PEOPLE & HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
£39,862–£42,739 per annum, pro rata
[Approximate actual salary: £24,240–£25,990 per annum]
22.5 hours per week | Permanent
Based at Witney Town Hall, Market Square
Are you an experienced HR professional looking for a varied and influential part-time role?
Witney Town Council is seeking a knowledgeable, approachable and solutions-focused Human Resources Officer to provide a professional HR service across the organisation.
Reporting directly to the Town Clerk/Chief Executive, you will work closely with senior managers and councillors to support the fair, consistent and effective management of our employees. This is a broad generalist role offering the opportunity to shape HR policies, systems and working practices while contributing to a positive and supportive workplace culture.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing practical and professional advice on employee relations, employment law and Council policies.
- Supporting managers with disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance, probation and performance matters.
- Coordinating recruitment, selection, onboarding and employee lifecycle processes.
- Advising on pay, grading, employee benefits and reward arrangements, including supporting job evaluation processes, incremental progression and the application of the Council's terms and conditions of employment.
- Developing and reviewing HR policies, procedures, templates and guidance.
- Supporting employee wellbeing, occupational health referrals and reasonable adjustments.
- Coordinating learning and development and helping managers develop their people-management skills.
- Maintaining effective HR systems, employee records and workforce information.
- Providing HR advice and reports to the Council’s Personnel Committee and other formally appointed panels.
- Supporting workforce planning, organisational change and future service developments.
About you
You will have broad generalist HR experience, sound knowledge of UK employment law and the confidence to advise and constructively challenge managers. You will be comfortable handling sensitive and sometimes complex employee relations matters with discretion, fairness and sound professional judgement.
You will also need:
- A CIPD Level 5 qualification, or equivalent professional HR qualification or to be actively working towards it with substantial relevant HR experience.
- Experience of advising managers and handling employee relations casework.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organisation, accuracy and attention to detail.
- The ability to interpret legislation and policy and translate it into clear, practical advice.
- A commitment to equality, dignity at work and high standards of confidentiality.
Experience within local government or another public or multi-service organisation would be an advantage, but it is not essential.
Why join Witney Town Council?
Witney Town Council delivers a wide range of services, facilities and community activities for the people of Witney. You will be joining an organisation that values care, accountability, respect and excellence and is committed to supporting its employees and continuously improving the way it works.
The Council offers:
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- A generous annual leave entitlement.
- Opportunities for continuing professional development.
- Access to employee wellbeing support.
- A varied role with the opportunity to make a visible difference across the organisation.
The role is primarily based at the Town Hall Offices in Witney. Some travel between Council sites and occasional attendance at evening meetings will be required.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sharon Groth, Town Clerk/CEO by email to arrange a call [email protected]
To apply, please complete a Witney Town Council application form available from the Council's website https://www.witney-tc.gov.uk/council/vacancies
Closing date: Monday 10th August 2026 at 12noon
Interview date: 18th August 2026
Witney Town Council is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.
Pay: £39,862.00-£42,739.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Witney OX28 6AG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work Location: In person
