At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR operations and enhance employee engagement in a life-saving charity.
- Company: Join Medical Detection Dogs, a pioneering charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on diversity, equality, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that trains dogs to detect diseases.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 and 3 years' HR experience required.
Location: Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire (minimum of 4 days in the office per week)
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives. We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.
We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.
Main Purpose & Scope of the Role: The HR Advisor will provide specialist and proactive support to other departments within the Charity to ensure organisational compliance in all relevant areas relating to HR.
What You’ll Do: Reporting to the People Engagement Manager, you will be supporting the Charity to set and deliver on its People Strategy. You will be responsible for providing operational HR services, advice, and guidance with a primary focus on HR transactions, employee relations management, engagement, recruitment, and performance management. You will identify, analyse and utilise HR data to inform decision making and identify more efficient ways of working.
Reports to: People Engagement Manager
About the Role: You will lead the development and implementation of a best practice approach to recruitment. You will advise managers on best practice techniques for monthly one-to-one meetings and annual appraisals to ensure staff feel confident to openly discuss challenges as well as successes. You will review and update our existing HR policies and procedures, ensuring they not only comply with current HR law but importantly promote best practice. You will also work with the senior leadership team to develop a set of organisational values that prioritise equality, diversity and inclusion and reflect best practice, ensuring these are then communicated to all staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
This is a rare opportunity to join a charity that wants to strengthen the support it provides to its staff and volunteers.
Responsibilities of the Role:
- Maintain all HR policies and procedures ensuring they are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect relevant legislation and best practice.
- Ensure managers and staff are aware of and understand policies and procedures, communicate changes, and provide support to managers when interpreting policies as required.
- To work in collaboration with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team in leading Medical Detection Dogs towards our vision of becoming a staff centric Charity.
- Provide an efficient service to deliver HR transaction activities throughout the employment lifecycle, from offer to off-boarding.
Person Specification
Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
- CIPD Level 5 qualification and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role
- Employee relations (e.g. performance, absence, disciplinary, grievance, redundancy, etc) case management in line with current UK employment legislation
- Management of end-to-end recruitment activity, supporting hiring managers and focussed on candidate experience
- Excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills
- Experience of managing relationships with staff at all levels
Desirable:
- Experience of reward and recognition practices
- Experience of managing and inspiring staff, including encouraging innovation and improving ways of working to build a resilient and high performing
- Effective organisation and administrative skills gained within HR
- Experience on use of HR database (BREATHE)
Desirable Knowledge & Skills:
- Ability to work independently and under minimal supervision in a fast paced and demanding environment, exercising good judgement, and using own initiative.
- Ability to work supportively and effectively within and across teams and build good working relationships
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when appropriate
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office
- Highly effective written and verbal communication skills
- Good influencing and negotiation skills
- Strong people management skills with the ability to train and develop individuals and create a ‘one team’ ethos
Other Requirements:
- A full current driving license
- Comfortable with dogs in the workplace/office
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion: We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
To Apply: If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Medical Detection Dogs, please do not hesitate to apply.
HR Advisor employer: Medical Detection Dogs
Medical Detection Dogs is an exceptional employer located in Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to life-saving initiatives while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the charity prioritises professional development and encourages innovative practices, ensuring that staff feel valued and empowered. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a difference, where your HR expertise will play a vital role in shaping a people-centric culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Medical Detection Dogs on LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your application noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common HR scenarios. Think about how you'd handle employee relations or recruitment challenges. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the charity's mission! Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs, especially around equality, diversity, and inclusion. It’s all about that cultural fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in an HR Advisor and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at Medical Detection Dogs.
Show Your Passion for Our Cause:In your application, let us know why you're excited about working with Medical Detection Dogs. Share any personal connections or experiences that relate to our work in saving lives through canine assistance.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure 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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medical Detection Dogs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the charity's mission and values. Research Medical Detection Dogs and understand how they train dogs to detect human diseases. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your HR Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that highlight your expertise in employee relations, recruitment, and policy management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully handled HR transactions and improved processes in previous roles.
✨Engage with Questions
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready to ask during the interview. Inquire about their current HR challenges or how they envision the HR Advisor role evolving. This demonstrates your proactive approach and eagerness to contribute.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Culture Fit
Since this role involves collaboration with various departments, be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked effectively within teams. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you can help foster a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
