JOB DESCRIPTION – HR ADVISOR
Our HR Vision
To be a high achieving employer that people aspire to join, and enjoy working for
Context
There are 4 HR Advisors operating at middle management level, and responsible to the
Head of HR. The HRAs work flexibly across their own region to advise and guide staff and
managers in all group directorates. Due the dispersed nature of our business, regular travel
is involved; the main office bases for each of the 4 Advisors is as follows:
 Exeter/Barnstaple
 Plymouth/Totnes
 Truro/Penzance
 Totnes; This post primarily provides support to our growing Direct Maintenance Team;
staff are based in Plymouth, Kingsbridge, Tavistock, North Devon
Purpose
As a senior HR professional your role is to be a business partner, actively progressing
and promoting the delivery of DCH and HR Strategies across our diverse organisation
and geography by providing a consistently high quality and customer focussed HR
service to managers and staff in line with our vision, our aims and our values.
Key Objectives
1. Promote the vision and values of the Group and HR strategies, actively seeking to
positively engage staff throughout the group in achievement of DCH strategic aims.
2. Proactively support and progress complex employment cases delivering pragmatic
business focussed advice that drives line manager capability in resolving and concluding
cases.
3. Provide ongoing support and advice to line managers and employees in a way that delivers
improved business and individual performance and enhances staff engagement and
recognition.
4. Deliver a professional and timely recruitment and selection service attracting talented
people to DCH group, coaching and advising managers as required to enable them to
contribute to the recruitment and selection process effectively.
5. Guide line managers in the communication and delivery of organisational change, including
restructure, redundancy, TUPE and other complex initiatives taking account of the impact
on staff morale of such changes, ensuring effective implementation of new structures, and
including authorisation and preparation of legal and contractual documentation.
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6. Play an active role in developing and maintaining meaningful staff consultation and
communication, both formal and informal.
7. Contribute to the delivery and analysis of regular KPI and ad-hoc management information
which provides managers with insightful commentary to drive business improvement.
8. Advise on organisational legal compliance in relation to workplace practice and HR service
delivery ensuring risks are communicated, assessed and mitigated in partnership with line
managers
9. Support the OD team in development of management and staff, identifying and addressing
issues and concerns that prevent the achievement of business objectives or HR strategy.
10. Initiate and contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of internal
policies and practice that provide an effective, consistent and timely delivery of an HR
service that delivers group strategy and enhances DCH’s aspiration to be a high achieving
employer that people aspire to join, and enjoy working for.
11. Contribute to the continuing improvement and development of the HR/OD team, to
projects, change management programmes and working groups as required.
12. Maintain up to date knowledge with developments in employment legislation and human
resource best practice sharing this knowledge with colleagues and customers.
Corporate Responsibilities
1. Develop and maintain collaborative and productive relationships with colleagues
throughout the group.
2. Maintain awareness of the changing external environment, developing professional
knowledge and skills and using this to the benefit of DCH and own personal development.
3. Adhere to and promote the group’s policies and procedures, with special attention being
given to promoting equality & diversity, data protection, health & safety, value for money
and risk management.
4. The post holder is expected to undertake any other reasonable duties within their
capabilities and the scope of the post as requested by their line manager.
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Person Specification
Qualifications
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CIPD qualified with substantial post qualification experience (or equivalent expertise
through study and experience)
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Evidence of continuing professional development and genuine interest in
continuous learning
Experience/knowledge

A track record of achievement in a customer and performance focused HR team
within a large employer (and that is geographically dispersed - D)
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Working with a high achieving business, delivering a constantly improving HR
service in a changing environment

Current knowledge of employment legislation and evidence of translating this into
risk assessed practical advice and actions

Supporting managers in handling disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence and
other employee relations matters in a timely and professional manner

Knowledge of forward thinking recruitment and selection procedures with evidence
of implementation in collaboration with managers

Developing employee engagement strategies (D)

Analysis and exploitation of HR Information systems including KPI data,
recommending appropriate actions to drive performance (D)

Developing and implementing HR policy and practice that supports employee
engagement and delivery of business strategy

Delivering briefings and training to employees at all levels

Evidence of leading improvement and change in HR service delivery

Supporting merger/acquisition/growth, including TUPE transfers (D)

Experience in diverse business environments both private and public sector (D)

Reward and recognition strategies, including job evaluation (D)

IT literate (MS Office suite) with experience of interrogating HR Management
Information systems
All criteria are considered to be essential, unless indicated as desirable (D)
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DCH Values and the HR Advisor
Our values are integral to how we recruit, induct and learn, enabling high performance,
inspirational leadership and a supportive team-working culture.
Putting customers first
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Delivering a business focused HR service that exceeds customer expectations
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of change on individuals in the workplace and
provides support, coaching and advice as appropriate
Flexible approach to travel within the SW and supporting our diverse
directorates/businesses
Learning and improving
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Understanding of and thrives in the challenges of delivering HR in a changing culture
The ability to evaluate information, identify desired outcomes and recommend appropriate
action
Understanding of HR Business partnering; promotes the role of HR vs. the role of the
manager in managing and developing staff
Making things happen
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Demonstrates curiosity,
a pro-active, ‘can do’ attitude and follows through to
implementation
Confidence and ability to challenge and influence colleagues in all parts of the group
Has the drive and confidence to think independently in order to deliver the right outcome
for the business and the individual
Able to work independently in a geographically dispersed HR team, planning own
workload, manage competing priorities and achieving tight deadlines whilst delivering
quality work
Responds positively to change, maintaining a focus on longer term objectives
Honesty, respect and leadership
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Able to lead change initiatives from an HR perspective, working in partnership with
colleagues from different disciplines.
Accurate and responsible worker with excellent attention to detail
Ability to communicate complex information transparently and effectively both orally and in
writing
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