HR Policy Advisor

Ko wai tātou | Who are we?

The Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) / Kāhui Whakamana Tauwhiro is a Crown Entity which is Aotearoa’s social worker regulator and lead agency for social worker workforce planning. We protect the safety of members of the public by ensuring social workers are competent and safe to practise and are accountable for the way in which they practise. We also enhance social workers’ professional practice and provide insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the social work workforce.

We recognise our Crown-Māori commitment as a Te Tiriti O Waitangi partner and are committed to improving services and outcomes for Māori, strengthening the Crown’s relationship with Māori, and developing our Māori capability.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

Strong organisations rely on strong HR foundations. As HR Policy Advisor you will play a pivotal role in lifting the HR function to a consistent, compliant, and fit‑for‑purpose level, ensuring managers and staff are well supported by clear frameworks, practical policies, and effective processes.

This is an 18-month fixed‑term specialist role, working within the Human Resources team and reporting to the HR Manager. You will lead, deliver and support core initiatives to strengthen HR foundations — including the refresh of people policies and employment documentation, and the development of clear frameworks for delegation, capability, and remuneration.

Sitting at the intersection of policy and day‑to‑day practice, you will translate HR best practice into practical tools, guidance, and processes that are easy to use and understood across the organisation. Your work will improve consistency, reduce risk, and build confidence in people management, while supporting organisational strategy and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, including the application of He Arapaki, SWRB’s Māori Development Framework.

About you | Mōhou ake

• You are a grounded, pragmatic HR professional who brings calm, clarity, and sound judgement to complex organisational environments. You are trusted for how you work as much as what you deliver.
• You exercise excellent professional judgement and are comfortable making decisions where there are competing risks, imperfect information, or high sensitivity.
• You have strong personal credibility and are able to influence leaders through clear reasoning, consistency, and integrity rather than position or authority.
• You communicate with purpose and care, adapting your style to support understanding, confidence, and good decision‑making at all levels.
• You take a systems view, noticing patterns, interdependencies, and unintended consequences, and adjusting your advice accordingly.
• You are disciplined and organised in your approach, able to prioritise effectively and maintain momentum across multiple streams of work.
• You are reflective and improvement‑focused, open to challenge, and willing to test, adjust, and refine your thinking over time.
• You actively engage with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te ao Māori and ensure Treaty principles are purposefully embedded within HR policies, processes, and systems.

What we offer | Ngā painga

We’re committed to creating a supportive, flexible workplace where people can do meaningful work and thrive. In return for your contribution, we offer:

• Flexible working hours to help balance work with other commitments.
• Hybrid working, with up to two days per week working from home, subject to role requirements.
• Free gym access, supporting your physical wellbeing.
• Access to EAP services for confidential wellbeing, counselling, and support.
• A collaborative, respectful culture where people are supported to ask questions, learn, and grow.
• A values‑driven organisation grounded in matatika, manaaki, mahitahi, and māia, with work that has real public impact.

At the Social Workers’ Registration Board, we value diversity and the different perspectives people bring. We support autonomy in our roles and encourage ongoing professional development, creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.

We are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. If you have any accessibility needs or require adjustments at any stage, please contact us to discuss.

This role is based in Wellington; remote working arrangements are not available.

For more information, please contact [email protected]. To apply please submit your CV and cover letter via the Seek website.

Applications close Thursday 27th August 5:00pm