Job Description

Job description
It's an exciting time for our HR service, over the last few years we've taken great strides to modernise the HR services provided to our customers, introducing self-service through a state-of-the-art HR System, transforming our resourcing function, delivering a council wide leadership development programme whilst developing an organisational culture through our Team Reading values.




We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.





We support hybrid working, it's important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and you'll have the option to work on a largely remote basis within this role.

About the role

The Senior HR Advisor is part of a proactive and efficient HR professional team reporting to the HR Services Manager to provide a generic, comprehensive and quality service to ensure the execution of HR policies, procedures and systems and support the delivery of HR interventions linked to the organisation's HR priorities.




The post holder will support the HR Services Manager and work in partnership with the Strategic HR & OD Partners in the delivery of an HR Advisory service to operational managers within the framework of the HR & OD service plan and the People Strategy.





You'll join us on our change journey, we're always looking to improve and provide an HR service that goes beyond the norm, making a genuine difference to all employees. We love ideas - you'll have plenty of opportunity to get involved in projects and initiatives and put your stamp on our practice.





You'll be part of a team that relies on everyone to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.





Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance - striving to be even better - and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

About you

Previous HR experience is a must, but we're open to sector, what's more important is a strong customer focus and the ability to build great working relationships within a diverse stakeholder group.

Specific requirements:

Employee Relations casework experience Experience in restructuring Experience in developing and maintaining positive working relationships with colleagues and client users Experience of working with customers to identify needs and resolve issues without service disruption Good knowledge of legislation and best practice affecting employment including the Employment Rights Act, the Equality Act, Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations, Trade Union and Labour Relations Act, ACAS Codes of Practice etc.

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.





A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:


Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave A wide range of flexible working opportunities Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Teresa Kaine, HR Services Manager at

Teresa.Kaine@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Monday 26th May 2025



Interview Date: Week Commencing 2nd June 2025





Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.