HR Adviser; Maternity Cover

Job Title: HR Advisor Maternity Cover

Department: Human Resources

Location: Liverpool

Salary: £34,298 – £36,376 / year

Job Type: fixed term role (12 months) 1st February 2026 – 1st March 2027

Final date to receive applications: 30 January 2026

The HR Adviser will support the HR Business Partners, providing a professional HR service to line managers and other staff, working across the HR function to ensure that best practice is followed and employee relation issues are managed effectively, as well as contributing to the College’s overall mission and values.

The HR Adviser role will deal with general queries around employee relations, especially around attendance management, contracts of employment and pay, liaising with finance and payroll services as necessary, in addition to providing appropriate support and guidance to staff and line managers on all HR policies and procedures. They will play a leading role in attendance management, ensuring that KPI’s are met, and produce management information to support the HR function as required.

Under the guidance of the HR Business Partners, the post holder will complete appropriate level casework, including absence review meetings and disciplinary/grievance matters.

• Take responsibility for ensuring that all new employees are inducted and trained in the use of self‑service and online systems.
• Provide advice and guidance to managers and staff on the interpretation of HR processes and procedures in relation to people management, covering performance and absence management, probation, job evaluation, flexible working, paternity and maternity leave.
• In conjunction with the HR Data Protection and Information Coordinator, ensure all HR systems are maintained and provide managers with accurate information as required.
• Liaise with managers on performance concerns and ensure issues are addressed, escalating as appropriate to the HRBP.
• Advising on and processing requests for leave (maternity, paternity, compassionate, dependants and bereavement).
• Maintain exit interview documentation and complete paperwork as required, escalating any issues as appropriate.
• Provide advice to managers and staff on conditions of service, pension schemes, entitlements and pre‑retirement arrangements.
• When required, support HRBPs in the training of staff and managers on new processes or legislation changes.
• Act as a positive ambassador for the College Group, maintaining a professional and positive image within the organisation and to external stakeholders.
• Participate in cross‑college activities such as enrolment, summer recruitment, exam invigilation, etc. as required.
• Comply with the College’s financial regulations and other standards for procurement/asset management.
• Ensure the accuracy and confidentiality of information held within the office and comply with data protection protocols and relevant policies as appropriate.

• To contribute fully to the mission and values statement of the College Group, ensuring its effective implementation in all aspects of College life.
• To take a proactive approach and responsibility for personal professional development, Health & Safety, and meeting other regulatory compliances (e.g. GDPR, Safeguarding), thereby enabling safe and professional working practices to be observed at all times.
• To support cross‑college activities as required, particularly the key enrolment and invigilation periods.
• Carry out any other relevant and appropriate duties as determined by the needs of the service and as appropriate to the grade.

• Certificate in HR Practice or appropriate equivalent qualification or experience.
• Up to date knowledge and experience of the practical applications of employment law and statutory requirements.
• Experience of working within a busy HR department.
• Experience in preparing formal cases for internal hearings.
• Practical experience in the area of sickness absence management.
• Awareness of the main trends in Human Resources and ability to evaluate their practical worth in the context of the College.
• Excellent computer literacy – ability to use the current IT programs.
• Abi…