People Officer – Learning, Development and Talent Acquisition

People Officer – Learning, Development and Talent Acquisition

Join to apply for the People Officer – Learning, Development and Talent Acquisition role at Westcotts Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers.

We’reWestcotts – a leading South West Accountancy Practice and Investors in People Gold Employer, with over 300 team members across 16 offices in Devon, Somerset, and Wiltshire.

We’re looking to appoint a People Officer to assist with our Learning, Development and Talent Acquisition functions on a fixed‑term basis (expected February 2026 – February 2027) to cover a period of maternity leave. There’s potential that this may be extended, or that a similar role could become available after this time.

Reporting to the People Director and working closely with the other two Officers in our People Team, this is a key role within our friendly and dynamic team of four. You’ll play a vital part in supporting the learning and development of our qualified and non‑chargeable team members, ensuring our firmwide events run seamlessly, championing wellbeing across the business, and supporting our recruitment and onboarding processes.

The role can be based from most of our offices across Devon and Somerset, on a hybrid working basis. Due to the nature of the role, you’ll need to be flexible and able to travel between offices — particularly to our Plymouth and Exeter locations — to support the needs of our team.

Main Duties

Your day-to-day responsibilities will be varied, interesting, and rewarding. They’ll include:

• Supporting recruitment and career events, particularly during busy periods or to cover absence within the team
• Producing and coordinating onboarding plans for new starters
• Planning and delivering induction sessions for new team members, three times a year
• Designing and delivering engaging “face‑to‑face” and online training sessions
• Assisting Partners and Directors with training design and delivery
• Helping to plan, organise and deliver our Annual Whole Firm Day and other training and wellbeing events
• Managing training administration and course bookings for qualified team members
• Overseeing training documentation and liaising with Partners on the branding of office manuals
• Taking ownership of the firm’s CPD process and organisation of verifiable training
• Reviewing and managing relationships with external training providers
• Promoting and communicating training opportunities across the firm
• Coordinating the rolling 12‑month ‘Training Tuesday’ and ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ initiatives
• Overseeing the firm’s healthcare cashback scheme and related administration
• Coordinating Mental Health First Aid and Work Experience programmes

This job description summarises the main duties and responsibilities of the post, however the list is not exhaustive as the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties and projects of similar level and responsibility.

Attributes, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who is professional, personable, and thrives in a people‑focused role. You’ll be comfortable working across multiple areas of responsibility — from training and recruitment to wellbeing and events — with the support and guidance of a friendly and experienced team.

You’ll also be able to:

• Commit to the full duration of the fixed term contract
• Travel to all of our offices as needed
• Work flexibly and collaboratively to support the needs of the People Team and the wider firm

Ideally, you’ll also bring the following skills, experience, and attributes:

• Outgoing, confident, and approachable, with strong emotional awareness
• A positive attitude and a genuine passion for supporting others
• Organised, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Creative and resourceful, with great attention to detail
• Professional, discreet, and team‑orientated
• Passionate about learning, wellbeing, and creating a positive employee experience
• Confident communicator with excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and Canva
• Comfortable producing high‑quality internal documents and training materials
• Experienced in organising or delivering coaching and training, both in‑person and online
• Experience or qualifications in IT, coaching, or training would be an advantage (but not essential)
• Ideally 36.25 hours / 5 days per week however part‑time hours / days also considered.
• Flexible and hybrid or office working available.
• 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 days after 3 years’ service) plus bank holidays.
• Annual salary review.
• Death in service 3 × annual salary.
• Access to Healthcare Cashback Plan.
• 24‑hour external Employee Assistance Programme helpline.
• Flexible benefits including Buy and Sell holiday, Cycle to Work, Payroll Charity Giving and Private Medical Insurance.
• Introducing client and staff commission schemes.
• Pension 3% rising to 4% (but matched up to 6%) after 4 years’ service.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay after one year’s service.

How to apply

Please note that we will not be accepting applications through recruitment agencies until the week commending 27th October.

To apply for this position, please upload your CV along with a covering letter providing information on why you feel you would be suitable for the role including in relation to the duties, desired attributes, skills, experience and qualifications. Please also state your salary expectations, preferred base office location and available start date – as all of this application information will help us during any shortlisting.

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Westcotts Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers by 2x. Get notified about new Learning Development Officer jobs in Exeter, England, United Kingdom.