HR Consultant

As part of a group of experienced HR Consultants and Advisors within our Corporate Services Team, the role provides professional and expert Employee Relations advice ensuring it is consistent with relevant legislations and Corporate policies, with a focus on excellent customer service.

You will work in partnership with customers to manage and deliver transformational projects using specialist knowledge and provide high level technical and professional expertise as well as undertake projects in support of the service, as and when required. You will promote the services of the Consultancy & Advisory and HR Service as a whole to internal colleagues and external customers.

This is a 12-month secondment/Fixed- Term contract opportunity.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.

The Services Team is part of the wider Consultancy & Advisory Team. The other part of the team is responsible for providing expert Employee Relations and change management advice to Schools.

About the role

The HR Consultant role is part of a team that provides professional expert and business solutions to customers on employee relations matters by highlighting key risk areas to enable them to make balanced decisions on complex employment matters.

For effective delivery of our services, we often have to work with teams across the Council e.g., Schools Improvement; Traded Services; Business Assurance; Children’s Services as well as teams within HR.

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

About you

It is essential that you have the following:

1. Substantial, relevant and practical experience of providing advice and guidance on employee relations issues covering the full employee lifecycle.
2. Substantial experience of carrying out the HR lead role in complex change management programmes.
3. Proven effective influencing, negotiation and communications skills, both verbal and written.
4. Development and delivery of training and specific tailored employee relations support.
5. Experience of managing projects with an excellent understanding of project management methodologies, diagnostic tools and systems.
6. Ability to proactively work with senior leadership, directors, members and managers identifying training and support needs and designing tailored solutions.
7. Ability to design and deliver bespoke training sessions to colleagues and stakeholders.
8. Proven ability to apply initiative and strategic awareness to problem solving and decision making.
9. Degree or equivalent NVQ Level 4 qualification or proven relevant experience.
10. Chartered Membership of CIPD or significant relevant HR experience and Associate Membership of CIPD.

Other information

The Council currently allows hybrid working and the arrangements for this can be discussed although you will be expected to be available for team collaboration and meetings and attend an office location weekly. The team currently does a 40/60 office/home split. They are occasionally required to attend the office for meetings.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

1. a fair and inclusive culture
2. the chance to really make a difference to those around you
3. health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
4. a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
5. ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
6. opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Resources cover a wide range of specialisms, including Human Resources, Finance, ICT and Business Operations. Our main focus is supporting the other directorates to provide the best possible service to our residents.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements.