HR Advisor

YMCA; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA England & Wales seeks an experienced HR Advisor to join the national People Services team, supporting retail managers in various HR functions. This role emphasizes a proactive approach to employee relations, training, and fostering positive workplace experiences within a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• HR-related qualifications or equivalent experience in a retail environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Experience managing casework effectively.

Responsibilities

• Advising on employee relations, disciplinary, and grievance cases.
• Monitoring absence and managing Occupational Health referrals.
• Delivering training sessions to enhance HR practices.

Skills

Employee relations

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

MCIPD qualification

Job description

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There’s a new opportunity for an experienced HR professional looking to make a real impact in a values-driven organisation! YMCA England & Wales is seeking an accomplished HR Advisor to join our national People Services team, supporting our operations across England and Wales.

In this field-based role, you'll act as a trusted HR partner to retail managers and teams, offering proactive and expert advice across a broad spectrum of HR matters. From employee relations and absence management to training delivery and change support, you’ll be integral in driving positive employee experiences and upholding YMCA’s ethos and people-first culture.

About YMCA England & Wales:

YMCA England & Wales supports 83 local YMCAs, advocating for vulnerable young people by providing essential building blocks for a better life—like a safe home, guidance, friendship, and employment skills. We are committed to ensuring fairness and opportunity for all, and through our collective voice, we influence national policy and media to improve the lives of young people across the country.

What you’ll be doing:

• Advising managers on employee relations issues including disciplinary, grievance, and capability cases
• Monitoring absence, conducting welfare meetings, and managing Occupational Health referrals
• Supporting store teams through regular visits, building relationships and trust
• Delivering training sessions to upskill managers and promote HR best practice
• Supporting HR projects, change initiatives, and data reporting
• Collaborating with the wider HR team and deputising for the Assistant Head of HR when needed

Who we’re looking for:

• MCIPD-qualified or equivalent HR experience, ideally in a retail environment
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices
• Confident managing casework with a fair, empathetic approach
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently
• Willing to travel frequently (full driving licence required)

Join us and help shape the future of HR in a mission-led organisation that makes a difference to communities across the UK. If you’re passionate about people and want to bring your HR expertise to a cause that matters — we’d love to hear from you

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.