At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR initiatives and provide expert advice to create a positive work environment.
- Company: Join the vibrant London Borough of Waltham Forest, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and commitment to employee well-being.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic council focused on community and innovation.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified or working towards it, with 2-3 years of HR experience.
The predicted salary is between 49056 - 52194 £ per year.
Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Salary: PO4 £49,056- £52,194
Contract Type: Full-time/Fixed Term Contract or Secondment (9-12 months maternity cover)
Working hours per week: 36
Application Deadline: 28/06/2026
Proposed Interview Date(s): W/C 06/07/2026
Reference: 2166
About Us:
Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a fantastic and exciting place to work. We are a highly ambitious borough. Driven by culture and the innate creativity of our residents, we have developed new and innovative ways to build our communities. Our Council is relentlessly resident-focused, insight-led, digitally driven and commercially minded; a Council focused on meeting the needs of our existing and future residents.
London Borough of Waltham Forest is one of the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard employers. This accreditation is proof of our commitment to creating a healthy, fair and inclusive workplace. This includes fair pay and conditions, workplace well-being, skills and progression and diversity and recruitment.
The Council’s preference is for online application. However, if you have a disability and are unable to complete an online application, please email recruitment@walthamforest.gov.uk so we can arrange an alternative application method. We are a Home Office–licensed sponsor; however, for this specific role we are not able to provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. To be considered, you must already hold a form of UK work authorisation that does not require sponsorship.
About the role:
This is a fixed-term position to provide maternity cover, anticipated to last for 9 months. However, applicants should be aware that the duration of the contract may be subject to change. In the event that the employee currently on maternity leave decides to return to work earlier than originally indicated, the contract may be terminated with appropriate notice in accordance with the terms of employment.
We're seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior HR Advisor to join our HR team. The Senior HR Advisor will play a critical role in supporting our HR department ensuring the effective delivery of HR services across the council. This role will involve providing expert advice, driving HR initiatives, and working closely with the HR Business Partners to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic and operational HR support to managers and employees on a wide range of human resource issues.
- Lead and manage HR projects and initiatives that align with the council’s mission goals.
- Advise on and ensure compliance with employment legislation and council policies.
- Develop and implement HR policies and procedures to enhance workplace efficiency and employee satisfaction.
- Analyse HR metrics and provide insights to guide decision-making and improve HR strategies.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- CIPD qualified or working towards a CIPD qualification.
- Minimum of two to three years of experience in an HR advisory or management role.
- Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
- Proven experience in handling complex employee relations issues.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in HRIS and other HR-related software.
Terms and conditions:
- Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks.
- Satisfactory declaration of interest.
- As a public authority, we must ensure that members of staff in public-facing roles are able to speak fluent English. This means that they must have a command of spoken English, with confidence and accuracy, sufficient for the effective performance of their role.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications online by pressing the ‘Apply’ button below. This includes a supporting statement that outlines how your skills and experience make you a good candidate for this vacancy. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives:
- Promoting equality of opportunity
- Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage
- Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels.
- Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all.
Respecting Diversity is a core Council value.
To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first. This includes those candidates who self-identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme. For more information, please refer to our recruitment and selection policy.
We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Therefore, wherever possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual's personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of the Council. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below or feel free to discuss this during your interview.
For more information on the benefits of working for the Council, please visit this link.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Jaina Kerai, HR Business Partner via Jaina.kerai@walthamforest.gov.uk. If you have any technical issues when trying to apply for this post, please contact our Recruitment Team via email at recruitment@walthamforest.gov.uk.
Fraud Awareness Notice: The London Borough of Waltham Forest only advertises vacancies via our official website and approved recruitment platforms (e.g. Jobsgopublic). We will never ask for payment or request sensitive personal or financial information as part of our recruitment process. If you are contacted by a third party claiming to represent the Council, please verify the vacancy via our official careers website before sharing any information. If you have concerns about a job advert or communication, please report it to: fraud@walthamforest.gov.uk.
Senior Human Resources Advisor employer: Borough of Waltham Forest
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment that champions diversity and inclusion. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and a culture that values creativity and innovation, staff are empowered to thrive in their roles. Located in a culturally rich borough, employees benefit from a supportive community and opportunities for meaningful contributions to local residents' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Human Resources Advisor
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Borough of Waltham Forest and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Human Resources Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Borough of Waltham Forest. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Waltham Forest
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Borough of Waltham Forest, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Borough of Waltham Forest uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Borough of Waltham Forest.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Borough of Waltham Forest.
