People Advisor

People Advisor

Watts Gallery Trust has an exciting opening for the new part-time (22.5 hours/week) role of People Advisor. Working at the heart of a thriving cultural institution, you will provide dedicated people support to the Senior Leadership Team. You will be an experienced HR generalist working towards, or CIPD qualified to Level 5, with responsibility for ensuring a compliant and efficient HR function to support the full employee lifecycle including recruitment, contracts of employment, policies and procedures, employee wellbeing, performance management, training and development, employee relations, and diversity and inclusion. You will provide guidance, advice, and coaching to line managers to support them in resourcing and managing their teams. You will work proactively to implement the HR Plan that will support the priorities and objectives of the Gallery as supported by an external HR Services supplier.

Watts Gallery Trust is committed to providing equality of opportunity in employment. We consider diversity a strength and are keen to make our workforce more representative of different backgrounds and experiences. We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or minority ethnic candidates, and from disabled candidates as these groups are under-represented within the Arts field and at Watts Gallery Trust.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Be the main point of contact for managers and staff, providing guidance, support, advice, and coaching on the full range of people and HR activities including recruitment, payroll, contracts, absence management, wellbeing, performance management, employee relations, and training & development.
• Review and update HR/People policies, procedures, and processes, ensuring they are fit for purpose, legally compliant, and follow best practice.
• Lead on specific HR initiatives and projects, e.g. the introduction of an annual staff survey.
• Be responsible for HR administration including recruitment administration, offer letters, contracts, DBS checks, personnel files, and provision of all HR support and administration for employees and freelance contractors in liaison with the external HR services supplier and in line with General Data Protection Regulations.
• Lead and manage staff recruitment campaigns including development of role profiles, advertising, selection, offer, induction, and probation.
• Provide salary and pension data and liaise with payroll on staff salaries.
• Set up and drive employee engagement initiatives.
• Support learning & development plans.
• Support the pastoral care and wellbeing of staff, liaising with the provider of the Employee Assistance Programme as required.
• Work with the Board and Staff Diversity and Inclusion working groups to create and implement plans to embed diversity and inclusion within Watts Gallery Staff teams.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Skills & Experience

• A track record of operating at an Adviser level ideally within the charitable sector.
• Generalist HR experience working at an operational level.
• Up-to-date knowledge of employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience of developing effective HR policies, procedures, and processes.
• Ability to advise, support, and coach managers on a full range of people issues, seeking support of external HR and Employment Law advice as necessary.
• Consistently high level of responsiveness, tact, and diplomacy and ability to maintain confidential information.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and confidence in dealing with a diverse group of staff, managers, and stakeholders.
• Proficient IT skills, with good document preparation, records management, and knowledge of HR software systems.
• Ability to take responsibility for tasks, projects, and situations and can work independently and unsupervised.
• Good judgement and decision-making skills.

Knowledge & Qualifications

• Working towards or CIPD qualified to Level 5.

Key Competencies

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Ability to problem solve, prioritise effectively and self-manage workload.
• Flexible and adaptable with the ability to anticipate requirements and plan effectively.
• A confident and effective communicator with the ability to present to a wide range of audiences.
• Comfortable working with a wide range of staff, managers, and stakeholders.
• Highly organised and efficient.
• Resilient under pressure.
• A team player who enjoys supporting the effective management of a wide variety of strategic goals and tactical issues.

How to Apply

Click on the 'Apply now' button. Please complete and submit the application form and diversity monitoring form which can be found below. In your application, please also include where you saw the role advertised or found out about the position. The closing date for applications is Monday 7th April 2025. The most recent Annual Report and Audited Accounts and details of vision, mission, and social impact can be found on our website.

First and second interviews will take place the week commencing 7 April 2025 at Watts Gallery - Artists' Village. Please let us know within your covering e-mail if you require any adjustments to the interview process.