At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert HR advice and improve processes in a dynamic fire service environment.
- Company: Join the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values individuality and promotes continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on HR practices while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent, with experience in HR advisory roles and strong digital skills.
The predicted salary is between 33699 - 38220 £ per year.
Benefits
- Salary: £33,699– £38,220 per annum (pay award pending)
- Grade: 4
- Hours: Full Time – 37 hours per week
- Location: Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading
- Excellent annual leave allowance of 25 days, flexible working, onsite gym, parking facilities and a Local Government Pension Scheme are available
About the role
This is an ideal opportunity to join Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) as an HR Adviser contributing to impactful service improvements while building on your generalist experience. Working as part of a professional HR team, you will provide high-quality advice and guidance to managers and employees on a range of HR matters, including employee relations casework, employment legislation, and organisational policies. The role also has a strong focus on process improvement, data insight, and system development. You will work closely with HR colleagues and ICT to identify opportunities for automation, digitalisation and improved ways of working.
About you
We are seeking a motivated HR professional with a strong foundation in HR advisory work and a keen interest in systems, data and continuous improvement. You will bring:
- Experience in a HR Adviser or similar generalist HR role
- Experience using HR Systems and Microsoft 365 tools, with confidence in digital working
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Key responsibilities and deliverables
- Provide professional HR advice to managers and staff on employment law, policies, procedures and casework
- Identify opportunities to streamline and automate HR processes across the employee lifecycle
- Support HR and payroll projects, including pensions related work and system improvements
- Analyse HR data to identify trends, insights and opportunities for improved ways of working
Key role requirements
- CIPD Level 5 (or working towards) or equivalent
- Experience of transactional and advisory HR
- Strong digital and systems capability, including HR systems and reporting tools
- Experience providing HR advice and supporting complex casework
Closing date for applications: 09:00 hours 10 July 2026
Anticipated start date: As soon as possible
EEO and commitment statements
All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme). Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity. All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work.
HR Adviser (Fixed Term – up to 12 months) employer: Networking Women in the Fire Service
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a supportive work culture, generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and access to an onsite gym, employees are encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful service improvements. The organisation also fosters continuous development through opportunities for training and collaboration on innovative HR projects, making it an ideal place for motivated HR professionals to thrive.
Contact Details:
Networking Women in the Fire Service Recruitment Team
