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- Tasks: Join us as an OD Advisor to drive culture change and support our councils' strategic goals.
- Company: Be part of a dynamic team at Abbey House, Abingdon, focused on flexible and innovative work practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational culture while collaborating with diverse teams in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Bring your HR or OD expertise, along with strong communication and analytical skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and community volunteering days included.
The predicted salary is between 44747 - 62645 £ per year.
Location: The designated office base is Abbey House, Abingdon. The councils operate in a truly flexible, and hybrid way where the focus is on outcomes not where you work.
Salary and grade: Grade 6, £44,747 per annum
Contract Type: 2 year Fixed Term Contract, 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 1 June 2025
Interview Date: 11 June 2025
About the role and what we're looking for
Are you curious, collaborative, and organised? This is a superb opportunity for an experienced Organisational Development Advisor to join the team and support the councils to continue to develop their culture change programme. The role will work with the People & Culture Team and a variety of key stakeholders to design, deliver and implement change programmes. Most importantly the role needs to ensure that our staff help shape and embrace the changes in working practices and culture that are required.
You will need to be visible around the councils, approachable, and have a genuine enthusiasm for delivering a customer focused HR service. You will need to stand your ground at times but also be prepared to compromise and find innovative solutions to scenarios.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Design and deliver organisational development and change management interventions and initiatives that support the councils strategic priorities and wider corporate goals
- Ensure that all OD interventions and programmes are cost effective and appropriately evaluated to measure their impact on culture change within the councils and to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Work with colleagues across the councils and People & Culture team to support and advise on the appropriate organisation and team structures, identifying key skills and behaviours that support the councils overall objectives
- Work with the Workforce and OD Lead and team to deliver an organisational leadership and management development framework to ensure we have the right people, in the right roles with the skills and behaviours for working in a hybrid culture now and in the future.
- Work in collaboration with the Workforce and OD Team to deliver an organisational wide framework that supports talent development, coaching and mentoring learning and development, workforce planning and succession planning
- Proactively research and keep up to date regarding OD best practice and new initiatives including networking at regional and national levels
- To embed organisational development and change to meet the needs of the council, its staff and residents in the future.
- To work with the Workforce and OD Team in HR-led training activities including developing content and online resources as well as delivering training for managers related to leadership and management skills.
- To support the Workforce and OD Team in developing an online suite of learning materials to support the learning journey of all staff at all levels of the organisation including the continuous development of appropriate induction programmes for staff and managers.
About you
Your essential skills, knowledge, and experience:
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of OD processes and interventions which embed culture change
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and coaching skills relating to employment matters
- Ability to translate OD knowledge into clear and practical actions
- Knowledge of, and experience in, change management principles and methodology
- Strong ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships with colleagues at all levels of the organisation
- Analytical skills, with a good understanding of how data and information can inform/support OD and culture change
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
- Sound written and report writing skills
- Strong negotiation and persuasion skills
- Experience of undertaking research and project work
- Ability to act under own initiative and to work at pace
Your essential qualifications:
- Degree or relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience relating to HR or OD
- Experience of delivering successful programmes of OD and culture change within a multi-faceted organisation
- Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Level 3 Qualification or working towards or equivalent experience.
- Evidence of continued professional development
If you have the following experience or qualifications it's a bonus:
- Previous experience of working in local government
- Project management experience
The benefits we offer:
- A basic 25 days annual leave per annum, rising to 30 days after five years. You also have all the bank holidays to look forward to and time off between Christmas and New Year.
- Flexible working and annualised hours - a flexible approach to work that our employees love!
- Salary pay awards - most jobs give scope for a pay increase after six months or the following April (depending on your start date) and we also review salaries each April.
- A generous career average pension scheme which includes life insurance of three times your salary
- The opportunity to purchase a bike through Cyclescheme (cheaper than directly through a store) so that you can cycle to work!
- Various schemes to keep you healthy (reduced gym membership, free swims, free eye tests for DSE users and more)
- We give you two days per year to volunteer within the local community.
- A range of resources, support, and activities to help you maintain your wellbeing including a monthly wellbeing hour in addition to annualised hours (the ability to work flexibly as long as, over the course of the year, you complete your contracted hours) and annual leave.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Organisational Development (OD) Advisor in Abingdon employer: South and Vale District Council
Contact Detail:
South and Vale District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Organisational Development (OD) Advisor in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the councils' current culture change programmes. Understanding their specific goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your approach during interviews, demonstrating your genuine interest and how your skills can directly contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the organisational development field, especially those who have experience in local government. Engaging with them can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals or recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful OD interventions you've implemented in the past. Highlighting measurable outcomes will showcase your ability to drive culture change effectively, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of hybrid working models and how they impact organisational development. Being able to articulate strategies that support a flexible work environment will resonate well with the councils' objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Organisational Development (OD) Advisor in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in organisational development and change management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in designing and delivering OD interventions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the councils' culture change programme. Mention how your background aligns with their needs and provide examples of your collaborative work style.
Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your interpersonal, communication, and coaching skills in your application. These are essential for the role, so provide concrete examples of how you've successfully used these skills in previous positions.
Showcase Continuous Development: Mention any relevant qualifications or professional development activities you have undertaken, especially those related to HR or OD. This shows your commitment to staying updated in the field and adds value to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at South and Vale District Council
✨Show Your Curiosity
As an Organisational Development Advisor, curiosity is key. Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's culture change programme and how you can contribute. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Highlight your experience working with diverse teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders to implement change initiatives. This will showcase your ability to build positive relationships within the organisation.
✨Prepare for Change Management Scenarios
Be ready to discuss your knowledge of change management principles. Think of specific instances where you've applied these principles effectively. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the challenges that come with organisational change.
✨Emphasise Your Analytical Skills
Since data plays a crucial role in OD, be prepared to talk about how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Discuss any analytical tools or methods you've employed to evaluate the impact of OD interventions.
