At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide HR advisory support on recruitment, absence, and employee relations.
- Company: Join East Devon District Council, a people-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, continuous learning, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on wellbeing and career development.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful HR initiatives during exciting organisational changes.
- Qualifications: CIPD/ NVQ6 HR management or equivalent with strong employment law knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Fixed term (up to 2 years) Full time with a range of flexibilities, including hybrid working, aligned to our Worksmart arrangements.
Join a supportive and collaborative HR team where you’ll focus on delivering efficient, consistent and legally compliant HR advisory support across a high volume of day-to-day employee matters, including recruitment, absence, disciplinary and probation cases. You’ll work closely with managers to provide clear, practical guidance, take ownership of routine case management, and ensure accurate records and processes are maintained for your assigned client group.
As a key member of the wider HR function, you’ll also support senior colleagues on broader people initiatives - helping to deliver policy improvements and organisational change activity - while contributing to a positive, inclusive and customer-focused workplace. This is an exciting time to be joining us as we roll out our ‘People Focused’ people strategy, while also playing a key role at the forefront of implementing the impact of the Employment Rights Act 2025 - the most significant piece of employment legislation in over a decade. Alongside this, the evolving local government landscape brings further opportunity to develop your experience, particularly in supporting organisational change.
You’re an organised and proactive HR professional (Associate CIPD / NVQ6 HR management or equivalent) with strong knowledge of employment law and solid grounding in HR best practice. Comfortable handling a high volume of straightforward casework, you bring a calm, methodical approach and the resilience to manage competing priorities without compromising quality. You build positive relationships quickly, offering approachable, practical guidance to managers at all levels, and you take pride in delivering accurate, consistent outcomes.
With excellent IT skills (including Microsoft 365 and HR systems), an eye for detail and experience supporting routine employee relations cases and HR processes, you’re a reliable team player who enjoys working collaboratively and contributing to a fair, inclusive and customer-focused HR service.
Our last Local Government Association Peer Challenge highlighted that “EDDC is a great place to work, with engaged staff and members” — and we couldn’t agree more. You’ll be joining an organisation that puts people at the heart of everything we do, working collaboratively with our communities to deliver high-quality services and create an outstanding place to live, work, visit and enjoy. With a strong focus on wellbeing, a highly flexible and supportive hybrid Worksmart approach, and a commitment to continuous learning and development, you can be confident of joining a workforce culture where colleagues are empowered to be Happy, Healthy and Here.
Closing date: 29 June 2026.
HR Adviser employer: Penna
Join East Devon District Council as an HR Adviser and become part of a supportive and collaborative team dedicated to delivering high-quality HR advisory support. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a commitment to continuous learning and development, you will thrive in a culture that values inclusivity and empowers staff to be Happy, Healthy and Here. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful organisational change while enhancing your HR expertise in a dynamic local government environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Adviser
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company culture and values. When you know what they stand for, you can tailor your responses to show how you fit right in with their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common HR questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic HR team!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HR Adviser role. Highlight your experience with employee relations and any relevant qualifications, like your CIPD or NVQ6. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your HR Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of employment law and HR best practices in your application. We’re looking for someone who can handle a high volume of casework, so share examples that show your calm and methodical approach.
Be Personable:We value positive relationships, so let your personality shine through! Use your cover letter to convey your approachable nature and how you’ve successfully guided managers in the past. We want to know how you build rapport!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penna
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employment law and HR best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles, especially in handling casework and supporting managers.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records. Think about specific situations where your methodical approach made a difference in your previous roles.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since building positive relationships is key in HR, practice how you'll connect with your interviewers. Use friendly body language, listen actively, and engage in the conversation to demonstrate your approachable nature.
✨Emphasise Your Team Spirit
Be ready to talk about your experiences working collaboratively within a team. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive workplace culture and supported colleagues in achieving shared goals.
