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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our HR team to provide top-notch advice and support across various HR functions.
- Company: Ipswich Borough Council is dedicated to serving the community with a focus on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holidays, pension scheme, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: This role offers flexible working and requires occasional travel within Ipswich.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values your input and fosters professional growth.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or above required; experience in managing ER casework is essential.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 40800 £ per year.
Description
- Suffolk County Council
- Address : Endeavour House Ipswich IP1 2BX – Hybrid working
- Salary : 34434 – 40777 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours : 37 hours per week – flexible working options available
- Contract : Permanent
Make a real impact in a team that values your expertise.
Join our experienced and supportive HR Advice Team at Suffolk County Council where your skills in employee relations will help shape a positive working environment across the organisation. As an HR Advisor you will be a trusted partner to managers, employees and trade union colleagues providing expert guidance and hands‑on support across a wide range of complex cases.
What you will be doing
- Lead on a diverse portfolio of employee relations cases including absence, capability, disciplinary and grievance.
- Provide clear confident advice that balances legal compliance, best practice and business needs.
- Coach and empower managers to handle people issues effectively and confidently.
- Develop and support training that builds manager capability and confidence in dealing with HR matters.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR policies and processes ensuring they remain current and effective.
What we are looking for
- Proven experience of managing a range of employee relations cases.
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills with the ability to assess risk and influence outcomes.
- A collaborative approach to working with managers, HR colleagues and trade union representatives.
- Passion for employment law and a proactive mindset for staying up to date with legislative changes.
- Confidence in coaching others and delivering training.
- Flexibility and adaptability to support the wider HR service and adapt to changing priorities.
Why join us
Its an opportunity to :
- Deepen your expertise in employee relations
- Develop your coaching and training skills
- Influence how managers handle HR challenges
- Be part of a modern flexible council that values collaboration, development and making a difference for Suffolk.
The team
We are a dynamic team where collaboration and mutual support are at our core. We foster an environment of independence and trust, empowering each team member to take ownership of their work while knowing they can always tap into the wealth of experience and guidance from our supportive manager and colleagues. We work in a hybrid way with office days usually on a Tuesday and Thursday.
Empowering Everyone
We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Carly Patten (she/her) or Daisy Rea (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach them at the provided contact details.
How to apply
- Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
- Step 2 – Click Apply Now to start your online application.
- Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions (no more than 400 words per question). Use the Supporting Statement template.
- Describe a time when you managed a complex employee relations case. What steps did you take to reach a resolution and what was the outcome?
- How have you supported managers to develop their own employee relations capabilities? Can you share an example of coaching or training you provided?
- Tell us about a time when you had to manage your workload and help others prioritise tasks to meet deadlines during a busy period of casework. How did you ensure quality and timeliness?
- Step 4 – Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
- Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
- We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected.
- If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by e‑mail or calling. If you are invited to the next stage of selection you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
- Closing date: 11.30 pm 12 October 2025.
- Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
- This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
Required Experience
Unclear Seniority
Key Skills
Data Analytics, Employee Relations, Succession Planning, Human Resources Management, Dayforce, Conflict Management, Ceridian, Benefits Administration, HRIS, Peoplesoft, Human Resources, Workday
Employment Type
Full-Time
Experience
years
Vacancy
1
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HR Advisor employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest Employment Law updates. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the HR field, which is crucial for the HR Advisor role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Ipswich Borough Council. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed ER casework or resolved HR issues creatively.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing a structured plan for how you would approach the first few months in the role. This could include how you would prioritise tasks and engage with different service areas.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description and person specification for the HR Advisor position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities, required qualifications, and essential skills needed for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Craft your application to highlight your relevant experience in managing employee relations casework and your knowledge of Employment Law. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your capabilities in these areas.
Focus on Communication Skills: Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to communicate effectively. Pay attention to your writing style, grammar, and clarity throughout your application.
Follow the Application Instructions: Make sure to complete your application through the specified vacancies website. Remember that CVs are not accepted, so focus on providing all the required information in the application form as instructed.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Employment Law
As an HR Advisor, you'll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of Employment Law. Brush up on the latest updates and be prepared to discuss how you would apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your ER Casework Experience
Be ready to share specific examples of your experience managing employee relations casework. Discuss any disciplinaries, grievance investigations, or restructures you've been involved in, highlighting your role and the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial for this role. Prepare to showcase these skills by articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely during the interview, and consider bringing along a written example of your work if relevant.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
The role requires a creative approach to problem resolution. Think of instances where you've successfully navigated complex HR issues and be ready to discuss your analytical process and the solutions you implemented.