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- Tasks: Manage employee relations casework and provide practical HR advice to managers.
- Company: Join a supportive HR team at Dover District Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, and health support.
- Other info: Potential for longer-term opportunities as workload increases.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on HR role during exciting organisational changes.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, particularly in employee relations, and knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an HR Advisor to join our team on a maternity cover basis, working up to 30 hours per week. This role is very much about hitting the ground running. You’ll be supporting managers with a varied employee relations caseload, providing practical, risk-aware advice and helping the Council prepare for the changes ahead as we move towards Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
You won’t be working in isolation – you’ll be part of a supportive HR team with senior professionals around you – but it’s essential that you’re confident working independently, applying employment law where appropriate, and managing casework day to day.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing a range of employee relations casework, including discipline, grievance, absence, wellbeing and performance
- Providing clear, pragmatic HR advice that balances policy, best practice and employment law
- Coaching and supporting managers to handle people issues fairly and confidently
- Using HR systems to obtain data-driven insights, record, track and progress work
- Supporting the wider team as we plan for and respond to the demands of LGR
- Upskilling managers on essential skills to enable them to excel in their roles
About You
- Has solid experience in a generalist HR role, particularly employee relations casework
- Has a good working knowledge of UK employment law and knows how to apply it in practice
- Is confident working independently and prioritising their own workload
- Can translate complex HR advice into something managers actually understand
- Is comfortable working in a unionised environment
- Picks up systems and processes quickly
- Ideally qualified up to at least CIPD Level 5 or with demonstrable equivalent experience
You don’t need to be an expert in everything – but you do need to be capable, practical and ready to get stuck in.
What You’ll Get
- A varied, hands-on HR Advisor role where your experience really matters
- The chance to work on meaningful casework and organisational change
- Support from experienced HR colleagues who value discussion and sound judgement
- Exposure to LGR preparation work, with scope to build valuable local government experience
While this post is offered as maternity cover, there may be longer-term opportunities as the LGR workload increases.
Our Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave
- Benenden Healthcare and Employee Assistance Programme
- On-site parking
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Leisure centre discounts
Accessibility and Inclusion
Dover District Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you require this advert or any part of the application process in an alternative format, or if you would like to apply using a different method, please contact HR@dover.gov.uk.
HR Advisor - Maternity Cover in Dover employer: Dover District Council
Contact Detail:
Dover District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor - Maternity Cover in Dover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common HR scenarios. Think about how you'd handle tricky employee relations cases and be ready to share your thought process. This will show you can think on your feet!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job openings. We’re always looking for talented individuals like you, and applying directly through us can give you a better chance to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor - Maternity Cover in Dover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the HR Advisor role. Highlight your experience with employee relations casework and any relevant qualifications, like your CIPD Level 5, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about HR and how your practical experience can help us tackle tricky employment issues. Keep it conversational and genuine!
Showcase Your Independent Working Skills: Since this role requires you to manage your own caseload, make sure to mention examples where you’ve successfully worked independently. We want to see how you handle situations without needing a script!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dover District Council
✨Know Your Employment Law
Brush up on UK employment law before your interview. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied it in real situations, especially in employee relations casework. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also translate it into practical advice.
✨Prepare Real-Life Scenarios
Think of specific examples from your past experience where you’ve successfully managed tricky HR situations. Whether it’s handling grievances or coaching managers, having these stories ready will demonstrate your capability and confidence in dealing with complex issues.
✨Show Your Independent Working Skills
Since this role requires a lot of independent work, be prepared to discuss how you prioritise your workload and manage casework on your own. Highlight any experiences where you’ve had to make decisions without a script, showcasing your judgement and problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with the Team Dynamic
While you’ll be working independently, it’s important to show that you value collaboration. Talk about how you’ve worked with teams in the past, especially in a supportive environment, and how you plan to contribute to the HR team while also seeking guidance when needed.