HR Consultant

Blackburn with Darwen Council; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexi-Time policy

Job summary

Blackburn with Darwen Council is seeking an experienced HR Consultant/Advisor to support managers with absence and performance issues, ensuring compliant, policy-driven decisions. Role combines advisory work with case handling.

Hybrid working is offered with Flexi-Time policy. The office base is in Blackburn, with progression through the Local Government reorganisation to the East Lancashire council from 2028. A Full UK Driving Licence is essential.

Qualifications

• Level 5 CIPD qualified member required.
• Experience advising managers on HR matters.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and case handling.

Responsibilities

• Support managers in absence management, performance management and complex discipline and grievance cases.
• Advise with policy and procedures to ensure compliant decisions.
• Arrange informal and formal meetings and hearings.

Skills

HR advisory

Absence management

Performance management

Discipline & grievance handling

MS Office / Teams

Education

CIPD Level 5

Tools

Microsoft Office (Teams)

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Terms and Conditions: Full time, Permanent, 37 hours per week
Department: Resources
Interview date: 21st September 2026

Due to increased workload following the Local Government Reorganisation decision we are looking for an experienced Human Resources Consultant/Advisor to join our busy and dedicated team providing HR support and advice to Managers. As a minimum Level 5 CIPD qualified member, this is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced people professional to join our team.

We also work very closely alongside a number of schools in the Borough providing employment advice to Headteachers and Governing Bodies.

The role of a HR Consultant involves supporting managers in absence management, performance management and complex discipline and grievance cases. It is very important that you have up to date knowledge of employment legislation and are confident in advising, with an ability to challenge and influence in a polite and professional way if you do not feel policy and the correct procedures are being adhered to.

It is essential that you are well organised as you will be required to arrange both informal and formal meetings and hearings. You will be experienced in using Microsoft Office packages including Teams.

In return for you having the above qualities and skills, as detailed in the attached role profile, we offer hybrid working and a Flexi-Time Policy. Our office base is the Town Hall, Blackburn. This is a challenging and rewarding role with no two days the same!

Due to the nature of the role a Full UK Driving License and access to your own vehicle is essential.

The Government has confirmed plans to reorganise local government across Lancashire. From April 2028, the current 15 councils will be replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire.

If you're successful in your application, you'll initially join Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. As part of the reorganisation, your employment will transfer to the new East Lancashire council from April 2028.

We're committed to continuing to deliver excellent services throughout this transition. By joining us now, you'll be part of an important period of change and have the opportunity to help shape the future of local government for local communities.