure to a diverse and varied workload.

About the Role

As an HR Advisor, you will provide professional HR advice and guidance to managers and staff across a wide range of employee relations matters. You will support managers with disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance management and organisational change processes, helping to ensure fair, consistent and legally compliant outcomes. You'll work closely with operational teams to resolve complex people issues, interpret policies, support workforce planning activity and contribute to the delivery of strategic HR objectives. The role offers the opportunity to develop expertise across a broad range of HR disciplines, including organisational change, TUPE, sickness absence management, policy development and specialist HR projects. You will attend formal hearings, provide professional advice during employee relations processes and work collaboratively with HR colleagues to continuously improve the service we provide. There will also be opportunities to deputise for senior colleagues and take a lead role in designated specialist areas of HR practice.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking a proactive, organised and customer-focused HR professional who can build positive working relationships with colleagues at all levels. You will be confident providing advice on complex employment matters, able to analyse information objectively and skilled at balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication, influencing and problem-solving skills are essential, together with a sound understanding of employment law and HR best practice. Applicants should be CIPD qualified, working towards a recognised HR qualification, or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience. Previous experience supporting employee relations casework, managing sensitive situations and working collaboratively with managers, staff representatives and HR colleagues will be highly beneficial.

Development Opportunity

We are committed to developing future HR talent and welcome applications from candidates who may not yet meet all of the Band 6 criteria. For the right individual, consideration may be given to appointment at Band 5 on a developmental pathway, with structured support, development opportunities and progression to Band 6 upon successful achievement of agreed competencies and objectives.

Why Join EPUT?

In addition to a rewarding role and the opportunity to make a real difference, you'll benefit from:

• A supportive and experienced HR team.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Exposure to a wide variety of employee relations and organisational change work.
• Flexible and agile working opportunities where service needs allow.
• Access to NHS pension and employee benefits schemes.
• The opportunity to contribute to services that support the health and wellbeing of communities across Essex.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the duties, responsibilities and essential criteria for this role.