At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide HR guidance, manage casework, and improve employee relations through coaching.
- Company: Join the University of Derby, a top-rated institution with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and flexible working.
- Other info: Part-time role (16 hours/week) with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on staff experience while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or HR experience, plus Associate CIPD qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 38285 - 45738 £ per year.
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
In People Experience and Culture, we foster a culture of excellence which positively impacts the student experience and supports the University’s growth and success. We focus on the wellbeing of our colleagues, and support our leaders to create engaged, goal-aligned teams that power our organisation and community. We bring a future-focussed approach to people and skills challenges, using data-led insights to partner our colleges and directorates in securing the right people, at the right time, with the right skills, and right culture that allow us to meet our strategic objectives.
Human Resources
- Resourcing - The Recruitment Team resource for a variety of vacancies across the University’s portfolio including permanent, fixed term and hourly paid roles, where the individual will be employed directly with the University. We process vacancies from the point of raising Recruitment Request Form on the E-Recruitment system throughout interviewing and to the point of offer.
- HR Operations - The HR Operations Team assist managers, HR Business Partners and employees throughout their employee lifecycle.
- HR Systems - The HR Systems team are responsible for the development and provision of information regarding our workforce. We analyse and present data to help support the organisation with evidence-based decision making.
- Business Partnering and Advisory - we support the delivery of the University's People Strategy, Strategic Framework, goals and operational plans within their portfolio areas. We provide proactive, strategic and operational HR support with the purpose of aligning the University’s vision and its people by supporting stakeholders to create and implement local plans and strategies.
- Strategy, Reward and Employee Relations - The HR Strategy, Reward and Employee Relations Team develop future-focussed employment strategies and policies that help support good governance and ensure legal compliance, whilst also developing our Employee Value Proposition both within and outside the sector. We develop evidence-based pay and reward strategies, policies and benefit & recognition schemes that enable us to be competitive and that help drive a culture of high performance across the university.
About the Role
We have a unique opportunity for an HR Advisor to join the University on a temporary, part time basis. As part of the HR Business Partnering Team, you will be responsible for providing first-line professional HR guidance and support to managers, as well as managing HR casework. Working collaboratively, you will work with the business to deliver efficient, proactive, innovative and pragmatic business-focused HR solutions and recommendations. You will also work proactively with the business to improve employee relations through coaching and building management capability to support effective people and performance management.
You'll have current knowledge of employment legislation, its application and best practice, combined with HR generalist experience in a large and complex organisation. This role involves working with various stakeholders to develop their HR skills through a coaching approach, to ensure a high-quality staff experience across the organisation. This role is part time 16 hours per week (across Wednesday, Thursday and Friday), for a fixed term contract until 31st December 2026.
About You
The ideal candidate will hold a relevant degree or possess equivalent HR experience. They will also be Associate CIPD qualified or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant professional experience. They will have proven HR generalist experience within a large and complex organisation, including managing complex employee relations casework. The successful candidate will be skilled at building effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and will have experience of designing and delivering training, workshops or coaching sessions. The ideal candidate will also have experience of contributing to and delivering HR projects, using their expertise to support organisational priorities and drive positive outcomes.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Holiday purchase
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Laura Chadwick, HR Business Partner.
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Closing Date: 02 Aug 2026
Salary: £38,285 to £45,738 per annum pro rata (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £52,605 per annum, pro rata)
HR Advisor (0216-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB employer: University of Derby
The University of Derby is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in IT service delivery. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to professional growth opportunities and a generous benefits package, all while contributing to a vibrant academic community dedicated to enhancing user systems and maintaining high security standards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor (0216-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB
✨Get Involved in Local HR Events
Check out local HR networking events or workshops in your area. These are great opportunities to meet industry professionals, learn about the latest trends in human resources, and potentially get leads on part-time roles like the one at University of Derby.
✨Join HR Communities Online
Platforms like SHRM Connect or HR-specific LinkedIn groups are gold mines for job leads and industry discussions. Engaging in conversations can put your name out there and might just catch the eye of someone from University of Derby looking for a part-time star!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're studying or have recently graduated, don’t forget about your university's career services. They often have contacts in the HR world that can help you score a part-time gig, plus you can access exclusive job boards!
✨Direct Applications Through Our Website
When you find the part-time role you're excited about, apply directly through our website. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps us streamline the hiring process. Make your application stand out with a tailored approach!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor (0216-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your People Skills:In human resources, it’s all about connecting with people. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience in recruitment, employee relations, or conflict resolution. If you’ve got any certifications in HR or related fields, don’t forget to flaunt them!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Shine Bright:When applying for a part-time HR role at University of Derby, your cover letter should reflect your motivation and enthusiasm for the position. Discuss your passion for people management and how you can contribute to their team, even on a part-time basis.
Demonstrate Flexibility and Availability:Since it's a part-time role, be clear in your application about your availability. HR often requires a balance of flexibility and commitment, so outline any existing commitments and how you plan to manage your time effectively.
Include Real-Life Examples:When describing your experience, use specific examples that illustrate your competency in HR tasks. Whether it’s handling employee onboarding or managing records, these anecdotes can make your application stand out to University of Derby.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Derby
✨Know Your HR Basics Inside Out
As we're diving into a part-time HR role, let’s brush up on key HR concepts like recruitment processes, employment law, and employee engagement strategies. Prepare to explain how you've handled various HR scenarios in the past or how you'd approach them in the future – this shows you can hit the ground running!
✨Get Creative with Your HR Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio showcasing your HR projects, like recruitment plans or engagement activities you've designed. This isn't just for show; it helps us illustrate our hands-on experience and creativity, making us stand out to University of Derby. Plus, it’s a tangible way to discuss our achievements!
✨Brush Up on Behavioural Interview Techniques
Expect a mix of traditional and behavioural interview questions. Prepare STAR answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) on how you've resolved conflicts or improved team dynamics. Since HR is all about people, our ability to communicate effectively will be under the spotlight.
✨Show Flexibility and Enthusiasm
In a part-time HR role, demonstrating a flexible approach to working hours and responsibilities can make us more appealing to University of Derby. Expressing our eagerness to learn and contribute to the team will demonstrate that we're not just filling a position, but genuinely excited to be part of their journey!
