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- Tasks: Provide expert HR support and advice to managers and employees across two councils.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee wellbeing and organisational culture.
- Qualifications: HR experience with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join Our Team as a People Officer – Make a Real Difference Across Two Councils!
Are you ready to take your HR career to the next level in a role where your advice and expertise truly matter? Join our People & Organisational Development Team supporting Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council, and help us build an exceptional working environment for over 1,000 employees!
About the Role — People Officer
As a People Officer, you’ll be the go-to HR professional for your designated service areas, delivering expert, hands-on advice and support to managers and employees. You’ll play a vital role in employee relations, sickness management, recruitment, and organisational change — all while championing fair, consistent, and effective HR practices.
Pay & Hours
💷 £41,964 – £45,086
Full-time role based at The Burys, Godalming and Millmead House, Guildford
Why Join Us?
- Make an Impact: Support meaningful people strategies and help create a thriving workplace culture across two vibrant councils.
- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside passionate colleagues who value wellbeing, innovation, and inclusivity.
- Career Growth: Access continuous learning opportunities and pathways to progress within a dynamic People & OD team.
- Flexible Working: Enjoy a hybrid working model and a supportive approach to work-life balance.
Great Benefits:
- Local Government Pension Scheme – planning for your future
- Generous leave entitlement and flexible working arrangements
- Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support
- Inclusive, supportive workplace culture
- Convenient locations with free onsite parking and excellent transport links
What You’ll Do
- Deliver clear, practical, and legally sound advice on employee relations — managing cases such as disciplinary, grievance, capability, and absence confidently from start to finish.
- Support managers with sickness absence management and wellbeing initiatives, promoting a culture of early intervention and psychological safety.
- Collaborate with resourcing teams to provide recruitment advice, support inclusive hiring practices, and contribute to workforce planning.
- Assist in organisational change processes — drafting consultation documents, attending meetings, and ensuring smooth transitions.
- Build trusted relationships within your service areas, acting as the first point of contact for HR queries and helping managers and teams perform at their best.
- Contribute to People & OD projects including employee engagement, equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI), and continuous improvement efforts.
- Keep up to date with HR policies and employment law, helping to embed best practice across both councils.
Who You Are
- A confident HR generalist with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experienced in handling complex employee relations and organisational change.
- Passionate about delivering consistent, fair, and supportive HR advice.
- Able to build strong partnerships with managers and work collaboratively across teams.
- Committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing in the workplace.
Ready to take your HR career further and help us shape a positive, inclusive future for Guildford and Waverley?
Apply now and join a team that values your expertise, energy, and ideas!
People Officer employer: Waverley Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Waverley Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Guildford and Waverley Councils on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the People Officer role. Personal connections can give you insights that no job description can.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common HR scenarios. Think about how you would handle employee relations or sickness management cases. We want you to showcase your expertise, so be ready to share real-life examples that highlight your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for diversity and inclusion! During your interview, discuss how you’ve contributed to creating inclusive workplaces in the past. This will resonate well with the councils' values and show that you’re a perfect fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference across both councils.
We think you need these skills to ace People Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the People Officer role. Highlight your HR expertise, especially in employee relations and organisational change, to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about HR and how you can contribute to our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we want to know the real you!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples of your past work in HR. Whether it’s managing sickness absence or supporting recruitment, concrete examples will help us see your impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly and efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waverley Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest HR policies and employment laws relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully handled employee relations or organisational change. This will help demonstrate your hands-on experience and how you can apply it to the challenges faced by the councils.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with managers and teams, be ready to talk about how you've built strong partnerships in previous positions. Highlight your communication skills and any initiatives you've led that fostered teamwork and inclusivity.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the councils' current HR strategies or challenges they face. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values, especially around diversity and wellbeing.