At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR functions and improve employee experience in a dynamic local authority.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, a forward-thinking local authority focused on community and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and valuable HR experience.
- Other info: 12-week contract with opportunities for professional development and networking.
- Why this job: Kickstart your HR career with hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 3 or equivalent experience; strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
3 month contract role with a Local Authority. HR Advisor within the HR Business Partnering team at Southwark Council, providing high‑quality administrative, coordination and advisory support across a range of HR functions. A developmental opportunity for an early‑career HR professional to gain exposure to employee relations, organisational change, workforce planning and HR data analysis. The role focuses on supporting HR Business Partners, improving employee experience, and delivering a professional, customer‑focused HR service.
Key Duties / Accountabilities
- Provide administrative and coordination support across employee relations casework, including investigations and hearings.
- Support organisational change programmes such as TUPE, restructures and workforce planning.
- Maintain accurate, confidential and compliant HR records, documentation and templates.
- Coordinate meetings, take notes, and support HRBPs with casework and project planning.
- Assist with HR data extraction, reporting and monthly workforce analytics.
- Support internal HR processes including vendor setup, invoicing and data management.
- Provide guidance and support to managers on HR processes such as sickness absence and occupational health referrals.
- Develop capability to deliver HR advice in line with employment legislation and council policies.
- Ensure high standards of confidentiality, accuracy and data protection compliance.
- Promote inclusion, diversity and positive organisational culture across the Council.
Skills / Experience
- CIPD Level 3 qualification (or equivalent experience) with ongoing professional development via the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
- Experience in an HR or administrative role within a complex organisation (ideally public sector).
- Good understanding of HR practices and UK employment law.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally.
- Experience supporting employee relations casework (desirable).
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and HR systems.
- Analytical skills with experience in data handling and reporting.
- Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles.
- Experience working with Trade Unions (desirable).
Additional Information
- Contract duration: 12 weeks (starting 18 May 2026).
- Working hours: 36 hours per week.
- Location: 160 Tooley Street, London (hybrid – approx. 2 days in office).
- Rate: £20.58 per hour PAYE / £26.83 per hour Umbrella.
HR Advisor employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Civic Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in HR or related fields. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their values, especially around inclusion and diversity.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable answering common HR questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be just what you’re looking for. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new roles.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Advisor role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in employee relations and HR processes. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about HR and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your organisational and analytical skills in your application. Mention any experience with HR data analysis or supporting casework, as these are key for the role. We’re all about those details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your application rolling!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your HR Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and HR practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively. Think about times when you coordinated meetings or handled sensitive information, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain complex HR processes, so being able to communicate effectively with both HR professionals and non-HR staff is crucial.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Be ready to discuss how you promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Share any experiences where you've contributed to a positive organisational culture, as this aligns with the values of the council.