People Services Advisor in Exeter

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. We’re part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future.

Why This Role Matters

As a People Services Advisor you’ll play a critical role in supporting employees and managers across South West Water throughout the entire employee lifecycle. Your work will contribute to maintaining accurate records, supporting compliance, and protecting the organisation and its people.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Deliver accurate and timely HR administration across the full employee lifecycle
• Prepare and issue contracts, offer letters, variation letters and employment documentation
• Maintain accurate employee records within our HR systems, ensuring GDPR compliance
• Act as a first point of contact for employee and manager HR queries
• Conduct vetting checks and manage security clearance processes, ensuring all candidates meet the required compliance, screening and eligibility standards before appointment
• Support recruitment administration and onboarding activities
• Coordinate and administer pre‑employment and BPSS checks
• Monitor key dates, deadlines and clearance renewals, proactively following up where required
• Work closely with Payroll and People & Culture colleagues to ensure employee changes are processed accurately and on time
• Produce HR reports and support internal and external audits
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems and ways of working

Qualifications

Essential

• Experience in HR Administration, HR Shared Services, People Operations or a similar HR support environment
• Strong organisational and administration skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience working in a fast‑paced, high‑volume role
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Confident communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships
• Strong understanding of confidentiality, GDPR and handling sensitive information
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and HR systems
• Ability to obtain and maintain BPSS clearance

Desirable

• Experience supporting BPSS, vetting or pre‑employment screening processes
• CIPD qualification, or currently working towards one

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £27,000 – £29,000
• Hybrid working available following successful completion of training and induction
• A supportive and collaborative People & Culture team
• Opportunities for development and career progression
• The chance to work for a purpose‑led organisation serving communities across the South West
• A varied role where no two days are the same

Additional Information

Closing Date: 29th July 2026. The post holder will be required to obtain and maintain National Security Vetting (NSV) clearance appropriate to the role. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. The successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.