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- Tasks: Join our People Consultancy team to manage employee relations and support organisational change.
- Company: Surrey County Council is dedicated to transforming local government and enhancing workplace culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, hybrid working, lifestyle discounts, and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique opportunity to shape local government during a significant transformation.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, particularly with employee relations and change management, is essential.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value collaboration, trust, and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 46000 £ per year.
The starting salary for a HR People Consultant (permanent position) is £40,296 per annum, and for a HR Senior People Consultant it is £45,680 per annum, both based on a 36-hour working week. The HR Senior People Consultant position is a 12-month fixed term contract/secondment opportunity with the potential of extension.
Surrey County Council is hiring for two fantastic roles within our People Consultancy team: a HR People Consultant and a HR Senior People Consultant. If you thrive on managing employee relations casework, working collaboratively with managers, and making a real impact, we want to hear from you!
We are expanding our People Consultancy team in preparation for the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). These roles are being advertised now to ensure we have the right capacity and expertise in place to support this significant transition effectively. The LGR presents a rare and exciting opportunity for HR professionals to be at the heart of a once-in-a-generation transformation.
As part of the People Consultancy team, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the TUPE transfer of staff into new unitary authorities. This is large-scale, complex work that will give you exposure to challenges and experiences few other roles can offer. You will develop specialist skills in organisational change, employee relations, and workforce transition. This is more than just a job; it is a chance to shape the future of local government and grow your career in a way that’s not easily replicated elsewhere.
The team is based in Reigate and this role is open to hybrid working, meaning you aren’t required in the office 5 days a week, working to a 2-day-a-week average. Our focus on results, outcomes, and collaboration is enabled by high levels of trust and accountability in our people.
Rewards and Benefits:
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part-time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
- Paternity, adoption, and dependants leave
- A generous local government salary-related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping, and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
The People Consultancy team are a dedicated group of professionals who are genuinely passionate about making a positive impact in the workplace. We pride ourselves on providing tailored support and guidance to managers and employees alike. Whether it’s navigating complex HR policies, managing employee relations processes, or facilitating change management initiatives, we’re here to help every step of the way.
As a HR Senior People Consultant, you will bring your expertise in handling complex employee relations casework, collective disputes, TUPE processes, employment tribunal work, and change management. You will also play a key role in coaching and mentoring our People Consultants, ensuring high standards of casework delivery. We are looking for someone with strong technical HR knowledge, including the practical application of employment law and HR policies.
As a HR People Consultant, you will be a trusted HR adviser to managers across the council, supporting them on a range of employee relations matters, including disciplinaries, grievances, managing absence, and performance. You will also gain exposure to restructures and TUPE cases while working as part of a collaborative and supportive team.
If you are passionate about HR, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and want to make a difference, we encourage you to apply.
Shortlisting Criteria:
If this sounds like the team and role for you, we would love to see your CV and hear your responses to the shortlisting questions below:
- Can you describe a challenging employee relations case you have managed, and how you approached it?
- Give an example of a time you were involved in a restructuring or change process. How did you contribute to its success?
- Tell us about a project or initiative where you helped improve HR processes or implemented a positive change.
Your responses will be used for shortlisting, so make them count! If shortlisted, we will send interview questions in advance to help you prepare.
Please contact us for any questions relating to the roles. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills, or any barriers to employment. If you would like to know more about this role or have an informal discussion, please contact Geraldine Judge by email.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 18 July 2025, with interviews scheduled for the week commencing 28 July. We look forward to receiving your application.
Our Values: Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation.
Our Commitment: Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where the candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application.
People Consultant employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and its implications for HR. Understanding the context of these roles will help you articulate your insights during discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Surrey County Council, especially those in HR roles. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of your experience with TUPE processes and employee relations casework. Being able to discuss these scenarios in detail will showcase your expertise and readiness for the challenges of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your collaborative skills and ability to work in a team environment. Since the roles involve working closely with managers and trade unions, demonstrating your teamwork abilities will be crucial in making a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace People Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in employee relations and HR consultancy. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the specific requirements for the People Consultant roles.
Craft Thoughtful Responses: When answering the shortlisting questions, provide detailed examples from your past experiences. Focus on your role, the actions you took, and the outcomes achieved, especially in challenging situations or during organisational changes.
Showcase Your HR Knowledge: Emphasise your understanding of employment law and HR policies in your application. Mention any specific training or certifications you have that relate to the responsibilities of the People Consultant positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in HR roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of challenging employee relations cases you've managed. Highlight your role, the steps you took, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to navigate complex situations.
✨Demonstrate Change Management Skills
When asked about restructuring or change processes, focus on your direct involvement. Explain how you assessed risks, ensured compliance, and supported both leaders and employees. This shows your capability in managing the human impact of change.
✨Highlight Process Improvements
Think of a project where you contributed to improving HR processes. Discuss how you identified the need for change, your role in implementing it, and the positive outcomes. This reflects your proactive approach and ability to drive meaningful change.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Support
Since the roles involve working closely with managers and teams, express your commitment to collaboration. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues in the past, showcasing your personable nature and dedication to creating a positive workplace culture.