At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the go-to person for HR queries, providing top-notch support and advice.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leader in public sector service delivery.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible remote work options and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term contract role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Gain valuable HR experience while making a real impact in a dynamic organisation.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or willingness to achieve it within two years; customer service experience required.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
People Support (HR) Advisor
Secondment, Full Time
£26,090 to £30,693 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Closing Date: 11th July 2025
Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract opportunity for up to 12 months
This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office, in Chelmsford 1-2 days per week, with the remaining time for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation\'s needs.
The Role
People Services are committed to providing a high level of customer services for our employee and managers, through a variety of digital channels. The People Support Advisor will be the first point of contact for all HR related queries. They will be responsible for providing customer focused and professional advice, support and guidance to managers and employees across the whole of ECC. This role provides a great opportunity for someone wanting to build on the experience working within an HR setting in a large and complex organisation.
The Opportunity
People Services sits within the People & Organisation Development function at Essex County Council (ECC). People Services delivers a high standard of service to both ECC employees and to external customers, with our employees and customers at the heart of what we do. We have high expectations of our teams and aspire to be high performing in all aspects of our delivery. We provide a comprehensive, quality service which supports the delivery of our ambitious corporate people plan. We are on a journey to underpin our services with robust technology, and we strive to create an uncompromising culture to deliver service excellence that delights our customer. People Services seeks to continuously improve and to stay ahead of the curve, leading the way in the public sector and delivering services which offer innovation, value for public spend and above all else a customer centric approach.
The People Support Adviser (PSA) will be the first point of contact for the business for HR related queries. They will be responsible for managing stakeholder expectations, providing a customer focused and professional advice, support and guidance service, for people related queries across all channels: online, telephone and face to face. You will provide support and resolutions quickly and efficiently
Accountabilities
- Be the first point of contact for our customer queries via phone, web chat and email providing high quality HR advice and guidance ensuring request are escalated or filtered accordingly.
- Provide pragmatic and professional expertise and advice on specific topics, e.g., family friendly policies (maternity, paternity, etc), flexible working requests, managing absence, performance, resolution, onboarding processes, Occupational Health referrals.
- Improving manager and business confidence and capability by coaching through workplace issues.
- Provide consistent and up to date advice on employment legislation and developing issues within the organisation.
- Contribute to the increase in self-service of HR queries, by coaching employees and managers of online self-service support, and identifying areas for improvement to People Casework Manager.
- Strong team working motivation and ability to build effective working relationships across People and Organisation Development including with People Business Partners, People Consultants and other teams in People Services
- Support organisational change and initiatives that may involve consultation and result in redundancy or TUPE
- Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- CIPD membership and a minimum of level 5 CIPD qualification or to be achieved within 2 years of taking up the post
- Experience of working in a busy, fast paced team providing professional support to customers
- Proficient IT skills, MS Word and MS Excel are essential. Hands on experience with IT programmes and HR systems
- Highly motivated with excellent attention to detail, a result orientated approach and continually seeking to improve.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience of dealing with customer queries and a track record of providing exceptional customer service.
- A high level of interpersonal skills to deal with extremely confidential and sensitive issues, providing support with empathy and professionalism. Ability to develop strong working relationships and to influence a wide range of stakeholders including colleagues and customers.
- Ability to work independently, organise and work accurately to tight deadlines
- A basic knowledge of HR policies and employment legislation and experience in providing coaching, support and building confidence
People Support (HR) Advisor, Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council (ECC) is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a flexible working environment with the opportunity to work remotely while maintaining a strong office presence in Chelmsford. Our commitment to high-quality service delivery fosters a collaborative and innovative culture, where employees are encouraged to develop their skills and contribute to meaningful public sector initiatives. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in HR support, with ample opportunities for career advancement and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Support (HR) Advisor, Chelmsford
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Essex County Council!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Essex County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace People Support (HR) Advisor, Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Essex County Council. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Essex County Council and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Essex County Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Essex County Council's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Essex County Council.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Essex County Council will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Essex County Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
