HR Advisor – ER

Oakleaf Partnership; London; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK arts and culture institution in Central London is seeking a People Advisor for a fixed term of 3-4 months. The role involves managing employee relations, advising on HR policies, and supporting a collaborative People Team. Applicants should have a CIPD Level 5 qualification and proven experience in HR, with strong communication and relationship-building skills. The institution fosters an inclusive workplace environment with a focus on employee wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Proficient in managing employee relations cases.
• Up-to-date with employment law and risk management.
• Confidence in working independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and resolve a broad range of employee relations cases.
• Support change initiatives and advise on policies and procedures.
• Provide clear HR advice aligned with policies and employment law.

Skills

Proven experience as a generalist HR/People Advisor

Strong track record managing complex employee relations issues

Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills

High attention to detail

Strong communication skills (written and verbal)

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience)

Job description

People Advisor – Fixed Term Contract (3-4 months)
Location: Central London (with occasional UK travel)
Salary: £38,394 – £42,776 per annum (pro rata)
Full-time – 36 hours per week
Start: ASAP
Recruiting on behalf of a leading UK arts and culture institution

Are you a confident and proactive HR professional looking to make an impact in a values-led, purpose-driven environment? We’re recruiting on behalf of a highly respected national arts and cultural organisation for an experienced People Advisor to join their busy and collaborative HR Business Partnering team on a 3-4 month fixed term contract.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with a forward-thinking People Team, where you’ll play a key role in advising managers and supporting colleagues across a variety of people matters. From managing complex employee relations casework to coaching leaders, supporting recruitment processes and contributing to policy development, your work will directly support the organisation’s commitment to being an inclusive, bold, and people-first place to work.

About the Role:

You’ll act as the first point of contact for several divisions, partnering closely with HR Business Partners to deliver pragmatic, legally sound, and inclusive HR advice. The role involves managing a high volume of ER cases end-to-end, supporting organisational change, and advising on policies and procedures, including flexible working, family leave, and performance management.

You’ll work within a supportive, close-knit People Team that collaborates to deliver meaningful change and a great employee experience across a nationally significant institution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and resolve a broad range of employee relations cases (grievance, disciplinary, capability, absence), including those up to and including dismissal.

• Support or lead on change initiatives such as restructures or role redesign.

• Provide clear, practical HR advice to managers and colleagues, aligned with policies and employment law.

• Coach and guide line managers in people management and inclusive recruitment practices.

• Liaise with Occupational Health and manage referrals to support employee wellbeing.

• Partner with internal stakeholders on initiatives relating to EDI, engagement, wellbeing, and policy development.

• Support workforce planning and recruitment efforts, including participating in interview panels.

• Analyse HR data to identify trends and develop people-focused solutions.

• Contribute to the delivery of training sessions and workshops on HR policy or management development.

About You:

To be successful in this role, you’ll need:

Proven experience as a generalist HR/People Advisor
Strong track record managing complex employee relations issues
Up-to-date employment law knowledge and a pragmatic approach to risk
Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills at all levels
High attention to detail and strong organisational skills
Strong communication skills – written and verbal
CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience)
Confidence working independently in a fast-paced, frontline environment
A collaborative and people-centred mindset aligned to values of Kind, Open, Bold, and Rigorous

Desirable:

• Experience advising on restructures or redundancy processes

• Experience within a unionised environment

• Confidence in delivering training and workshops

• Experience in coaching or informal mediation

Why Apply?

This is your chance to make a real difference in a dynamic, inclusive, and high-profile cultural organisation. You’ll be supported by a knowledgeable and passionate team and contribute to meaningful work that impacts the employee experience on a national scale.