People Advisor

WSH Group; Reading; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

WSH Group in Reading, United Kingdom, is seeking a People Advisor to act as a trusted resource for employees and managers on HR policies, employee relations, and workplace matters. You will support confidentiality and compliance, helping foster a positive workplace culture.

The role involves partnering with managers on performance, onboarding, and casework, analyzing trends to mitigate risks, and driving engagement initiatives within a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in employee relations, HR advisory, or similar HR support role.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and organizational policies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Problem-solving mindset with strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.
• Proficiency with HR systems, databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to remain impartial and provide objective advice in complex situations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential advice and support to employees on HR-related matters, including policy interpretation, career development, and workplace concerns.
• Partner with managers to address employee relations issues, including performance management, conduct matters, and conflict resolution.
• Assist with the onboarding process for new employees, ensuring a smooth transition and understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Analyze employee data and trends to identify potential HR risks and recommend proactive solutions.
• Support the development and implementation of HR initiatives focused on employee engagement, retention, and organizational culture.
• Maintain accurate and confidential HR records and documentation in compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations.
• Conduct mediation and facilitate difficult conversations between employees and managers to resolve workplace conflicts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures across the organization.
• Stay current with employment law changes and ensure organizational compliance with relevant regulations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR processes and employee experience.

Skills

Employee relations

HR advisory

Policy interpretation

Confidentiality

Communication

Analytical

HR systems

Microsoft Office

Discretion

Organization

Education

CIPD or equivalent

Job description

We're looking for a People Advisor to join our organization in Reading, United Kingdom. In this role, you will serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers, providing guidance on HR policies, employee relations, and workplace matters. The ideal candidate will be empathetic, professional, and committed to supporting a positive workplace culture while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and compliance.

• Provide confidential advice and support to employees on HR-related matters, including policy interpretation, career development, and workplace concerns
• Partner with managers to address employee relations issues, including performance management, conduct matters, and conflict resolution
• Assist with the onboarding process for new employees, ensuring a smooth transition and understanding of company policies and procedures
• Analyze employee data and trends to identify potential HR risks and recommend proactive solutions
• Support the development and implementation of HR initiatives focused on employee engagement, retention, and organizational culture
• Maintain accurate and confidential HR records and documentation in compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations
• Conduct mediation and facilitate difficult conversations between employees and managers to resolve workplace conflicts
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures across the organization
• Stay current with employment law changes and ensure organizational compliance with relevant regulations
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR processes and employee experience

Qualifications

• Proven experience in employee relations, HR advisory, or similar HR support role
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and organizational policies
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Problem-solving mindset with strong analytical and decision-making capabilities
• Proficiency with HR systems, databases, and Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to remain impartial and provide objective advice in complex situations
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Preferred: HR certification or professional qualification (such as CIPD or equivalent)
• Preferred: Experience with performance management and employee engagement initiatives
• Preferred: Coaching and mentoring experience
• Preferred: Data analysis and reporting skills

Additional Information

Knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) on the importance of safeguarding children in an independent school setting is advantageous

Proven experience managing a caseload of complex ER cases Up to date employment law knowledge required

Previous experience in telephony ER advice role required

Experience of working in a fast paced, high volume and dynamic environment

Demonstrated commitment to learning and keeping up to date with legislative changes

Experience of working at a distance/in a field support role