Job Description:

HR/ER Adviser

CHRGS – Local Government HR & Governance Specialists

Salary: £39,000 - £44,000 per annum pro rata

Contract: Permanent, Part‑time hours (15 – 25 hours per week – candidates must be available to work on Monday with flexibility for the rest of the week.

Location: Topsham, EX2 (with ability to work from home).

Support councils. Shape good governance. Make a real impact.

We are a specialist consultancy supporting parish and town councils across the UK with recruitment, HR, governance and organisational development. We are growing, and we are looking for an experienced, practical and people‑focused adviser to join our team.

This is a role with real purpose. You will be the first point of contact for councils, guiding clerks/chief officers, councillors and senior officers through people matters with clear, practical HR advice.  You must be comfortable working independently, making clear recommendations, and supporting organisations that often have no internal HR function.

As a trusted adviser to clerks, chief officers and councillors, providing practical, legally‑sound HR support across the full employment‑law landscape. This includes:

• Leading ER casework end‑to‑end — conduct, capability, sickness, grievance, performance. (“Lead on ER casework from initial advice through to resolution.” )
• Responding to daily HR queries with clear, proportionate advice tailored to small councils.
• Drafting letters, reports and documentation; supporting clients through meetings and hearings.
• Advising on wellbeing, stress, return‑to‑work and reasonable adjustments.
• Reviewing policies, handbooks and compliance frameworks.
• Building strong, trusted relationships and safeguarding CHRGS’s reputation for clarity and integrity.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking someone with:

• Has substantial HR/ER casework experience in small organisations, public sector or consultancy and strong working knowledge of UK Employment Law
• Confidence advising clients independently on HR matters including conduct, capability, sickness and grievance
• Strong judgement and able to balance legal compliance with practical, balanced advice
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to build trust with clerks and councillors
• Good organisational skills, able to manage competing priorities and calm and solutions‑focused in their approach
• A values‑driven approach with a commitment to fairness and integrity
• CIPD Level 5 as a minimum

 Experience in local government or the parish/town council sector is an advantage.

What we offer

• A supportive, professional team environment
• Meaningful work with visible impact
• Opportunities to develop specialist expertise in local government HR
• Flexible working and autonomy
• A role where your judgement and experience genuinely matter

How to apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for CHRGS, please click apply for a candidate information pack and application form.

Closing date for applications: 12pm, Thursday 6th August

Interviews: Will take place online via MS Teams week commencing 10th August