At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert HR advice and support to managers across the College.
- Company: Join City of Portsmouth College, a progressive and supportive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and discounts on services.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student development and organisational culture.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience, strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 26494 - 30248 £ per year.
Location: Highbury Campus, Sixth Form Campus, North Harbour Campus and Arundel Campus
Salary: £26,494.86 - £30,248.30 Full Time Equivalent per annum
Hours of work: 37 Hours per week, 52 Weeks per year, Full-Time, Permanent
About us: At City of Portsmouth College, we aspire to be the employer of choice in the Portsmouth area, with a progressive, supportive, and rewarding workplace culture and one that offers competitive benefits for its staff. By joining us, you will personally be part of the change we are driving and will play a pivotal role in supporting the growth and development of our brilliant students, turning them into future leaders and innovators. Everyone at the College is part of the bigger picture and together, each role makes an impact and in turn a difference to our students' learning journey.
We have an unrivalled curriculum of courses on offer for students of all ages and stages covering A-levels, Apprenticeships, Vocational & Technical courses. We also offer Higher Education, Online learning and Community courses that appeal to the needs of the local community.
What we offer:
- Annual Leave: 25 days total and closure for winter shutdown period in line with Hampshire County Council school holidays & statutory bank holidays
- Pension: Generous Local Government pension.
- Learning & Development: Programmes by The Community Adult Education Department
- Staff Development: Access to the College staff development programmes and CPD
- Onsite Discounts: City of Portsmouth College Hair Salon & 50% off at the City of Portsmouth College Sports Centre
- Online Discounts: Unidays, Student Beans, and Totum with a City of Portsmouth College email address
- Parking: Free car parking across all campus sites (apart from Arundel)
- Blue Light Card: providing several discounts for clothing, electrical goods, food and days out, even concert tickets!
About the role: The HR Advisor will provide high-quality, professional HR advice and support across the College and as a generalist HR professional but with a focus on employee relations, case management and organisational risk. The role will advise and support managers with low level case work including absence management and capability and will further support the HR Managers with disciplinaries and grievances, ensuring compliance with College policies, employment law and best practice. The postholder will support managers to build confidence and capability, contributing to a fair, consistent and high-performing culture.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide general HR advice and coaching to managers on people matters
- Manage a caseload of low-level employee relations cases
- Support investigations, ensuring robust fact-finding, documentation, and fair processes
- Prepare hearing packs, attend formal hearings, and ensure procedural compliance
- Advise on HR policies, employment law, and appropriate case outcomes
- Draft complex correspondence (e.g., investigation outcomes, hearing invites/results)
- Maintain accurate case records, ensure consistency, and support policy development and stakeholder engagement
To be successful in this role, below is what we would need from you:
- CIPD Level 5 (or willing to work towards) or equivalent experience
- Evidence of commitment to professional development
- A good standard of Maths and English
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Background in HR
Diversity and Inclusion: Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are central to the work of City of Portsmouth College. This underpins the vision of the College to transform lives through providing exceptional education and training. The College’s commitment to Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is reflected in the continued successful promotion of these strands through the curriculum, enrichment activities, and the range of direct and indirect student support services.
Pre-Employment Checks: The City of Portsmouth College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our college. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and two references. We reserve the right to close the job advert when we have had successful applications, and it may not run for the full duration of the advert. We do not accept CVs from agencies for these roles.
Locations
HR Advisor in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: City of Portsmouth College
City of Portsmouth College is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and growth. Located at the North Harbour Campus, the college provides unique opportunities to engage with local businesses and make a meaningful impact on apprentices' lives, all while enjoying a collaborative environment that values innovation and teamwork.
Contact Details:
City of Portsmouth College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at City of Portsmouth College!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at City of Portsmouth College.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at City of Portsmouth College. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to City of Portsmouth College and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at City of Portsmouth College. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to City of Portsmouth College's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Portsmouth College
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with City of Portsmouth College.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at City of Portsmouth College will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact City of Portsmouth College and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
