Job Description
Job Title:
HR Advisor
Section (optional):
Department:
Human Resources
Directorate:
Human Resources
Responsible to:
HR & Training Business Partner
Current job holder:
Approved by:
Head of Department/ Director: Fiona Evans
Job Evaluation Committee Reference Number:
Grade Allocated:
5.0
Date Allocated:
*PLEASE ATTACH A DEPARTMENTAL ORGANISATIONAL CHART TO THE
JOB DESCRIPTION*
Job Description
Key Purpose of the Job
To support the HR function based at Whipsnade Zoo, providing general HR advice and
administrative and organisational assistance as required.
Responsibility for Resources
People
This role has no direct reports but would be expected to supervise the HR administrator in
the HR Business Partner’s absence.
Other
Confidentiality: This role requires the post holder to demonstrate professionalism towards
sensitive and confidential information.
Main duties and key responsibilities (not exhaustive)
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Advising staff and managers on how to deal with HR issues, HR Policy and
employment law.
Leading disciplinary investigations/meetings and grievance investigations/meetings.
Keeping up to date with current employment law legislation.
Ensuring that high standards of delivery are maintained with recruitment, working
with the recruitment officer: liaising with managers on adverts and job descriptions,
liaising with agencies as appropriate, interviewing candidates, appointing candidates
and working with HR administrator to arrange contracts.
Overseeing the probation process, ensuring that all meetings are happening at
relevant times and that necessary action is taken.
Monitoring sickness levels across Whipsnade Zoo and ensuring that the sickness
policy and process is applied as appropriate.
Liaising with HR & Training Business Partner to ensure HR objectives are being met.
Ensuring that all HR systems, processes and databases are kept up to date.
Liaising with trade unions as necessary.
Supporting the HR Business Partner in carrying out ZSL organisational structural
changes, e.g. restructures, redundancies, TUPE, promotions, etc.
Monitoring of PDR process, that it is being carried out effectively and that HR receive
all completed PDR forms back from managers.
Develop and maintain good relationships with Managers and staff across ZSL.
Running the WZ Social committee and ensuring that events of a high standard are
delivered including Summer BBQ and Christmas Party.
Building relationships
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Excellent communication skills required to build relationships across both Whipsnade
and London Zoos.
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Ability to exercise sensitivity and confidentiality on situations dealt with by the HR
department is crucial.
Mental Demands
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Requirement to be able to remain calm in pressurised and highly charged situations.
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The post holder will be juggling a number of activities and demands and will need to
be able to make decisions with regard to deadlines and priorities.
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Will need to be able to provide clear advice and guidance to stakeholders at all levels
in all situations.
Flexibility
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Strong requirement to be flexible in terms of fluctuating workloads, urgent queries
and mandatory tasks.
Working Conditions
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This post is based at Whipsnade Zoo and some infrequent travel to Regents Park
Zoo will be required
Expectations of job holder
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To ensure that the policy for equality of opportunity is adhered to and promoted in all
aspects of the post holder’s work.
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To ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work
and responsibilities attached to this post.
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Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.
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To comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to
undertake recommended Health and Safety training as and when necessary.
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To be committed to professional self-development, through participation in in-service
training as necessary for the successful carrying out of the job.
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To undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post.
NB: This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be
encountered. It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in
consultation with the post holder in order to reflect changes in the job or the organisation.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Experience
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CIPD Qualification essential
Experience of managing employee relations casework.
Experience of using HR databases and other IT systems.
Experience of advising on HR laws, policies and procedures.
Good knowledge of Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Knowledge
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An understanding of relevant employment law and recent case law outcomes.
In depth knowledge of employee relations processes and procedures.
Familiar with recruitment best practice and employment legislation.
Skills & Abilities
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Ability to use initiative is essential.
An ability to manage competing priorities and delegate effectively is essential.
Commitment to deliver exceptional results required.
Ability to communicate with and influence staff at all levels and to work as part of
team.
A commitment to the delivery of high quality service and the ability to develop and
foster internal and external relationships.
Highly organised with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines whilst maintaining
high attention to detail.
Problem solving skills and the ability to innovate and introduce improvements in all
aspects of the role.
A dynamic and driven individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
The ability to act diplomatically, professionally and with discretion, maintaining
confidentiality at all times.
Other Requirements
There will be a requirement to travel to London Zoo infrequently for ad-hoc meetings.