This is a fixed term post until June 2024

This role will be considered as a secondment opportunity for any internal candidates interested or council employees from another local authority providing line manager agreement is sought before submitting your application

We are looking for an experienced HR Policy Officer with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude to join our high performing team on a temporary basis.

Do you want to be part of a forward-looking team that helps shape the way we manage our workforce?

Do you have a passion for the ever-changing world of employment law and want to play a key role in bringing about positive change, then we want to hear from you.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who has a proven track record and significant experience of developing, implementing and maintaining existing and future HR ‘people’ related policies and strategies. Do you have excellent communication skills and are able to engage with a wide range of audiences, to include informal and formal consultation with Trade Unions.

You will need to enjoy collaborating with colleagues and building professional relationships at all levels. This will involve working with senior managers/stakeholders to make sure that HR Policies and procedures are commercially sound and comply with current legislation and best practice, and are delivered effectively.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, experienced, professional and proactive HR Policy Officer wishing to gain new strategic exposure and experience.

Key responsibilities include:

• With the involvement of the HR Policy Lead, carry out end to end reviews of key HR policies and guidance, to include policies such as Sickness Absence Management, Grievance and Hybrid Working.

• Applying professional knowledge and understanding to positively impact Policy and guidance reviews.
• Acting as a change agent, influencing key stakeholders in the Council and wider HR community.
• Improve and embed changes to HR Policies and guidance to positively influence culture, support best and commercial practice in the management of people issues.
• Leading and supporting on the effective and efficient deployment of HR Policy and guidance to Council management and employees.
• Building and managing relationships with HR specialists, senior management, trade union representatives and employees.
• Undertaking detailed research and analysis to support all activities to deliver policy changes.
• Provide an inclusive and collaborative approach by providing advice, support and guidance on both established internal policy and external regulations or legislation to colleagues across the Council and to partner organisations.

Desired skills/experience

• Proven ability, significant experience and a track record in developing, implementing and maintaining existing and future HR ‘people’ related policies and guidance.
• Good working knowledge of HR policies and practice, as well as a sound grasp of employment law and related risks.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholder requirements, whilst prioritising competing demands in a calm and professional manner, inspiring trust and a sense of stability.
• Experience of resolving difficult employee relations situations and formal consultation and negotiation.
• Demonstrable experience of applying best practice HR across day to day people activities.
• Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential issues and acts with integrity at all times.
• Demonstrate sound HR knowledge and understanding and be able to articulate the risks, benefits and key drivers of HR interventions.
• Good communication and influencing skills, both written and verbal.
• Good analytical skills to identify key trends and to inform HR Policy development.

Applicants must hold CIPD membership and be educated to degree level, or equivalent in a relevant subject.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your application by using the link below.

Any questions in relation to the role, please contact David Briggs

The closing date for applications is 3 December 2023

Hours

37 hours per week

The council operates hybrid working. This involves working from an agreed workplace location in the borough for at least two days a week.

We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to their advertised date if we receive a large number of applications. Therefore, you are strongly advised to complete and return your application as soon as possible. When completing your application please refer to the supporting documents attached.

If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application, or have experienced a problem whilst applying for a position, please contact the Resourcing Team on 0121 569 3300 or via e-mail to: hr_resourcing@sandwell.gov.uk

For more information about working for Sandwell Council, our recruitment process and our offer to you please visit https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/200233/jobs

Click here to find out more about our One Team Framework: Values and Behaviours.

Supporting documents
Personnel Specification
Job Description
Information for applicants