At a Glance
- Tasks: Support people managers with HR advice and coaching on employee relations.
- Company: Join the UK's leading aviation regulator with a commitment to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28 days leave, gym access, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or employee relations and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Salary: £45,000 up to £50,000 dependent upon experience
Contract Type: 9 months Fixed Term Contract, Full-time
Security Level: BPSS
Location: Gatwick – Aviation House (min 2 days in the office per week).
Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.
The Role
As part of the People Services team, the People Consultant provides a dedicated and proactive service to our people managers and colleagues advising on a broad range of people related activity across the organisation. This includes coaching and advising managers on informal and formal employee relations cases, providing people data and insights to management to help inform decisions and initiate appropriate actions. Subject to workload, there is also the opportunity to contribute to key projects and activities aligned to group people plans and our CAA People Strategy.
Core Accountabilities
- Establish trusted relationships with people managers providing expert and commercially sound people advice, and guiding them in the evaluation of options, risks, and outcomes.
- Provide coaching and support to people managers with complex employee cases such as performance management, absence management, disciplinary and grievance matters. This includes leading on formal procedures liaising with the Employee Relations Manager where specialist advice is required.
- Coach and mentor colleagues in the People Services Advisor Team supporting with complex queries or cases where needed.
- Work with the Strategic People Partners on the implementation of change and restructuring programmes.
- Analyse people metrics highlighting any trends to the management population and suggesting strategic people interventions which may be required.
- Attend management meetings where required and highlight any emerging issues or key trends to the Strategic People Partner.
- Provide constructive challenge and support to people managers on matters relating to job evaluation, pay and benchmarking.
- Support managers with the evaluation of current capabilities in their team and work with them to identify any necessary learning interventions.
- Deliver training or briefings to people managers in line with CAA People Strategy.
- Identify opportunities to continuously improve HR policies and processes to ensure an effective and consistent service for CAA people managers.
About You
Essential
- Proven experience in a HR generalist or ER role with a track record of building trusted working relationships with people managers and leaders at all levels.
- Proactive approach: takes ownership for supporting people managers with their case from start to finish.
- Excellent knowledge of UK employment law with experience of applying this to complex ER cases; takes a commercial approach with a pragmatic approach to problem solving.
- Experience in organisational change management and restructuring.
- Self-aware and open to feedback; applies self-management techniques to support resilience.
- Builds collaborative relationships with People and Culture colleagues.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to coach, challenge, and influence at all levels.
- Able to analyse data and share insights in a way that is easy to understand.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information; high degrees of integrity and discretion are essential.
- Ability to work to deadlines with well-developed planning and organisational skills.
- Comfortable working in a culture of constant change.
Desirable
- CIPD level 5 qualified.
Additional Information
For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance. To be vetted you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.
The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.
Relocation & Property
The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations. We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028.
Inclusive Recruitment
We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.
Working With Us
We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us. We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.
We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!
Our Values: Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone.
Closing Date: 2nd June 2026
Interview Date: 9th June 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
No recruitment agencies please.
People Consultant in London employer: UK Civil Aviation Authority
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Gatwick that fosters collaboration and continuous learning. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including a free onsite gym and generous leave options, the CAA prioritises the well-being and growth of its staff while maintaining high ethical standards and inclusivity.
Contact Details:
UK Civil Aviation Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Consultant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that People Consultant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their People Services team. Tailor your responses to show you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a People Consultant, you'll need to coach and influence others. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace People Consultant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for HR and how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in employee relations and coaching. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements:Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your expertise in HR. Whether it’s a successful project or a complex case you managed, we want to know how you’ve made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Civil Aviation Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and the specifics of employee relations. Being able to discuss complex cases confidently will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also proactive in your approach.
✨Build Rapport
Establishing a connection with your interviewers is key. Practice active listening and engage with their questions thoughtfully. This will demonstrate your ability to build trusted relationships, which is crucial for a People Consultant.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used people metrics in the past. Bring examples of how you've analysed data to inform decisions or suggest interventions. This will highlight your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Embrace Change
Since the role involves working in a constantly evolving environment, share experiences where you've successfully navigated change. This will illustrate your adaptability and resilience, traits that are highly valued in this position.
