HR/ER Adviser

About the role

We are looking for an experienced HR/ER Adviser to join our specialist consultancy supporting parish and town councils across the UK. The role is part‑time (15‑25 hours per week) with a focus on providing clear, practical HR advice to councils that often lack an internal HR function.

Key responsibilities

• Lead employee‑relations casework from initial advice through to resolution, covering conduct, capability, sickness, grievance and performance issues.
• Respond to daily HR queries, providing proportionate advice tailored to small councils.
• Draft letters, reports and other documentation; support clients during meetings and hearings.
• Advise on wellbeing, stress, return‑to‑work and reasonable adjustments.
• Review and update policies, handbooks and compliance frameworks.
• Build trusted relationships with clerks, chief officers and councillors while safeguarding CHRGS’s reputation for clarity and integrity.

Required profile

• Significant HR/ER casework experience in small organisations, the public sector or a consultancy.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law.
• Confidence to advise clients independently on conduct, capability, sickness and grievance matters.
• Excellent judgement, balancing legal compliance with practical advice.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build trust with council officials.
• Organisational ability to manage competing priorities.
• Values‑driven approach with a commitment to fairness and integrity.
• Minimum CIPD Level 5 qualification; experience in local government or parish/town council sector is a plus.

Required skills

What we offer

• Supportive, professional team environment.
• Meaningful work with visible impact on local governance.
• Opportunities to develop specialist expertise.