At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers with HR issues and ensure best practices are followed.
- Company: Join Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, dedicated to saving lives and enhancing community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and family-friendly schemes like full pay maternity leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your HR skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: MCIPD qualified or equivalent experience in HR business partnering required.
- Other info: Must have a full driving licence for travel; evening work may be necessary.
The predicted salary is between 36700 - 38800 £ per year.
Job Description
Job title: HR People Partner
Grade: G
Salary: £42,708 – £45,718 per annum (rising by annual increments to £45,718) More information on salaries and progression can be found on our pay and policies page.
Hours: Full Time – 37 hours per week
Location: The service encourages flexible working and is open to flexible working options. The role can be based at Trowbridge, Swindon or Service Headquarters Salisbury with the flexibility to work from home / DWFRS Stations / Support Offices and we would welcome a conversation with the successful candidate on what type of flexible working arrangement will work best for you.
Travel: The role has a significant travel requirement across the Service, in particular to Warminster, Westbury, Trowbridge, Bradford On Avon, Melksham, Devizes, Calne, Pewsey, Marlborough and Ramsbury.
Appointment Type: Permanent
Contact: For a chat about this post, please contact Adele Smyth, Senior HR People Partner on or .
Closing and Interview date: The closing date for applications is Thursday 31 July 2025 (midnight). It is intended that interviews will take place on Wednesday 6 August 2025. Should you be shortlisted for interview, further details regarding the interview format / location will be provided before the interview date.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, an organisation that is passionate about changing and saving lives. Our corporate staff are absolutely vital in helping to make our communities safer and healthier. Without them, we couldn t do it.
We offer a wide range of employee benefits and strive to ensure that staff are valued and rewarded. For example, we offer a flexi time scheme, Local Government Pension Scheme, a generous annual leave allowance, a variety of family friendly schemes including 39 weeks full pay during maternity leave (subject to qualifying criteria) and health & well-being services.
As a HR People Partner you will:
- Develop relationships with, and provide support to, managers within the Service ensuring best practice is implemented, working closely with them to deliver their objectives and to enable delivery of the business plan.
- Provide advice, support and guidance on employee relations issues such as conflict resolution, mediation, investigation, disciplinary, grievance, capability and attendance/sickness issues together with flexible working requests, maternity/paternity related matters, redundancy, job design and restructures to ensure a consistent and fair approach in each case.
- Ensure line managers can effectively apply HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are up to date, consistently applied and have an understanding of their importance.
- Support key stakeholders in all areas of leadership development, coaching, performance management and succession planning.
What makes you our ideal HR People Partner?
- Qualified Member level of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (MCIPD) or able to demonstrate a significant level of graduate calibre experience at this level.
- Previous experience of working in a business partner role and providing HR support and advice on a wide range of employee relations and other HR matters to ensure added value in meeting business objectives.
- Up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation and experience of applying it and advising on best practice HR ensuring organisational risk is minimised.
- Ability to build and maintain strong, professional and credible working relationships at all levels within the organisation.
For full details of the role and requirements please have a look at the job description and person specification.
Other Information:
- You must have a full current driving licence and be able to fulfil the significant travel requirements of the role. Use of your own vehicle will be required; however, a Service vehicle may be available. Please note Service vehicles are manual transmission only. If you are unable to drive due to a disability, we would still welcome your application and will explore any reasonable adjustments that could be put in place.
- The role involves some evening working.
- A Standard Disclosure & Barring Service Check (DBS) clearance will be undertaken on the successful individual prior to offer of employment.
- Any offer of employment will be subject to full pre-employment checks which include identity checks, right to work in the UK, medical, negative drug test, receipt of satisfactory references, verification of employment history and an explanation of any gaps in employment in the last 3 years.
- Please click here for information relating to raising tax awareness and pension considerations when applying for a job.
To find out more and apply:
Our Candidate Charter outlines the commitments we make to you when applying for a vacancy with us.
Please note we do not accept CV s in place of application forms.
We welcome the use of AI responsibly and ethically to demonstrate your skills in your application, but please don t allow it to overshadow your own unique voice.
While we appreciate innovative approaches, we also value authenticity. Our assessment considers both the content of the application and how it was created, ensuring fairness and inclusivity for all applicants. At the end of the day we want YOU to work for us!
You should ensure you include satisfactory evidence in your application to demonstrate all of the areas stated as being measured at the Application Stage on the Person Specification. This will ensure you have the best opportunity of progressing to the next stage of the selection process.
We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. All applications will be treated on merit and staff involved in recruitment and selection processes undertake unconscious bias training.
We are committed to the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee an interview to applicants with a disclosed disability if they meet the minimum criteria for the post to which they are applying. Please tell us in confidence if this applies to you, or if there are any reasonable adjustments that would help you apply for this post.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
If you hold international qualifications, you will be required to provide official evidence that shows how these compare to UK Qualifications. We will accept a Statement of Comparability from a UK organisation called ENIC which can be obtained via their website . Please note that UK ENIC charge for this service, so if you request a Statement of Compatibility, you will be required to pay for it as we are unable to reimburse you.
For further guidance on how to complete your application, please refer to the Job Application Guidance Notes. If you are experiencing difficulties completing your application or have a need to complete your application in an alternative format due to a disability, please contact HR Resourcing on within plenty of time of the closing date of the position you are applying for.
Company employer: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
Contact Detail:
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Company
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific HR policies and procedures of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. Understanding their approach to employee relations and best practices will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the organisation, especially those in HR roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for tailoring your responses in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to handle employee relations issues effectively. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you provided support and guidance, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research recent changes in employment legislation relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these changes and how they impact HR practices will demonstrate your up-to-date knowledge and commitment to best practices in HR.
We think you need these skills to ace Company
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the HR People Partner position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide specific examples of your previous experience in HR roles, particularly in business partner positions. Highlight your knowledge of employment legislation and your ability to handle employee relations issues effectively.
Demonstrate Your Qualifications: Make sure to mention your qualifications, such as being a Qualified Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (MCIPD) or equivalent experience. This will strengthen your application and show you meet the essential criteria.
Personalise Your Application: Use a personal tone in your application while maintaining professionalism. Share your passion for HR and how you can contribute to the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service's mission of making communities safer and healthier.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know Your HR Legislation
Make sure you brush up on current employment legislation and best practices in HR. Being able to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles will show your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with managers and stakeholders in the past. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, so showcasing your ability to connect and communicate effectively is key.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific HR situations, such as conflict resolution or employee grievances. Think through your approach to these scenarios and be ready to explain your reasoning.
✨Showcase Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the flexible working options and travel requirements, highlight your adaptability and willingness to meet the needs of the role. Share experiences where you've successfully managed changing circumstances or worked in diverse environments.