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- Tasks: Manage employee relations casework and provide clear 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 (and picking the systems up quickly)
- 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
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 Kent 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 Kent
✨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 a lead or can put in a good word 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. We want to see your judgement and practical advice in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your ability to work independently. During interviews, highlight examples where you've successfully managed your own caseload and provided clear, pragmatic advice without needing a script.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're keen and ready to hit the ground running with us.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor - Maternity Cover in Kent
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: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about HR and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role. Be sure to mention your ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice and your comfort in handling tricky employment issues.
Showcase Your Independent Working Skills: Since this role requires you to manage your own caseload, make sure to highlight examples where you’ve successfully worked independently. We want to see that you can prioritise your workload and handle situations without needing a script.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join 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. Be prepared to share these stories during the interview, as they’ll demonstrate your ability to handle complex issues and provide clear, pragmatic advice.
✨Show Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves coaching managers, be ready to discuss how you’ve supported others in handling people issues. Highlight your approach to empowering managers and ensuring they feel confident in their decision-making.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Systems
Get a basic understanding of common HR systems and how they can be used for data-driven insights. Mention any systems you’ve worked with before, and express your eagerness to learn new ones quickly, as this will show your adaptability.