Job Description

Job description
It's an exciting time for our HR Team and we're making great strides to modernise our offer, introducing self-service through a state-of-the-art HR System, transforming our resourcing function, delivering on a council wide leadership development programme whilst developing an organisational culture through our Team Reading values. Further development plans are in place, and we need you to help us achieve them.



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 deliver their best and you'll have the option to work remotely, subject to the needs of the service.

About the role

You'll play a key role in driving our strategic initiatives by aligning HR&OD practices with business objectives. As the HR&OD lead for a defined client area, you'll be the trusted partner to senior leadership, and we'll need you to provide guidance on organisational design and development, talent management and workforce planning.




Your focus will be on delivering people related change while fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture. Specific areas we will need you to lead on include:


Identifying the changing skills, competencies and workforce profile needed to ensure continued organisational success. Work with colleagues to develop a shared understanding of emerging needs and patterns of behaviour to help ensure that strategies, policies and performance expectations and standards are relevant. Supporting line managers to ensure structures and roles are reflective of service need Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, influencing decisions and delivering innovative HR solutions. Using insights from HR management information to inform strategic decision making.

You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual 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

We're looking for someone with a genuine curiosity and determination, someone who isn't afraid to challenge the business and leadership, even when it might not be the most popular option.



This role will suit someone who can combine HR&OD expertise with top notch influencing skills. Someone who enjoys a challenge, that can make things happen, whilst never losing sight of the customer. Previous experience working in local government and ideally with Children's Services would be advantageous but we're happy to consider applications from candidates with transferrable skills.


CIPD qualified (Level 7 Diploma in HR Management or equivalent) or have work experience demonstrating a similar level of attainment. Significant HR&OD experience (generalist or specialist) gained in a large, complex organisation with multiple stakeholders. Change and project management experience. Ability to analyse and evaluate complex issues and information and foresee implications, taking decisive and effective action to tackle professional challenges and achieve results. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and partner with senior leadership.

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are 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:


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, and a salary sacrifice scheme to help lower the cost of your nursery fees. 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 our Recruitment Team at

Recruitment@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date

: 30 June 2025

Interview Date:

8 and 10 July





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.