HR Advisor in Milton Keynes

We’re recruiting an HR Advisor to join our dedicated and collaborative Human Resources service on a twelve‐month fixed‐term contract. In this rewarding role, you’ll work closely with colleagues and managers across Milton Keynes City Council, providing clear, practical people advice that supports fair, consistent and well‐informed decision‐making.

As part of a council focused on improving the lives of local people and delivering our long‐term vision for the city, your work will help shape positive working experiences and strengthen how we support our workforce. Guided by our values of dedication, respect and collaboration, you’ll play an important role in bringing a ‘One Council’ approach to life.

This is a part‐time role, working 18.5 hours per week, typically across three to four days. We’re ideally looking for someone who can start in mid August, although a start date up to 7th September may be negotiable. You’ll be asked to confirm your start date availability and preferred working pattern as part of your application, with both discussed further at interview.

Site-Based role

This is a Site-Based role, and you’ll be expected to work from the designated workplace.

Main Responsibility

• Be the first point of contact for people‐related queries, offering straightforward and accurate advice based on policy, good practice and employment legislation.
• Lead on a range of casework including absence, performance, grievance and disciplinary matters, guiding managers through fair and timely processes.
• Build constructive relationships with managers, colleagues and stakeholders across the council.
• Work with service areas to understand their needs and provide coaching, workshops and support to help strengthen people management skills.
• Identify themes and share feedback with the wider Human Resources team to help shape policies, approaches and improvements.
• Support the delivery of council‐wide Human Resources programmes, policies and initiatives.
• Work closely with a Senior HR Business Partner, seeking guidance where needed.

The Ideal Candidate

• A degree‐level education and a recognised Human Resources qualification, or proven experience as a Human Resources generalist with strong knowledge of employee relations, legislation and good practice.
• The ability to communicate complex or sensitive information clearly to a wide range of colleagues.
• Experience of coaching managers and influencing decision making.
• Ideally, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Level Five or working towards it.
• Strong problem‐solving skills, with the confidence to assess risk and make clear, reasoned recommendations.
• Ideally, experience of working in a unionised environment.

Package Description

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
• Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme - eligible employees can access low‐cost leasing of electric and low‐emission vehicles.
• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Why join us? Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you here Working at the Council | Milton Keynes.

Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.

We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.

We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.

We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.