People Advisor

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.

As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future. We currently have an exciting opportunity for a People Advisor to join our People Team in Falkirk. The role is offered on a 1-year fixed term basis, with a starting salary of £36,776 per annum. Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, on a hybrid model. Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 224 hours, plus 6 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.

Purpose of the role

The People Advisor role will provide experienced support across the full remit of the People and Culture function during a period of organisational change. Acting as a trusted HR generalist and a key point of contact for managers and colleagues, the role will offer clear, pragmatic advice on people matters and policy, helping to ensure consistent and effective approaches to recruitment, employee relations and performance management. Working within the business partnering model, the postholder will quickly establish themselves as a credible and reliable source of support, coaching managers to navigate change, make informed decisions and deliver effectively across their areas. The role requires someone able to contribute from the outset, bringing sound judgement and practical experience to support continuity and stability within the team.

Primary responsibilities of the role:

• Dealing with various people related enquiries throughout the organisation and advising on people related issues.
• Reviewing and updating relevant people policies.
• Keeping up to date and advising on current legislation.
• Supporting the recruitment and onboarding process where required.
• Liaising and negotiating with recognised trade unions.
• Providing advice and playing a significant role in supporting change processes.
• Identifying development needs.
• Facilitating positive employee relations, responding to any queries or problems that they may have and managing expectations.
• Supporting employee performance and evaluation methods (e.g. employee appraisal systems).
• Support and lead various employee relation investigations, including grievance and disciplinary.
• Driving the business performance in relation to the organisation’s objectives.
• Assisting in organising employee drop in and advisory sessions.
• Acting as the point of contact for managers, employees and other People Team members.

Knowledge, skills, and experience

Professional experience will be considered alongside qualifications from accredited programmes.

• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline.
• Up-to-date knowledge of HR trends, best practice and employment law.
• Proven HR experience at Advisor level within a generalist role.
• Demonstrable experience across core HR activities, including employee relations, recruitment and development.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to quickly build effective working relationships and establish credibility.
• Sound technical HR knowledge, including experience applying policies and procedures in practice.
• Confident working with stakeholders at all levels, providing clear and balanced advice.
• Experience of using People systems, maintaining accurate records and analysing data to inform insights.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to apply sound judgement, assess risk and determine appropriate courses of action in people matters.
• Ability to recognise when to act independently and when to escalate for additional guidance.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to influence and present information clearly.
• Demonstrates accountability, ownership and a proactive approach to delivering outcomes.
• Responsive and adaptable, able to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Proficient IT skills, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and report preparation.
• Full UK driving licence or consistent access to transport to travel between sites as required.
• Permission to work in the UK.

Desirable

• Experience of coaching and supporting line managers, particularly through periods of change.
• Evidence of contributing to employee engagement and fostering an inclusive, positive culture.
• Experience working within Non-Departmental Public Bodies or the wider Public Sector.
• CIPD Level 7 qualification (or equivalent experience).

This is a time-sensitive appointment, and we are therefore looking for someone who is available to take up the role at short notice. Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if sufficient applications are received.