HR Advisor/Senior Advisor

Foot Anstey; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced parental leave policies

Private healthcare and wellbeing (e.g.

gym memberships

Job summary

Foot Anstey, a leading national law firm, is seeking an experienced HR Advisor to add value from day one and help shape a progressive, high‑performing people function. Based in Plymouth, this full-time role supports HR strategy, handles employee relations, and reports on people metrics while offering development and a culture of collaboration and inclusion.

Join a firm committed to diversity, innovation and professional growth, with wellbeing focused benefits and a strong emphasis on supporting

Qualifications

• Proven experience of HR/People Advisor level work ideally within a professional services environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practices.
• Proficiency in HR management systems.
• Analytical skills to evaluate data and situations and reach conclusions.
• Proactive approach to employee engagement and wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality HR service and professional advice to employees.
• Oversee employee relations including conflict resolution and disciplinary/grievance procedures.
• Build relationships as a trusted advisor with managers and leaders.
• Drive core people processes such as parental leave, probation and performance reviews.
• Coach and influence managers on people-related issues.
• Collaborate with People and Reward Manager and HR Business Partners for aligned approach.
• Handle HR queries by phone, email and in person and manage absence/ OH referrals.
• Produce HR reports and management information from systems.
• Prepare general HR correspondence and ensure policy compliance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of HR processes.

Skills

HR advisory experience

UK employment law

Analytical skills

Project management

Relationship building

Employee engagement

Education

CIPD Level 5

Degree in Human Resources Management

Tools

HR management systems

Job description

Are you an experienced HR Advisor looking for a new challenge where you’ll add value from day one and help drive a progressive, high-performing people function in a growing national law firm?

We’re one of the UK’s most forward-thinking law firms, built on a foundation of innovation, collaboration, and ambition. Join us, and let’s shape the future together.

Being refreshingly human starts with how we hire. We believe a diverse mix of perspectives makes us stronger – not just as a business, but in creating a culture where we all feel we truly belong and can thrive. That’s why we’re committed to removing barriers and creating fair opportunities for everyone.

* We are in a period of exclusive direct sourcing for this role and are not currently accepting applications from recruitment agencies.

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The role in 60 seconds

• Team: Human Resources
• Location:Plymouth
• Working Pattern: Full time
• Why this role matters: This pivotal role sits at the heart of our People function, helping to create a positive, high-performing culture while ensuring our people processes enable the firm to achieve its strategic ambitions.

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What you’ll do

You’ll be stepping into a role with real scope – and real support. A role where we’ll invest in your development. You’ll contribute to the delivery of our HR strategy, providing high-quality service and professional advice to our employees. You’ll play a crucial part in managing employee relations, supporting process improvements, and contributing to various HR projects.

In this role, you’ll:

• Support HR in the provision of a comprehensive and effective HR service for the firm.
• Oversee employee relations, including complex conflict resolution and disciplinary/grievance procedures.
• Demonstrate strong professional credibility and build on-going relationships as a trusted advisor with managers and leaders.
• Drive core people processes such as ownership of parental leave, probation and performance reviews.
• Coach, challenge and influence managers, providing advice and recommendations on all people related issues.
• Work closely with the People and Reward Manager and HR Business Partners to ensure clear communication, alignment and consistency of approach.
• Deal with first and second level queries from employees regarding general HR and benefits by phone, emailand in person.
• Absence monitoring and contact and liaison with employees on sick leave including arranging meetings and OH referrals.
• Produce reports and management information from the HR Management System and other sources.
• Prepare correspondence on general HR matters such as exit interviews, return to work meetings, and performance meetings.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and company policies.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of HR processes and procedures.

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What we’re looking for

We’re seeking an experienced HR professional – someone who thrives in a fast-paced, people-focused environment and brings:

• Proven experience of HR/People Advisor level work ideally within a professional services environment.
• CIPD level 5/degree in Human Resources Management or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practices.
• A solution-focused approach to conflict resolution.
• Proficiency in HR management systems.
• A proactive approach to employee engagement and wellbeing.
• Proven ability to plan and implement projects/initiatives.
• Analytical skills: to quickly evaluate data/situations and reach conclusions.
• Excellent relationship building and influencing skills.
• Ability to work with appropriate attention to detail and high standards, whilst still working at pace.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced, professional services or legal organisation would be highly desirable.
• And you’ll share our passion for innovation, collaboration, and achieving great things together.

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What if I don’t tick every box?

We’re not box tickers. We appreciate the need for everyone to find a role that challenges them and gives them room for growth.

If you bring transferable skills and a fresh perspective, we’d love to hear from you. If this role excites you and you have the skills to succeed, we encourage you to apply.

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Join a seriously ambitious firm

At Foot Anstey, we’re committed to making a difference for our people, our clients, and society. Here’s what makes us stand out:

• An ambitious growth strategy that opens up opportunities for our people to make their mark.
• A client base that spans household names, thriving startups, and ambitious enterprises.
• A culture built on our values of being refreshingly human, entrepreneurial, inclusive and collaborative.
• A strong focus on being a responsible business with a commitment to sustainability and giving back to our communities.
• Comprehensive professional development and training – whatever your role and level we have training that will support you to achieve your goals.

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Progressive benefits tailored to you

We believe our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional growth and personal wellbeing, including:

• Enhanced parental leave policies.
• Private healthcare and wellbeing initiatives (e.g., mental health support, gym memberships).