HR Advisor Apprentice

Main area Apprenticeship Grade Band 4 Contract Fixed term: 2 years (FTC 2 years) Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Stanmore, with travel to Bolsover Street site) Job ref 392-RNOH-1476

Site The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Town Stanmore Salary £33,262 - £36,027 per annum inclusive of HCAs Salary period Yearly Closing 08/07/:59

Job overview

We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to join the People Directorate as an HR Advisor Apprentice (Band 4 Development Role). This role provides a structured pathway to develop into a Band 5 HR Advisor over approximately two years.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to build a career in HR within the NHS. The successful candidate will undertake the Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship, gaining both practical experience and a recognised qualification, while developing the skills and confidence to support managers and staff across the Trust.

You will be part of a supportive and experienced HR team, working across a wide range of employee relations and people management activities. The role offers a blend of hands on experience, formal learning and structured development aligned to the NHS People Profession Map.

We are looking for someone who is motivated, organised and keen to learn, with strong communication skills and a genuine interest in supporting people and teams.

Main duties of the job

As an HR Advisor Apprentice, you will work closely with experienced HR colleagues to develop the knowledge and skills required to provide high quality HR support.

This role will involve a combination of day to day operational activity and structured development. You will support managers with a range of employee relations queries, contribute to casework, and develop an understanding of HR policies and employment processes.

Over time, and with appropriate support, you will build towards managing your own caseload and providing advice to managers on matters such as absence management, probation, performance and conduct.

You will also contribute to HR projects, support training delivery, and assist with data analysis and reporting to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Benefits

• 24/7 access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
• A Rewards & Recognition platform, offering opportunities to thank colleagues, send gifts, and access exclusive discounts.
• A dedicated Staff Wellbeing Hub, providing a space to relax and recharge away from the work environment.
• Salary sacrifice schemes for transport (season ticket loans, car and bike), electrical goods, and childcare.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The postholder will support the delivery of a comprehensive HR advisory service across the Trust.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting managers with employee relations queries and HR processes
• Assisting with casework, including absence, probation and performance management
• Drafting correspondence and maintaining accurate records
• Supporting the development and delivery of HR training and guidance
• Contributing to HR projects and service improvement initiatives
• Assisting with data collection, reporting and analysis
• Developing knowledge of HR policies, procedures and employment law

The role will include structured development, with increasing responsibility over time, supported by experienced HR colleagues.

The role includes some protected time for off the job learning as part of the Level 5 apprenticeship programme, alongside in house development through shadowing, training sessions and exposure to wider People services.

We are looking for someone who demonstrates initiative, attention to detail, and a commitment to developing a career in HR.

Please note that the successful applicant must be able to meet the essential criteria below.

• Be able to produce certificates to evidence Maths and English GCSE 4/C or above (or equivalent) and Level 3 qualification or above, prior to interview
• Not have completed the same qualification at the same level or higher
• Have the right to live and work in the UK, in line with government apprenticeship guidance, sponsorship cannot be offered
• Undertake enrolment activities with BPP prior to employment to ensure apprenticeship start date can align to employment start date
• Commit to study the full 2 year programme
• Failure to complete any aspect of the academic and work based components within the set time scale could result in removal from the course and termination of the contract with Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital

Person specification Knowledge, Training & Experience & Qualifications

• Maths and English GCSE C/4 or above or recognised equivalent
• Other Level 3 qualification or above
• Understanding of the main Employee Relations processes, e.g. sickness absence, disciplinary, performance issues
• Able to deal with distressing or emotional circumstances, frequently when imparting information e.g., sickness.
• Demonstrate experience in a customer/client facing role which included advisory duties
• CIPD level 3/Foundation Membership or similar
• Up to date and thorough working knowledge of employment law and Human Resource best practice
• Experience of working within the NHS

Communication & Relationship Skills

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear, concise and effective way to colleagues and managers at all levels including accurate note taking
• Ability to provide a proactive and high quality customer focused service
• Strong interpersonal skills, for effective working with colleagues and internal customers
• Ability to manage conflict and sensitive situations
• Presentation skills and experience in assisting with the delivery of training workshops

Analytical & Judgment Skills

• Analytical skills and the ability to produce clear and succinct reports and correspondence for a range of audiences
• Ability to work autonomously, without direct supervision and as part of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage situations in a sensitive manner
• Able to concentrate with frequent interruptions and where work is unpredictable.

Planning & Organisational Skills

• Proactive with the ability to work on own initiative, responding to immediate requests
• Ability to set own priorities, meet tight deadlines and work independently
• Ability to work autonomously, without direct supervision and as part of a team
• Ability to manage educational activity alongside workload

We are committed to equal opportunities in employment and offer a range of flexible working practices. Part time and job share applications will be considered.

Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom. Sponsorship could only be offered where the applicant meets all UKVI requirements under the Skilled Worker visa route.