Assistant HRBP

Connect2Halton is recruiting on behalf of Halton Borough Council for an experienced and motivated Assistant HR Business Partner to join the Council's HR team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional looking to work within a busy, supportive and varied public sector environment, providing high-quality HR advice and support across the Council.

As an Assistant HR Business Partner, you will work closely with HR Business Partners, managers, employees and Trade Union colleagues to provide effective HR support across the employee lifecycle.

You will provide advice and guidance on a broad range of employee relations matters, including absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedures, performance and capability, probation, organisational change and other complex HR issues.

You will also contribute to HR projects, policy development, workforce initiatives and continuous improvement, helping managers to develop their confidence and capability in managing people effectively.

The role will involve:

• Providing timely and robust HR advice and guidance to managers and colleagues on employee relations matters.
• Supporting managers with disciplinary, grievance, absence, capability, probation and organisational change processes.
• Managing and progressing employee relations cases in line with Council policies, employment legislation and agreed timescales.
• Supporting complex absence and wellbeing cases, including working with Occupational Health providers.
• Advising managers on good practice and coaching them to effectively manage employee relations issues.
• Supporting job evaluation processes and appeals in partnership with management and Trade Union colleagues.
• Using HR data and workforce information to identify trends, inform decisions and support improvements.
• Contributing to the development, review and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
• Supporting corporate and directorate HR initiatives and projects.
• Contributing to the design and delivery of HR training and manager development programmes.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with managers, HR colleagues, Trade Unions and internal working groups.
• Supporting employee engagement and retention initiatives through effective use of data and HR insight.
• Keeping up to date with UK employment legislation, ACAS guidance and HR best practice, particularly within a local government environment.
• Providing reports, data and HR information to managers and supporting specific projects as required.

We are looking for an experienced HR professional who can demonstrate sound knowledge of HR policies, employee relations and UK employment legislation.

You will ideally have degree-level qualifications or equivalent relevant professional experience, alongside a commitment to continued professional development.

You should have experience and knowledge of:

• Applying UK employment law, ACAS Codes and HR best practice.
• Managing employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence matters.
• Supporting managers through complex and sensitive HR situations.
• Interpreting and applying HR policies consistently and fairly.
• Using HR data and information to identify trends and inform decision-making.
• Coaching and influencing managers at different levels.
• Working collaboratively with HR colleagues, managers and Trade Unions.
• Managing competing priorities and working to tight deadlines.
• Supporting HR projects and delivering successful outcomes.
• Maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information professionally.

Experience of working within a local government or public sector HR environment, and experience of managing complex casework, would be desirable.

You will be a confident communicator with strong interpersonal and influencing skills. You will need to be able to build trusted relationships, provide clear and practical advice and remain calm and resilient when dealing with challenging or complex situations.

The successful candidate will be:

• Organised and able to manage a varied caseload.
• Self-sufficient and comfortable working independently.
• A strong team player who is willing to share knowledge and best practice.
• Analytical and able to use data to support informed decisions.
• Confident when advising and challenging managers appropriately.
• Committed to delivering a high-quality HR service.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Passionate about supporting positive employee experiences and effective people management.

This is a hybrid role, with a minimum of two days per week working on site at DCBL Stadium, Widnes, with the remaining working arrangements available remotely in line with Council requirements.

The role will initially run until 31 March 2027, with the position to be reviewed beyond this date.

21.00 per hour

Immediate start available.

As the role involves regular travel across the borough and, occasionally, further afield, a full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential. Reasonable adjustments will be considered where appropriate in accordance with the Equality Act.

Connect2Halton is Halton Borough Council's own recruitment service. We work closely with the Council to provide high-quality temporary and contract opportunities across the borough.

By joining Connect2Halton, you'll have access to a dedicated recruitment team who will support you throughout your assignment and help make the process as straightforward as possible.

Interested?

If you have the HR experience and employee relations knowledge we're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.

Connect2Halton is a trading style of Halton & Kent Commercial Services LLP- A joint venture between Halton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Halton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.