Senior HR Advisor

Job Description

The Senior HR Adviser provides specialist HR advice and support to senior managers and employees across the Council. The role ensures HR practices comply with employment law, Council policies, and best professional practice. The postholder manages complex and high-risk HR matters, supports organisational change, develops policy, delivers manager training, contributes to HR projects, and mentors junior HR colleagues.

• Provide expert advice to managers and staff on all HR issues, including performance management, disciplinary matters, grievance handling, bullying, harassment, discrimination, sickness absence, redundancy, recruitment and retention, organisational change, TUPE, and employment law.
• Manage and monitor casework including investigatory interviews, disciplinary and grievance hearings, appeals, and sickness absence interviews.
• Represent the HR Division in meetings, panels, hearings, committees, performance and equality boards.
• Negotiate with trade unions and employee representatives on routine to complex or high-risk issues.
• Provide advice and support on organisational change, ensuring processes comply with policy and legal requirements.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of HR policies and procedures.
• Deliver briefings and training to managers on employment law and policy updates.
• Lead or contribute to HR projects, policy development, and analysis of HR data to inform decision-making.
• Ensure HR policies and practices promote equality, comply with legal requirements, and reflect best practice.
• Monitor and report on equality-related HR metrics and progress.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to junior HR colleagues and support their professional development.

• Extensive experience in a unionised HR environment providing advisory support, managing change, and developing policy.
• Experience handling complex and high-risk HR casework.
• Desirable: experience in local government HR and budgetary management.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and communicate effectively with senior managers, employees, and trade unions.
• Excellent presentation and training skills.
• Ability to analyse, interpret, and provide creative solutions to HR issues.
• Strong planning, prioritisation, and organisational skills.
• Proficient in HR systems, Microsoft Office applications, and data analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of employment law, HR best practice, and employee relations.
• Desirable: knowledge of HR issues in local authorities and education sectors.
• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualified, or equivalent professional experience with evidence of continuous professional development.
• Able to attend hearings, meetings, and work at various locations, including outside standard office hours.
• Commitment to equal opportunities, health and safety, and data protection compliance.