The posting
Contract to start ASAP
Duration: 16 weeks with a possible extension.
Full job descriptionHR Consultant – Human Resources
Plymouth City Council
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
Contract: Temporary – 16-week contract, ending 14 February 2027
Provide Professional HR Advice and Support Effective People Management
We're recruiting an experienced HR Consultant to support Plymouth City Council's Human Resources service. This role combines employee relations casework, organisational change, policy advice and manager development to help deliver consistent and effective people management across council services.
You'll work closely with managers, HR colleagues and employee representatives, providing practical advice on workforce matters, supporting the resolution of complex cases and helping managers make fair, informed decisions.
About the Role
As HR Consultant, you'll provide professional guidance on a broad range of employment and people management matters. You'll support managers through sensitive employee relations issues, help them apply policies appropriately and contribute to improvements in HR service delivery.
The role requires sound professional judgement, strong communication skills and the ability to balance service priorities with a fair and consistent approach to managing people.
What you'll be doing:
- Providing professional HR advice and guidance to managers on employee relations, employment policies and people management procedures.
- Supporting complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, sickness absence and performance management matters.
- Helping managers prepare for formal meetings and hearings, advising on appropriate procedures, documentation and next steps.
- Supporting organisational change and restructuring, including assisting with consultation arrangements and identifying workforce implications.
- Coaching and supporting managers to build their confidence in handling sensitive conversations and resolving workplace issues.
- Working constructively with trade unions and employee representatives, supporting consultation and the resolution of employment concerns.
- Advising on attendance management and employee wellbeing, liaising with relevant colleagues and specialist services where appropriate.
- Contributing to the development and review of HR policies, guidance and procedures, helping to improve clarity and consistency.
- Reviewing workforce information and casework trends, identifying recurring issues and recommending practical improvements.
- Maintaining accurate and confidential case records, tracking progress and ensuring agreed actions are followed up.
- Managing competing priorities and deadlines, escalating complex or high-risk matters appropriately.
- Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout HR advice, case management and service delivery.
Requirements
We're looking for a proactive, organised and solutions-focused HR professional with strong employee relations experience and the confidence to advise managers on complex and sensitive workforce matters.
You'll ideally have:
- Experience working as an HR Consultant, HR Adviser, HR Business Partner or in a comparable generalist HR role.
- Experience supporting complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, capability and sickness absence matters.
- Sound knowledge of employment legislation and HR practice, with the ability to provide clear, practical advice.
- Experience supporting organisational change, restructuring or employee consultation.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, including the ability to challenge constructively and explain sensitive information clearly.
- Experience working with trade unions or employee representatives, ideally within local government or another complex organisation.
- A CIPD qualification or equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess information and recommend appropriate action.
- Ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise work and maintain accurate documentation.
- Good IT skills, including confidence using Microsoft Office and HR information or case management systems.
- A professional and discreet approach to handling confidential employee information.
- Eligibility to work in the UK and the ability to provide employment references and complete the required pre-employment checks.
Why Apply
- Opportunity to contribute to HR service delivery within Plymouth City Council.
- Varied role combining employee relations, organisational change and manager support.
- Chance to work collaboratively with managers, HR professionals and employee representatives.
- Opportunity to apply and develop your HR consultancy experience within a local authority setting.
Benefits
- Weekly Pay
- Company Pension
- Ongoing Agency Support
Benefits are subject to eligibility and the agreed engagement and payroll arrangements.
Additional Information
Client: Plymouth City Council
Location: Ballard House, West Hoe Road, West Hoe, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3BJ
Working Arrangement: To be confirmed with the council; no hybrid or remote-working arrangement has been specified.
Start Date: 26 October 2026
Contract Duration: 16 weeks, ending 14 February 2027
Hours: 37 hours per week
Positions Available: 1
Pay Rate: £27.56 per hour — Umbrella
IR35: Status to be confirmed
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: £27.56 per hour — Umbrella
Application question(s):
- Can you describe your experience advising managers on complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, capability or sickness absence matters?
- What experience do you have of supporting organisational change, employee consultation or working with trade union representatives?
- Please confirm your current location, your ability to attend Ballard House in Plymouth as required, and your availability to start on 26 October 2026.
Experience:
- HR advisory or consultancy experience, including supporting employee relations casework.
- Local government or public-sector HR experience would be advantageous.
Qualifications:
- CIPD qualification or equivalent relevant professional experience preferred; the council's specific qualification requirements are to be confirmed.
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Disclaimer: On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify iWork Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.
OR119008-10-26
