HR Advisor

Duties and Responsibilities

HR Advice and Employee Relations:

• Act as a first point of contact for HR queries, providing clear, pragmatic and confidential advice to managers and staff
• Support managers with employee relations matters including conduct, capability, grievance, absence, performance, probation and flexible working requests
• Coach managers to apply HR policies consistently, fairly and in line with current UK employment legislation
• Attend formal and informal meetings as required, supporting notetaking, documentation and follow-up actions
• Escalate complex or high-risk cases to the appropriate senior leader or external adviser

Recruitment, Contracts and Onboarding:

• Work with managers to coordinate recruitment processes from role approval through to appointment, including job packs, advertising, shortlisting support, interviews, references and right-to-work checks
• Promote inclusive recruitment practices and help attract candidates from a broad range of backgrounds
• Prepare employment contracts, casual worker agreements, freelance engagement documentation and contract variation letters
• Coordinate induction arrangements so that new starters understand the theatre’s policies, safeguarding, health and safety, values and working practices
• Maintain accurate starter, leaver and contractual change records, liaising with payroll and finance as needed

HR Systems, Records and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate, confidential HR records and employee files in accordance with UK GDPR and organisational retention requirements
• Use HR systems and spreadsheets to record absence, training, recruitment, employee relations activity and workforce data
• Prepare HR reports and people metrics for senior leaders, including turnover, absence, recruitment activity and training compliance
• Support the review and development of HR policies, procedures and templates so they remain legally compliant and accessible
• Assist with audit, insurance, safeguarding, visa, DBS or other compliance requirements where relevant to theatre operations

People Culture, Wellbeing and Development:

• Support initiatives that strengthen a positive, inclusive and collaborative workplace culture across permanent, casual and freelance teams
• Contribute to staff engagement, wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion activity
• Coordinate learning and development activity, including mandatory training, manager briefings and professional development records
• Help managers plan effectively around rehearsals, productions, performances, touring, seasonal peaks and irregular working patterns
• Support exit interviews and use feedback to identify improvements to people practices

Organisational Commitments:

• Carrying out any other tasks that will be required on an ad hoc or continuing basis, commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post
• Undertaking relevant training and development as required
• Driving change through actions and words that advocate inclusion and equality, creating a culture that recognises and celebrates diversity
• Being accountable for the safety of yourself and others, in line with our Health & Safety Policy
• Creating a positive working environment, underpinned by the organisation’s values
• Ensuring we are collecting and using data to inform decisions, demonstrate our impact and fulfil our funding conditions
• Complying with all legal requirements relating to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Contributing to our environmental sustainability goals

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Experience in a generalist HR advisory role, including employee relations casework and HR administration
• Good working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Ability to advise managers confidently and sensitively on policies, procedures and people issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including accurate documentation and report writing.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
• High level of discretion, confidentiality and professionalism.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, wellbeing and respectful working cultures.

Desirable Criteria:

• CIPD Level 5 qualification, working towards it, or equivalent relevant experience
• Experience in a theatre, arts, cultural, charity or not-for-profit environment
• Experience supporting casual, freelance, fixed-term or irregular-hours workforce.
• Experience delivering HR training, briefings or manager coaching.
• Experience using HR information systems or applicant tracking systems.
• Understanding of safeguarding, DBS, right-to-work and visa considerations relevant to performing arts settings.
• Interest in theatre, live performance and the role of arts organisations in their communities.

Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person