People Advisor - Bedford

NFP People; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

NFP People in Bedford is seeking a proactive People Advisor on a temporary basis to support managers with employee relations and help foster a positive workplace culture.

The role involves hands-on HR advice, investigations, and coaching managers to manage people matters with confidence. Hybrid working (2 days in the office) and a 3‑month initial contract with potential extension are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience giving practical HR advice to managers in employee relations.
• Knowledge of UK employment law and best practice.
• Strong interpersonal and coaching skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy team.

Responsibilities

• Provide first-line advice on employee relations matters, including disciplinary and absence cases.
• Support investigations, meetings and case management.
• Assist managers with attendance, wellbeing and performance discussions.
• Coach managers to handle people matters fairly and confidently.
• Offer guidance on HR policies and employment legislation.
• Maintain accurate HR records and use data to spot trends.
• Support workforce planning and organisational change activities.
• Collaborate with HR Operations, Recruitment and L&D.

Skills

Employee relations

HR advisory

Communication

Organisation

Job description

We are seeking a proactive People Advisor to join a values-driven housing charity, supporting managers with employee relations and making a real difference to workplace culture.

Position: People Advisor – Temporary (2 positions available)
Salary: £ per hour (inclusive of holiday pay)
Location: Bedford, Bedford Heights
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working pattern: Hybrid – 2 days in the office
Contract: 3 months initially, with potential for extension
Closing date: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis

About the role

Are you an experienced HR Officer or People Advisor who enjoys helping managers navigate people challenges and find practical solutions?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive People team within a purpose-driven organisation. Working closely with the Senior People Partner, you'll provide hands‑on HR advice, support employee relations cases and help managers build confidence in managing their teams.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing first-line advice on employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability and workplace conflict.
• Supporting investigations, meetings and employee relations case management.
• Advising managers on absence, wellbeing, attendance and performance management.
• Coaching managers to handle people matters fairly, confidently and consistently.
• Providing guidance on HR policies, procedures and employment legislation.
• Identifying potential risks and escalating complex cases where appropriate.
• Maintaining accurate HR records and using people data to identify trends and improvements.
• Supporting organisational change and workforce planning activities.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across HR Operations, Recruitment and Learning & Development.

About you

We're looking for someone who is approachable, organised and confident providing practical HR advice.

You'll ideally bring:

• Previous experience in an HR Officer, People Officer or HR Advisory role.
• Experience supporting employee relations cases and advising managers.
• A good understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach and sound judgement when handling sensitive matters.

You'll be comfortable working independently while knowing when to seek additional guidance.

Experience within a charity, housing association or similar organisation would be beneficial, but is not essential.

About the organisation

You'll be joining an established, values-led housing charity committed to making a positive difference to people's lives.

With a strong focus on empathy, collaboration and doing the right thing, the organisation offers a welcoming environment where people are supported to do their best work.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience within a busy People team while contributing to an organisation with a genuine social purpose.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: HR Advisor, HR Officer, People Officer, Employee Relations Advisor, HR Generalist, People and Culture Advisor, HR Coordinator, HR Adviser.