At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert HR advice during significant organisational change and support managers across the council.
- Company: Join Forest of Dean District Council, dedicated to community well-being and sustainable development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health cash plan, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for career growth and meaningful contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government and shape the future of your community.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified or working towards it, with strong employee relations experience.
The predicted salary is between 38233 - 46729 £ per year.
About The Role
Are you an experienced HR professional looking for an opportunity to make a real impact during a period of significant organisational change? We're looking for a proactive and knowledgeable Senior HR Advisor to join our HR & Corporate Services team at Forest of Dean District Council. This is an exciting opportunity to provide expert HR advice and support to managers across the organisation while playing a key role in shaping the workforce through one of the most significant changes in local government in recent years.
Working closely with the Head of HR & Corporate Services, you'll provide professional advice across a wide range of employee relations matters, including disciplinary and grievance cases, absence management, performance issues, organisational change, consultation processes and workforce transition activities. You'll also help to promote equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring our employment practices remain fair, transparent and compliant with legislation and best practice.
This role offers a unique opportunity to be involved in supporting the Forest of Dean District Council through Local Government Reorganisation, including workforce transition planning, consultation activities and employee transfers under TUPE arrangements. It's an exciting time to join the organisation and contribute to meaningful change that will shape the future of local government in Gloucestershire.
If you currently work for a local authority, we are also happy to consider applications on a secondment basis, subject to agreement from your current employer. This is a hybrid role, offering a balance between home and office working. However, due to the collaborative nature of the role, the successful candidate will be required to work from our Coleford office for a minimum of three days per week, with the remaining time worked remotely where appropriate.
About you...
- Are CIPD qualified (or working towards CIPD Level 5) with substantial HR experience.
- Have strong employee relations experience and a good understanding of employment law.
- Are confident advising managers on complex HR matters and organisational change.
- Can build positive working relationships with colleagues, managers and trade union representatives.
- Have excellent communication skills and are comfortable managing a varied caseload.
- Thrive in a collaborative environment whilst also being able to work independently.
For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.
Special Conditions
- Use of a car for work purposes.
- BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard check).
- Vacancies can close earlier than stated if a high number of applications have been received. We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.
What we can do for you:
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working.
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role).
- 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service.
- In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice.
- Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care.
- Generous contributory local government pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars.
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements.
About The Organisation
Forest of Dean District Council is dedicated to creating a vibrant and sustainable future for our community. Our priorities are centred on fostering thriving communities by empowering and engaging residents, enhancing infrastructure, promoting community well-being, and ensuring social equity.
We are committed to decarbonisation and nature recovery, focusing on renewable energy transitions, energy efficiency, transport transformation, nature recovery, and food resilience. Additionally, we strive to build a sustainable economy through the promotion of a circular economy, robust business support, workforce skill development, sustainable town initiatives, and the preservation of natural capital.
Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.
Forest of Dean District Council is committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities.
Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.
Senior HR Advisor employer: FOREST OF DEAN DISTRICT COUNCIL
Forest of Dean District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for HR professionals to make a significant impact during a transformative period in local government. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, the council provides flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth. Employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to meaningful change in the community, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
FOREST OF DEAN DISTRICT COUNCIL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Advisor
✨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!
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Advisor
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 FOREST OF DEAN DISTRICT 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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at FOREST OF DEAN DISTRICT 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 FOREST OF DEAN DISTRICT 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 FOREST OF DEAN DISTRICT 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.
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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 FOREST OF DEAN DISTRICT COUNCIL and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
