Senior HR Policy Advisor

Job summary

The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) is a new arm’s-length body set up, at unprecedented pace, to administer compensation to people whose lives have been impacted by the infected blood scandal.

IBCA will ensure payment is made in recognition of the wrongs experienced by those who have been infected by HIV, Hepatitis B or C, as well as those who love and care for them. They have been frustrated and distressed by the delays in achieving proper recognition, and we must help put this right.

We are committed to putting the infected and affected blood community at the centre of every decision we make and every step we take to build our organisation to deliver compensation payments.

IBCA employees will be public servants. If successful in this role you will be appointed directly into IBCA, on IBCA terms and conditions as a public servant.

Successful applicants will join the Civil Service Pension Scheme.

Please note that the mission of IBCA means that it is likely to be fully operational for a period of approximately up to 5 years, after which IBCA will become a smaller residual service. When IBCA’s work begins to wind down, IBCA employees will receive support and practical guidance to find a new role, whether in the Civil Service, another Arm's Length Body (ALB), or an external employer.

We are seeking an experienced HR professional to join our Policy team and take a leading role in shaping IBCA’s workplace culture. In this highly varied position, you will drive the development and implementation of inclusive, legally compliant people policies that truly reflect our values.

Job description

As our Senior HR Policy Advisor, you will collaborate closely with the wider HR function—including Learning & Development, Employee Engagement, and Recruitment—to ensure our approach is seamless and joined-up across the organisation.

You will take ownership of IBCA’s suite of HR policies, working across all areas of HR. This includes reviewing and modernising existing frameworks, drafting new policies, and creating the clear, supporting guidance needed to bring them to life. Reporting to a Level 5 within the HR Pay and Policy team, you will be our subject matter expert. You will play an instrumental role in ensuring our HR policies are inclusive, future-focused, and aligned with wider IBCA frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Project managing the full lifecycle of policy development, from initial drafting and stakeholder consultation through to governance and successful implementation.
• Developing and reviewing high-quality HR policies, procedures, and toolkits that are user-centric, streamlined, and meet the needs of the business.
• Taking ownership of complex HR policy queries, providing comprehensive, legally compliant advice and guidance to staff and senior leaders.
• Supporting the business with the effective day-to-day operation of HR policies, ensuring processes are clear and deliver an excellent user experience.
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders, including Trade Unions, Staff Networks, and the HR community.
• Ensuring that all IBCA HR policies are underpinned by a detailed Equality Impact Assessment.
  

Person specification

Essential skills criteria:

• Proven background in a professional HR environment, with hands-on experience as an HR Advisor, Business Partner, HR Policy Specialist, or in a similar generalist/specialist role.
• Expertise in interpreting and applying complex HR policies, procedures, and current employment legislation.
• Strong track record of providing informed, pragmatic HR advice and guidance to managers and senior leaders.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse internal and external groups.
• Direct experience of leading or significantly contributing to HR projects, policy reviews, or organisational initiatives.
  

Additional information:

A minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. Although requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £48,912, Infected Blood Compensation Authority contributes £14,169 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Premium allowance paid monthly after probation
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and employer contributions of 28.97%
• 32.5 days of paid annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• Family friendly policies to support you and your everyday responsibilities
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave, up to 12 months shared parental leave

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Strengths and Experience.

Application information

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete an anonymised CV, which should include your career history.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

You will also be asked to complete a Personal Statement, of no more than 1000 words, that demonstrates how you meet the Essential skills criteria for the role.

At sift, you will be assessed on your CV and Personal Statement.

Should you be successful at sift, you will be invited to attend an interview where you will be assessed on experience and strengths.

Expected timeline (subject to change)

Expected sift date – w/c 08 September 2026

Expected interview date/s – w/c 21 September 2026

Interview location - Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview.

Reasonable Adjustments

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email removed] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what cha