People Advisor

As a People Advisor, you'll deliver a high-quality advisory service that empowers leaders and strengthens a culture of confident people management. You'll be the first point of contact for employment-related queries, providing expert guidance on conduct, performance, absence, flexible working, and more. You'll manage a range of ER cases, ensure timely resolution through effective use of the JSM system, and support managers with coaching and attendance at key meetings.

Location: Hybrid - London, Cardiff, Southampton OR Manchester offices (3 days p/w)

Rate: £250 per day (inside IR35)

Hours: Standard Business Hours

Start: 23rd February 2026

Duration: 4-6 week contract

Responsibilities:

• Support the People Advisory Lead in the delivery of a highly-regarded, expert Advisory service offering that supports the development of a culture of Leader-led People activity.
• Responsible for handling and resolving queries received into the Advisory team.
• Provide first line expert guidance, advice and support on a range of employment-related matters including conduct, performance, contractual queries, absence management, flexible working and Occupational Health referrals.
• Effective case management of people related issues such as disciplinaries, performance management, employment tribunals, grievance and absence management.
• Leverage the JSM system for managing workload and ensuring timely resolution of HR-related tasks, focusing on delivering an exceptional colleague experience.
• Support and coach managers and attend appropriate meetings as required.
• Assist with the design and delivery of development for Starling managers, such as performance reviews and management, absence management, discipline and grievance management.
• Proactively identify risks, tracking issues through to resolution and continuously seeking opportunities for process improvement to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Actively participate in the creation and documentation of process improvements with a focus on automation and manager self-serve.
• Interpret and apply policies and procedures and discern matters that should be escalated as appropriate.
• Provide up to date expert advice in respect of relevant trends, regulations, policy and legislation.

Essential Skills & Experience Required:

• A CIPD qualification or currently working towards.
• Extensive experience in a similar People Advisory role.
• Proven track record of handling and resolving ER cases.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment legislation and case law, ACAS Codes, employment practices and advising on appropriate proactive action.
• Strong relationship management skills with internal and external stakeholder groups, with the ability to foster positive relationships and influence at a senior level.
• Previous experience of the SMCR and the application of FCA Conduct Rules would be beneficial.
• Excellent written communication skills with experience in the preparation of investigation reports and outcome letters which detail findings and recommendations, and policy and process documents.
• Able to organise and prioritise your own workload, to meet deadlines in a flexible, organic, fast-paced environment.
• Agile and able to adapt as projects and priorities change and able to remain composed and positive in the face of any setbacks or challenges.
• Seeing the bigger picture to build strategic plans for delivery.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities such as complex cases and people projects.
• Strong execution skills and acute attention to detail.
• An analytical mindset with the ability to identify trends within a data set.
• Patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Proactive approach to work and generating ideas - challenges the status quo, suggests new ideas/processes of working.