HR Advisor (Maternity Cover)

Children's Hospice South West; St. Austell; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday

Enhanced sick pay

Pension contribution

Enhanced maternity pay

Wellbeing support

Training opportunities

Environmental responsibility

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) is seeking an HR Advisor to cover maternity leave on a 12-month FTC. The role is hybrid with regular office attendance and some home-working on agreement.

You will provide pragmatic HR advice, partner with managers, handle casework, recruitment, and HR administration to keep key processes running smoothly. The successful candidate will have CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent), experience in a busy generalist HR environment, and a proactive, organised approach.

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy generalist HR environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and best practice.
• Ability to build relationships with managers and staff.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with managers to support people issues.
• Provide clear, pragmatic HR advice across the full employee lifecycle.
• Be involved in casework—from absence and wellbeing to investigations and formal processes.
• Take ownership of end-to-end recruitment and candidate experience.
• Maintain HR administration and ensure compliance across letters, contracts and systems.
• Support wider HR initiatives, training, policy development and projects.

Skills

General HR

Employee relations

Recruitment

Employment law

Organised / structured

People skills

Education

CIPD Level 5 (or working towards)

Job description

HR Advisor - Maternity Cover (FTC for 12 months)

Hours: 37 per week - full time working is preferred, consideration may be given for 4 day working, for the right candidate.

Location: This is a hybrid role that requires regular attendance at the office, with the opportunity to work from home on an agreed basis.

About Children's Hospice South West (CHSW)

At Children's Hospice South West (CHSW), our people are at the heart of everything we do. We're looking for an HR Advisor to cover maternity leave who thrives on building strong relationships, enjoys being part of a team, and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves and get involved in the detail.

This is more than a traditional advisory role. It's about being visible, accessible and practical.

You'll partner closely with managers, becoming a trusted source of advice and support, while also playing a key role in keeping our HR processes running smoothly behind the scenes.

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with managers, supporting them to confidently manage people issues
• Provide clear, pragmatic HR advice across the full employee lifecycle
• Be actively involved in casework – from absence and wellbeing conversations through to investigations and formal processes
• Take ownership of end-to-end recruitment, ensuring a safe, thorough and positive candidate experience
• Keep on top on our HR administration that keeps the organisation running – from contracts and letters to systems updates and compliance checks
• Support wider HR initiatives such as training, policy development and projects

About you

You'll be someone who enjoys the balance of partnering with people and delivering detail-focused work.

• CIPD Level 5 (or working towards) or equivalent experience
• Experience in a busy, generalist HR environment
• Confidence in building relationships and supporting managers with real-world HR challenges
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
• A practical, organised approach – comfortable juggling priorities while maintaining accuracy
• A team player who is equally comfortable working independently

Most importantly, you'll bring a positive, proactive mindset, with a willingness to get involved at every level.

• Be part of a values-driven organisation making a real difference
• Work in a supportive team where your contribution is recognised
• Gain exposure to a wide range of HR activity, building your experience and skills
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

What we offer

Working for CHSW isn't just a job – it's the chance to be part of something truly meaningful.

We offer:

• 33 days' holiday plus bank holidays (rising with service)
• Enhanced sick pay (up to 6 months full pay)
• Pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
• Enhanced maternity/adoption pay and family-friendly policies
• Occupational health, wellbeing support and Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility
• A supportive, inclusive and values-driven workplace

Closing Date: 29 November 2026
Anticipated Interviews: 8 December 26 - face to face - Little Harbour, St Austell

CHSW Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

CHSW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all employees must apply for an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

37 hours per week (Mon-Fri) - a 4 day working week may be considered for the right candidate

Making the most of short and precious lives across the South West

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