HR Adviser in Gateshead

Hybrid working, minimum 2 days in the Gateshead Office, Civic Centre. Empowering people. Strengthening workplaces.

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‐thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you would be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work/life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi‐time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

People Services plays a vital role in shaping a positive and inclusive employee experience across Gateshead Council. Bringing together HR, Learning and Operational Workforce Development, Recruitment, and Health and Safety, our teams work in close partnership with service leaders, managers, employees and recognised trade unions. We take both a practical and strategic approach to supporting the full employee lifecycle continuously improving how our people are supported, developed and engaged, and helping to create a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Are you looking for a role where your HR expertise is valued, your ideas are encouraged, and you can truly make a difference? We have an exciting opportunity for an HR Adviser to join our People Services team at Gateshead Council. In this varied and rewarding role, you’ll play a key part in shaping and delivering our workforce strategy and contributing to projects that improve the employee experience. Working across employee relations, wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, and policy development, you’ll be encouraged to bring fresh thinking, creativity and innovation helping us grow as an employer of choice and ensuring our people are supported to thrive.

What you’ll get to do:

• Assist in providing comprehensive and effective HR advice based on a clear understanding of service and school objectives and its operations so that HR solutions are designed and tailored to meet their needs.
• Provide support and advice to services, schools and other related organisations as required on all relevant HR issues including workforce planning, service reviews, terms and conditions, recruitment and selection, equality and diversity, job evaluation, attendance at work, work life balance, employee engagement and performance management in accordance with best practice, legislation and regulation.
• Provide support, guidance and advice to services and schools on the interpretation and implementation of HR policies and procedures to ensure they are applied in an effective, fair and consistent manner.
• Under the guidance of the HR & Workforce Development Managers, contribute to the development of policy, and prepare reports and other documentation for presentation to management, the Council and governing bodies to ensure that employment related issues are fully and properly considered and documented.
• Research best practice and collate and analyse data in order to inform decision‐making, policy development and effective workforce planning.
• Be familiar with and understand the Workforce Strategy and Plan and other relevant HR related strategies and plans e.g. Wellbeing Plans, Equality Action Plans in order to help shape and implement initiatives which arise from them.
• Contribute to specific projects and tasks and finish activities aimed at increasing the productivity and deployment of the workforce.
• Consult with trade unions and employee representatives and represent the Council, schools and academies in tribunals as required.
• Maintain appropriate systems within the service to ensure records are accurate and up to date.

What you’ll bring:

• Post Grad Diploma in HRM; or, HR Degree; or, Level 5 HR Apprenticeship; or Associate CIPD Membership, or equivalent experience.
• Experience of providing HR advice on the full range of workforce issues: recruitment, capability, absence management, redundancy, discipline & grievance.
• Up to date knowledge of current employment law and ability to apply it practically to workplace situations.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, advise, and work collaboratively across the organisation.
• An ability to develop constructive relationships with managers and colleagues.
• Skills to undertake research and data analysis.
• A capability to work on your own initiative and as a member of a team.
• Organisational skills working to prioritise workload and deliver to tight deadlines across different services simultaneously.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future too.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years, plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year, giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‐life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: We care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‐efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: A cost‐effective, environmentally friendly way to drive.
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services.

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

How to apply:

You can apply online using the apply now button below. If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk. Alternatively, if you’d like a confidential chat about the role, then please contact Caroline Judson – HR Manager tel: 0191 433 2226.

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.