HR Adviser (Service Support) in Reading

This is an exciting opportunity to join Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) as an HR Adviser on a fixed‑term basis, supporting a professional and high‑performing HR team. You will play an important role in delivering high quality HR advice and support across a broad range of employment and service matters, while also contributing to payroll, pensions and key organisational projects. If you are looking for a varied and rewarding HR role where you can make a real contribution, and you have strong digital skills including Microsoft Office and HR systems, this could be an excellent next step in your career.

We are seeking a motivated, professional and detail oriented HR practitioner with a strong generalist background. You will enjoy working collaboratively, have a solutions‑focused mindset, and be confident providing advice on a wide range of HR matters. You will bring:

• Experience in a HR Adviser or similar generalist HR role
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships
• The ability to manage a varied workload, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines
• Confidence in handling sensitive issues with tact, diplomacy and professionalism, including difficult situations
• Knowledge of employment law, data protection and HR best practice
• Experience in transactional HR work, including disciplinary and grievance casework
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office, and experience of payroll systems
• Excellent accuracy, attention to detail, and strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, and to support the development of others
• CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent

The key focus of this role includes:

• Provide HR advice and guidance to managers and employees on pay, pensions, policies, and employment matters
• Support HR projects, including those relating to pensions, data management and organisational change
• Manage the day‑to‑day relationship with payroll and pension providers, ensuring accurate and timely service delivery
• Ensure monthly and annual payroll activities are completed accurately, including checks and audit support
• Review, develop and improve HR processes in line with legislative and organisational changes
• Support and develop team members, contributing to a high‑quality HR service

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. Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too.

Applications are welcome for job‑share or part time arrangements please enquire on application. 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. Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.