HR Advisor / HR Business Partner – AR

HR Advisor / HR Business Partner

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced HR professional to provide specialist HR advice and support to managers across council services and schools. The successful candidate will support complex employee relations cases, advise on employment law and HR policies, and assist with workforce changes to ensure fair, consistent and legally compliant HR practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advice and guidance to managers on disciplinary matters, grievances, sickness absence, performance management and conflict resolution.
• Support complex employee relations cases, including formal hearings, appeals and employment tribunal claims.
• Work with legal teams to prepare case documentation, gather evidence and assist with witness statements and tribunal proceedings.
• Advise managers on employment law, HR policies, procedures and terms and conditions of employment.
• Support organisational change, including restructures, redundancies, staffing reductions and TUPE transfers.
• Liaise with trade unions and support consultation and negotiation processes.
• Assist with HR policy development, training and briefings for managers.
• Support investigations, prepare reports and provide advice for formal hearings where required.
• Analyse workforce data to identify trends and recommend appropriate HR interventions.
• Provide guidance and support to HR colleagues and contribute to the effective delivery of the HR service.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in an HR Advisor, Senior HR Advisor, Employee Relations Advisor or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR policies and procedures.
• Experience managing employee relations cases, including disciplinaries and grievances.
• Experience advising and supporting managers on complex HR matters.
• Understanding of organisational change, restructuring and redundancy processes.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and case management skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information professionally.

Desirable: Experience working within a local authority, school or public sector HR environment, alongside knowledge of employment tribunals, TUPE and trade union consultation.