HR Advisor

Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Employee Relations Team, providing expert advice & support to managers & staff across a range of services. You'll support managers with disciplinary, grievance, attendance management, performance & organisational change matters.

We're looking for a proactive & customer-focused individual with HR advisory experience, strong communication skills & a sound understanding of employment law. You will be confident managing a varied workload, building effective relationships & providing practical solutions to people-related issues. CIPD qualification, or progress towards a recognised HR qualification, is essential.

We welcome applications from candidates who may not yet meet all Band 6 criteria but can demonstrate the potential to develop into the role. For the right candidate, consideration may be given to appointment at Band 5, with a structured development programme and progression to Band 6 upon successful achievement of agreed competencies.

At EPUT, you'll join a supportive team committed to our values of We Care, We Learn and We Empower. You'll benefit from development opportunities, varied HR experience & the chance to contribute to workforce initiatives that support staff wellbeing & patient care. If you're passionate about people & developing your HR career within the NHS, we'd love to hear from you.

** Previous applicants need not apply **

Main duties of the job

What You'll Do

As an HR Advisor, you will provide professional HR advice and support across a range of employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance management and organisational change. You'll work with managers to resolve people issues, promote best practice and ensure compliance with employment legislation and Trust policies. You will also support workforce initiatives, contribute to HR projects and assist with policy development.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a proactive and solutions-focused HR professional with experience of providing HR advice in a busy environment. You'll have strong communication and influencing skills, a sound understanding of employment law and the ability to build positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders. You will be organised, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities while delivering a high-quality service. CIPD qualification, or active study towards a recognised HR qualification, is essential. We're looking for someone who demonstrates our values of We Care, We Learn and We Empower.

Development Opportunity

We welcome applications from candidates who may not yet meet all Band 6 criteria but can demonstrate the potential to develop into the role. For the right candidate, consideration may be given to a developmental Band 5 appointment, with structured support and progression to Band 6 upon successful achievement of agreed competencies.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

About the Team

Our Employee Relations Team plays a key role in supporting managers and staff across Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). We are a collaborative, supportive and forward-thinking team that is passionate about delivering high-quality HR services and helping create positive workplace cultures. Guided by our values of We Care, We Learn and We Empower, we work in partnership with operational leaders to provide pragmatic, solutions-focused advice that supports our people and ultimately contributes to excellent patient care.

We foster a culture of learning, continuous improvement and professional development, encouraging colleagues to share ideas, develop specialist expertise and build rewarding careers within HR. Whether you're an experienced HR professional or joining through a developmental pathway, you'll receive support from knowledgeable colleagues and exposure to a diverse and varied workload.

About the Role

As an HR Advisor, you will provide professional HR advice and guidance to managers and staff across a wide range of employee relations matters. You will support managers with disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance management and organisational change processes, helping to ensure fair, consistent and legally compliant outcomes. You'll work closely with operational teams to resolve complex people issues, interpret policies, support workforce planning activity and contribute to the delivery of strategic HR objectives.

The role offers the opportunity to develop expertise across a broad range of HR disciplines, including organisational change, TUPE, sickness absence management, policy development and specialist HR projects. You will attend formal hearings, provide professional advice during employee relations processes and work collaboratively with HR colleagues to continuously improve the service we provide. There will also be opportunities to deputise for senior colleagues and take a lead role in designated specialist areas of HR practice.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking a proactive, organised and customer-focused HR professional who can build positive working relationships with colleagues at all levels. You will be confident providing advice on complex employment matters, able to analyse information objectively and skilled at balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication, influencing and problem-solving skills are essential, together with a sound understanding of employment law and HR best practice.

Applicants should be CIPD qualified, working towards a recognised HR qualification, or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience. Previous experience supporting employee relations casework, managing sensitive situations and working collaboratively with managers, staff representatives and HR colleagues will be highly beneficial.

Development Opportunity

We are committed to developing future HR talent and welcome applications from candidates who may not yet meet all of the Band 6 criteria. For the right individual, consideration may be given to appointment at Band 5 on a developmental pathway, with structured support, development opportunities and progression to Band 6 upon successful achievement of agreed competencies and objectives.

Why Join EPUT?

In addition to a rewarding role and the opportunity to make a real difference, you'll benefit from:

• A supportive and experienced HR team.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Exposure to a wide variety of employee relations and organisational change work.
• Flexible and agile working opportunities where service needs allow.
• Access to NHS pension and employee benefits schemes.
• The opportunity to contribute to services that support the health and wellbeing of communities across Essex.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the duties, responsibilities and essential criteria for this role.

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.