The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Fixed Term Contract for 12 months
Over the past few years, we’ve made significant strides in modernising how we support our people. From launching a state-of-the-art HR system with self-service capabilities, to transforming our resourcing function and delivering a council-wide leadership development programme—we’re building a forward-thinking, people-focused HR service. At the heart of this transformation is our commitment to shaping a positive organisational culture, guided by our Team Reading values.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
We support hybrid working, it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and you’ll have the option to work on a largely remote basis within this role.
About the role
As a Senior HR Advisor, you’ll be a key member of a proactive HR team, reporting to the HR Advisory Manager. You’ll deliver a comprehensive, high-quality HR service that supports the implementation of policies, procedures, and systems, while contributing to strategic HR initiatives aligned with the organisation’s priorities.
In this role, you will play a key part in supporting our Children’s Services directorate, working collaboratively with teams across Education, Early Help, SEND, and Social Care.
Our mission is to support and safeguard children and young people across Reading. We do this by delivering high-quality children’s social care, early help and prevention services, education provision (including SEND), fostering and adoption services, and the Youth Justice Service.
By working closely with families, local partners, and key organisations, we are committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to lead a happy, healthy, and successful life.
About you
We’re looking for someone with solid HR experience—your sector background is less important than your ability to deliver a high-quality, customer-focused service. What matters most is your ability to build strong, collaborative relationships across a diverse stakeholder group and bring a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to your work.
You’ll bring:
-
Proven experience managing a range of employee relations casework
- A track record of building and maintaining positive working relationships with colleagues and service users
- The ability to work closely with customers to identify needs and resolve issues without disrupting service delivery
- A strong working knowledge of employment legislation and best practice, including:
- Employment Rights Act
- Equality Act
- TUPE Regulations
- Trade Union and Labour Relations Act
- ACAS Codes of Practice
You’ll be part of a collaborative team where everyone plays a vital role. Beyond your immediate colleagues, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, contributing to the success and vibrancy of our community.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
-
Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
For more information on this position please contact Carla Donald, Strategic OD & HR Business Parter, [email protected],uk
Closing date: Sunday 28th June 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview format: Competency based interview
