HR Advisor

Location: Morpeth

Salary: £40,000-£44,000

To provide expert People advice and support across directorates, contributing to the delivery of the People & Culture strategy. The role supports organisational change, employee relations, and workforce development, ensuring compliance with employment law and best practice. The People Adviser acts as a key partner to managers, enabling effective people management and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Strategic and Operational Support

• Advise managers on organisational design, restructure rationale, and job architecture.
• Conduct people impact assessments and support strategic workforce planning.
• Collaborate with OD and other People & Culture colleagues to deliver integrated services.

Change Management

• Support change initiatives including restructures, redundancies, and redeployment.
• Develop and deliver communication strategies to support change.
• Manage employee morale and reactions during periods of transition.

Employee Relations

• Provide guidance on disciplinary, grievance, performance, absence, and capability cases.
• Attend internal hearings and advise panels on employment matters.
• Ensure fair and objective handling of employee relations issues.

Consultation and Compliance

• Guide managers on legal and best practice consultation obligations.
• Draft consultation documents and plans.
• Liaise with trade unions and deliver consultation briefings.

Role Design and Evaluation

• Develop job descriptions aligned with current and future capability needs.
• Oversee job evaluations and ensure consistency with organisational standards.

Selection and Redundancy

• Advise on selection criteria and manage redundancy documentation.
• Support staff at risk through redeployment and career transition.
• Ensure compliance with employment law and internal policies.

Policy and Project Work

• Contribute to policy development and review.
• Participate in People & Culture projects including DE&I, wellbeing, and service improvement.
• Deliver training on HR policies and procedures to managers and teams.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continued professional development (CPD).
• CIPD chartership (desirable).

Experience

• Significant experience in a People/HR environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Experience in managing complex employee relations cases and supporting change.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Strong organisational and analytical abilities.
• Ability to build credibility with stakeholders and maintain confidentiality.
• Resilience and professionalism in challenging situations.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel across sites as needed.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to mentor junior staff and contribute to team development.