At a Glance
- Tasks: Support employee relations and lead recruitment efforts to create a positive workplace culture.
- Company: Join Women’s Aid, a leading charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse against women and children.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, flexible working, and a valuable pension scheme.
- Other info: Remote work available; applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your HR skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 3 or equivalent experience in HR and employee relations required.
Location: Remote (UK based) / Bristol / London
Salary: £34,200 (Grade 4) per year (plus Inner London Weighting of £3,483.94, if eligible)
Length of contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 37 per week
Closing date: We reserve the right to adapt the advert at any time per organisational circumstances and to close this vacancy early for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Interviews: Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis
Who are Women’s Aid?
Women’s Aid (WA) is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. We are a federation of just under 180 organisations which provide over 300 local lifesaving services to women and children across England. For 50 years we have campaigned on behalf of our members and survivors to shape policy and practice, and to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
Our support services, which include the Survivors’ Forum, the No Woman Turned Away Project, the Survivor’s Handbook, Love Respect (our dedicated website for young people), the national Women’s Aid Directory and our advocacy projects, help thousands of women and children every year.
Purpose of the Senior People & Culture Officer (Recruitment and Employee Relations) role:
To work as part of the People & Culture (P&C) team, providing expert employee relations and HR support across WA and to WA’s member organisations. The postholder will act as a trusted advisor to managers and staff, championing early intervention and informal resolution so that concerns are addressed constructively before they escalate to formal processes. The post-holder will also lead on recruitment activity across the organisation, ensuring a proactive, fair and timely approach to filling vacancies, as well as working closely with the P&C Officer (HR and Engagement) to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day HR activities and administration across WA.
Key duties and responsibilities of the Senior People & Culture Officer (Recruitment and Employee Relations):
- Independently manage a caseload of employee relations matters across WA, from early-stage advice through to formal processes, escalating complex, novel or high-risk matters to the P&C Manager
- Champion a resolution-focused approach to workplace issues, providing proactive early intervention, de-escalation and facilitated conversation support to managers and staff, so that formal processes are a last resort rather than a default
- Deliver Women’s Aid Federation’s membership ER offer, providing first-line employee relations guidance, advisory support and training to member organisations
- Lead on recruitment activity across the organisation, ensuring a proactive, fair and timely approach to filling vacancies
- Work closely with the P&C Officer (HR and Engagement) to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day HR activities across WA, and act as a source of guidance and coaching for more junior colleagues in the team
What we are looking for in our Senior People & Culture Officer (Recruitment and Employee Relations):
- CIPD Level 3 or equivalent demonstrable experience in HR / employee relations
- Competent knowledge of Employment Law and its practical application, including current and forthcoming legislative change
- Demonstrable experience of independently managing a caseload of ER matters, including investigations, capability, grievance, disciplinary and absence cases
- Track record of resolving workplace issues informally through early intervention, de-escalation and facilitated conversations
- Experience of advising and coaching managers on ER and performance management matters, and delivering training or guidance sessions to groups
- Demonstrable experience of conducting end-to-end recruitment processes
- Experience of providing a customer-focused HR service and successfully achieving against agreed objectives and SLAs
- Experienced in the use of online HR software, such as People CRMs and recruitment ATS
- Strong influencing skills and the ability to build trust quickly at all levels, and demonstrable problem-solving skills and ability to think innovatively
Benefits of joining us as our Senior People & Culture Officer (Recruitment and Employee Relations) include:
- Generous Annual Leave: 25 days + 2 Company Holidays + 8 UK Bank Holidays, with an extra 1 day per year after 1 year of service, up to a maximum of 5 additional days.
- Valuable Pension Benefits: a generous 7% employer contribution.
- Flexible Working: remote working, a generous TOIL scheme, and family-friendly policies
NB: Women only need apply under schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010
All posts, including remote posts, must be based in the UK.
Women’s Aid is committed to quality, equality, and valuing diversity. Applications are particularly welcome from Black and minoritised women. Please see the Reasonable Adjustments Statement on Job Description.
Please read our Single Sex Statement on the Women’s Aid Website
Please note that applications will be reviewed, and interviews arranged, on a rolling basis, so for the best chance of success, please apply ASAP.
Senior P&C (HR) Officer (Recruitment and ER) employer: Womens Aid
At Women’s Aid, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our remote working options, generous annual leave, and commitment to employee development ensure that our team members can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the fight against domestic abuse. Join us in a role where your expertise in HR and employee relations will be valued and where you can contribute to vital services that support women and children across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior P&C (HR) Officer (Recruitment and ER)
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Womens Aid!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Womens Aid.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior P&C (HR) Officer (Recruitment and ER)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Womens Aid. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Womens Aid and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Womens Aid. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Womens Aid's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Womens Aid
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Womens Aid.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Womens Aid will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Womens Aid and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
