At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a positive workplace culture and manage employee relations cases.
- Company: Join Open Road, a charity dedicated to empowering communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 qualified or working towards it, with HR experience.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Head Office, Colchester
Salary: £33,000 to £35,000 pro rata per annum
Hours: 22.5 hours per week – working pattern to be discussed at interview
Closing date: 18th August 2026
Help shape a positive workplace culture while supporting a life-changing mission. At Open Road, we’re committed to empowering individuals, families and communities to lead healthier, happier and more meaningful lives, free from addiction, offending behaviour and disadvantage. As we continue to grow and develop our services, we’re looking for an experienced and proactive HR Advisor to join our HR team.
This is an exciting opportunity for a confident HR professional who enjoys building relationships, providing practical advice and supporting managers through a range of employee relations matters.
About the role
Reporting to the HR & Wellbeing Manager, you’ll provide professional HR advice and guidance across the organisation, managing a varied caseload of employee relations matters and supporting key HR activities. You’ll work closely with managers to provide advice on disciplinary, grievance, absence, capability and performance matters, helping ensure consistent and fair application of policies and procedures. You’ll also contribute to recruitment, wellbeing initiatives, policy development and continuous improvement projects.
What you’ll be doing
- Managing a range of employee relations cases including disciplinary, grievance, absence and capability matters
- Advising managers on HR policies, procedures and employment legislation
- Conducting workplace investigations and preparing reports
- Supporting formal meetings and hearings
- Promoting positive employee relations and people management practices
- Supporting recruitment and onboarding activities
- Maintaining accurate HR records and systems
- Contributing to wellbeing, engagement and policy development initiatives
About you
- CIPD Level 5 qualified (or working towards completion)
- Experienced in managing employee relations casework
- Confident advising managers on HR policies and procedures
- Skilled at building positive working relationships
- Organised, detail-focused and able to manage a varied workload
- Comfortable handling sensitive and confidential information
- Passionate about supporting people and promoting positive workplace cultures
- Experience within the charity, health, social care or public sector would be advantageous but is not essential.
At Open Road, our people are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll join a supportive organisation where your expertise will help create a positive employee experience and enable colleagues to deliver life-changing services within our communities.
In return, we offer:
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
- Opportunities for professional development
- The chance to make a real difference through your work
- Employee wellbeing support and initiatives
- A values-driven culture committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
Open Road values and respects the diversity and individual differences of our services users, staff and our volunteers. This role is subject to a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
HR Advisor in Colchester employer: Open Road Visions
Open Road is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Colchester, we offer a supportive and collaborative environment where HR professionals can thrive, with ample opportunities for professional development and employee wellbeing initiatives. Join us to be part of a values-driven organisation that champions equality, diversity, and inclusion, empowering you to contribute to life-changing services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor in Colchester
✨Get Involved in Local HR Events
Check out local HR networking events or workshops in your area. These are great opportunities to meet industry professionals, learn about the latest trends in human resources, and potentially get leads on part-time roles like the one at Open Road Visions.
✨Join HR Communities Online
Platforms like SHRM Connect or HR-specific LinkedIn groups are gold mines for job leads and industry discussions. Engaging in conversations can put your name out there and might just catch the eye of someone from Open Road Visions looking for a part-time star!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're studying or have recently graduated, don’t forget about your university's career services. They often have contacts in the HR world that can help you score a part-time gig, plus you can access exclusive job boards!
✨Direct Applications Through Our Website
When you find the part-time role you're excited about, apply directly through our website. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps us streamline the hiring process. Make your application stand out with a tailored approach!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your People Skills:In human resources, it’s all about connecting with people. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience in recruitment, employee relations, or conflict resolution. If you’ve got any certifications in HR or related fields, don’t forget to flaunt them!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Shine Bright:When applying for a part-time HR role at Open Road Visions, your cover letter should reflect your motivation and enthusiasm for the position. Discuss your passion for people management and how you can contribute to their team, even on a part-time basis.
Demonstrate Flexibility and Availability:Since it's a part-time role, be clear in your application about your availability. HR often requires a balance of flexibility and commitment, so outline any existing commitments and how you plan to manage your time effectively.
Include Real-Life Examples:When describing your experience, use specific examples that illustrate your competency in HR tasks. Whether it’s handling employee onboarding or managing records, these anecdotes can make your application stand out to Open Road Visions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Road Visions
✨Know Your HR Basics Inside Out
As we're diving into a part-time HR role, let’s brush up on key HR concepts like recruitment processes, employment law, and employee engagement strategies. Prepare to explain how you've handled various HR scenarios in the past or how you'd approach them in the future – this shows you can hit the ground running!
✨Get Creative with Your HR Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio showcasing your HR projects, like recruitment plans or engagement activities you've designed. This isn't just for show; it helps us illustrate our hands-on experience and creativity, making us stand out to Open Road Visions. Plus, it’s a tangible way to discuss our achievements!
✨Brush Up on Behavioural Interview Techniques
Expect a mix of traditional and behavioural interview questions. Prepare STAR answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) on how you've resolved conflicts or improved team dynamics. Since HR is all about people, our ability to communicate effectively will be under the spotlight.
✨Show Flexibility and Enthusiasm
In a part-time HR role, demonstrating a flexible approach to working hours and responsibilities can make us more appealing to Open Road Visions. Expressing our eagerness to learn and contribute to the team will demonstrate that we're not just filling a position, but genuinely excited to be part of their journey!
