HR professional

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking an Employee Relations Advisor to help develop legally sound employment policies that fit our culture. The role focuses on policy development, manager capability and project work, rather than day-to-day casework.

You’ll translate employment law changes into clear guidance, develop communications for managers, and lead HR projects across the Council while strengthening relationships with trade unions and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of employment law and HR practice.
• Ability to translate complex topics into practical guidance.
• Experience turning policy into practice and communications.

Responsibilities

• Research, review and develop employment policies and guidance.
• Translate changes in employment law into clear, practical approaches.
• Help ensure policies support the culture and employee experience.
• Develop engaging communications, guidance, briefings and learning for managers.
• Work with trade unions, managers and colleagues across the Council.
• Use feedback to improve how policies work in practice; and
• Lead and contribute to wider HR projects.
• Support consultation and engagement activities linked to policy development and organisational change.
• Build effective relationships with managers, colleagues and trade union representatives.
• Promote consistent and fair application of employment policies and procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of HR services, processes and employee experience across the Council.

Skills

Knowledge of employment law

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Policy communication

Job description

This is a particularly exciting time to join our Employee Relations team. With the Employment Rights Act 2025 changing the employment landscape, we are looking for an experienced HR professional to join us as an Employee Relations Advisor, helping to develop employment policies that are legally sound, practical and aligned with the culture we want to create at Somerset Council. This role has a particular focus on policy development, manager capability and project work, rather than day-to-day operational casework. As an Employee Relations Advisor, you'll help take policy from research and development through to consultation, communication and implementation. Just as importantly, you'll help bring our policies to life, improving awareness and giving managers the confidence to understand and apply them consistently.

What You'll Be Doing

• research, review and develop employment policies and guidance.
• translate changes in employment law into clear, practical approaches.
• help ensure our policies support the culture and employee experience we want to create.
• develop engaging communications, guidance, briefings and learning for managers.
• work with trade unions, managers and colleagues across the Council.
• use feedback and evidence to improve how our policies work in practice; and
• lead and contribute to wider HR projects.

These areas build on the policy, project, trade union engagement and manager development responsibilities within the Job Description. In addition, you'll:

• Support consultation and engagement activities linked to policy development and organisational change.
• Build effective working relationships with managers, colleagues and trade union representatives.
• Promote consistent and fair application of employment policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR services, processes and employee experience across the Council.

You'll have a strong understanding of employment law and HR practice, with the ability to turn complex subjects into clear, accessible and practical guidance.

You'll be a strong communicator and relationship builder who enjoys developing ideas, influencing change and helping others understand not just what a policy says, but why it matters. If you enjoy employment policy, employment law, improving how things work and turning policy into practice, we'd love to hear from you.

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.