People Consultant

Role Purpose: Confidently manages the full range of HR&OD issues in their area(s) of the business covering work and job design, organisational change, people development, employee engagement, pay and reward, performance and achievement, human resource planning, people management practices, leadership, individual and organisational resilience, wellbeing, inclusion and diversity. Demonstrates resilience in the face of setbacks, uncertainty or ambiguity and finds a way forward. Uses business insight to support development of fit for purpose, legally compliant, HR policies & procedures. Works closely with HR&OD colleagues, managers and trade union representatives to ensure that casework is resolved in a timely manner and in line with legislation/policy.

Work Context: The HR&OD function supports the council in achieving its ambitions for the benefit of Surrey residents. It drives transformation and organisation-wide cultural change and works in a culture that:

• puts the customer front and centre;
• is enabling and facilitating;
• makes decisions based on evidence;
• looks ahead through scenario planning and future proofing;
• is confident and risk aware;
• and is outward looking and driven to achieve.

There is complete alignment of HR&OD with Recruitment and Resourcing and the function works closely with the Transformation Support Unit, Internal Communications and Engagement, Employee Services and Data Operations. People Consultants provide generalist HR&OD advice and guidance to managers that is compliant with policy/legislation and meets business needs.

Representative Accountabilities:

• Analysis, Reporting & Documentation
  • Assess or conduct analysis, presenting results and putting forward recommendations on managing more complex situations to support decision making.
  • Analyse and make recommendations for improvement or development of existing systems, processes or policy.
• Service Delivery
  • Maintain, develop and review systems, processes, procedures and working methods to maximise service quality, efficiency and compliance.
  • Provide specialist/professional advice and recommendations within specific parameters to support informed decision making.
• Finance/Resource Management
  • May assist with budget/resource management in accordance with the organisation's policies and procedures.
  • May have delegated responsibility for a budget(s).
• Work with others
  • Liaise, communicate and build relationships with other internal departments, customers, partner organisations, agencies and/or contractors to support and represent the team/service.
• People Management
  • May manage a team operating in a well defined specialist area or oversee the delivery of a range of support services to a service or function.
  • Monitor and support the performance management and development of team members to ensure that individual contributions are maximised.
• And/Or
  • Operate as an individual responsible for the delivery of a high level/complex service.

Duties for all Values: To uphold the values and behaviours of the organisation.

Equality & Diversity: To work inclusively, with a diverse range of stakeholders and promote equality of opportunity.

Health, Safety & Welfare: To be responsible for ensuring health & safety policies, procedures and legislation are implemented, communicated and managed including making sure that health and safety responsibilities are fully understood and carried out by employees within their service area. To have regard to and comply with safeguarding policy and procedure as appropriate.

Education and experience:

• Professional qualification, or able to evidence knowledge and understanding of appropriate business disciplines.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computerised business systems in terms of functionality and capability (some roles).
• Knowledge of principles, practices, policies and procedures relating to business planning and financial and organisational management.
• Proven written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with good negotiation and influencing skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners/professionals.
• Ability to understand, meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Ability to work on own initiative, with solution focused problem solving skills.
• Ability to manage a range of projects through to completion.
• Previous practical or professional experience and understanding of a specialist area or supporting service teams and/or providing support to the public.
• Previous management experience including staff supervision, development and organisational skills.

Role Summary: Roles at this level are often professionally qualified roles, specialists, or project officers providing advice and support to their customers, or lead and manage the work of larger teams. They will plan and ensure progress within established procedures and policy, and respond effectively to changing priorities and different situations. They will have a fair degree of autonomy and work closely with customers, staff, partners, third parties agencies and/or contractors and have a primary role ensuring their services achieve the agreed service standards in a cost effective way and in improving quality standards. Forward planning could be for months ahead and the role will contribute to longer-term development. Work requires the consideration of future implications beyond the immediate problems.