HR Graduate

Blackburn with Darwen Council; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackburn with Darwen Council is seeking an HR Graduate to join the Human Resources team. You will gain experience across employee relations and people management, supporting managers and schools with a variety of HR activities.

The role emphasises learning and development through mentoring and professional growth, with a hybrid working arrangement and a flexible policy. A Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are desirable.

Qualifications

• Degree in Human Resources or related field is required or in progress with CIPD eligibility.
• CIPD membership or eligibility is desirable for the role.
• Strong communication and organisation skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in absence management, wellbeing initiatives, and performance management.
• Support disciplinary procedures and TUPE-related work as required.
• Help administer meetings and hearings and organise HR administration across schools.
• Collaborate with managers to provide guidance on people-related matters.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Teams

Education

Degree in Human Resources

CIPD membership

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

Salary Grade F, SCP 17-23, £32,046 to £35,570 per annum

Terms and Conditions: Full time, 37 hours per week
Department: Human Resources
Interview date: w/c 5th October 2026

As a recent graduate with a degree in Human Resources and a current member of CIPD (or eligible for CIPD membership),you will have a passion for people, employment law, and making a difference in the workplace.This isn't just a graduate role; it's an opportunity to build a career in HR while contributing to one of the biggest changes in local government in a generation.

Due to increased workload following the recent Local Government Reorganisation decision, we are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated HR Graduate to join our busy and dedicated Human Resources team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in HR and gain experience across a wide range of employee relations and people management matters.

You will gain valuable experience supporting managers and schools across the Borough with a variety of HR activities.

Working alongside experienced HR Consultants, you will assist in providing advice and guidance on a range of people matters including absence management, wellbeing initiatives, performance management, disciplinary procedures and change management including TUPE. You will also support the administration and organisation of formal meetings and hearings.

You will have excellent organisational and communication skills, a willingness to learn, and the confidence to build positive working relationships with managers and colleagues. You should be comfortable using Microsoft Office applications, including Teams, and have strong attention to detail.

In return, we offer a supportive and collaborative environment where you can develop your HR knowledge and skills through practical experience, mentoring, and professional development opportunities. No two days are the same, making this a challenging and rewarding opportunity for someone looking to start their HR career.

We also offer hybrid working and a Flexi-Time Policy. Our office base is the Town Hall, Blackburn.

Due to the nature of the role, a Full UK Driving Licence and access to your own vehicle is desirable.