People (HR) Advisor

Coastland College; Weymouth; On-site; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent Further Education College in Weymouth is looking for a full-time People Advisor to provide high-quality HR support. In this role, you will enhance employee engagement, manage staff relations, and develop training programs aligned with college values. Responsibilities include advising on recruitment strategies, ensuring compliance with HR policies, and leading various HR projects. The position offers a competitive salary of £36,352 and generous benefits including annual leave, pension scheme, and well-being initiatives.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension Scheme

Free on-site parking

Employee discounts

Well-being initiatives

Qualifications

• Proficient in managing employee relations issues effectively.
• Experience in supporting recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Strong data analysis skills for reporting and decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on employee relations issues.
• Support staff development and performance management processes.
• Advise on recruitment strategies and enhance onboarding experiences.
• Review and implement HR policies and ensure compliance.
• Develop initiatives to enhance employee engagement and well-being.

Skills

Employee relations expertise

Organizational development

Data analysis

Training and development

Change management

Education

Relevant HR qualification

Job description

The People Advisor plays a pivotal role in delivering proactive, high‑quality HR support across the college. Working collaboratively with all colleagues, they uphold the highest standards to ensure everyone is effectively supported to achieve excellence in their roles. As a strategic advisor and operational lead, the role supports workforce planning, employee relations, staff development, and organisational change, ensuring HR practices align with college values, safeguarding responsibilities, and sector regulations.

• Build strong relationships with department leaders to understand workforce needs and deliver tailored HR solutions.
• Support organisational development initiatives, including restructures, change management, and succession planning.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the college's People Strategy.

Employee Relations & Case Management

• Provide expert guidance on all employee relations issues including disciplinary, grievance, capability, and absence management.
• Ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant handling of cases.
• Maintain accurate records and support reporting for governance, audit and external agencies.

Staff Development & Performance

• Collaborate with line managers and leaders to identify training needs and support CPD planning.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and reflective practice.
• Support performance management processes, including appraisals and goal setting.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Advise on recruitment strategies and support hiring managers through the selection process.
• Ensure inclusive and effective onboarding experiences for new staff.

Policy & Compliance

• Review and implement HR policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with employment law, safeguarding standards, and college policies.
• Contribute to equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.

Employee Engagement and Well‑being

• Develop and deliver initiatives that enhance employee engagement, well‑being, and inclusion.
• Analyse engagement and well‑being survey results and support action planning with departments.
• Promote recognition schemes, staff voice platforms, and inclusive communication practices.
• Support mental health awareness, flexible working, and well‑being campaigns.

Data & Reporting

• Use HR data to inform decision‑making and identify trends.
• Support the production of reports for SLT, governors, and external bodies.

HR Projects and Continuous Improvement

• Lead and support HR projects.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in HR service delivery and employee experience.
• Use data and feedback to inform project priorities and measure impact.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to embed changes and ensure sustainability.

Coastland College is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All new employees are required to complete and obtain an enhanced DBS disclosure. A copy of our Safeguarding Policy can be found on the College website.

Coastland College is an independent Further Education College located on the Jurassic coastline in Weymouth and on a 18th Century estate near Dorchester. We offer a broad range of courses and apprenticeships, and we are dedicated to inspiring students to achieve future success. The role is full‑time, permanent, and offers a salary of £36,352 per annum.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 holiday days plus bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time roles). An additional day added each year of service, up to 30 days after five years.
• Additional efficiency closure days over the winter and Easter break.
• Generous Pension Scheme through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Access to Care First – free confidential emotional support and practical advice.
• Dedicated CPD learning days.
• Family‑friendly policies.
• Free on‑site parking and gym.
• Employee discounts at on‑site facilities such as Signature Hair & Beauty Salon, The Avenue Restaurant, and The Bay Theatre.
• Wide range of health and well‑being initiatives, including a corporate eyecare voucher scheme and confidential staff counselling.