How this differs from HR officer roles…
Although the term HR adviser can be applied to any generic HR role, if there is both an HR adviser and an HR officer within the same organisation, the adviser tends to be the more senior of the two. Generally speaking, advisers have more responsibility with regards to complex HR procedures, such as disciplinary and grievance issues.
What you need to succeed…
Two to three years’ HR experience, along with a degree and a qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
How you get into it…
Due to the generalist nature of the role, an HR adviser will often have started out as an HR assistant to build up their experience, while studying for their qualification from the CIPD.
What is involved…
You will mainly be responsible for the provision of professional advice, support, and guidance to staff and management. A public sector HR adviser will typically be required to be involved with:
- recruitment up to management level
- employee relations
- reward schemes
- staff reviews
- policy and procedure development.
How this compares with HR adviser roles in other industries…
You may be required to liaise, or work in partnership with, trade unions, in which case a thorough knowledge of employment law and trade union legislation will be required.
Public sector organisations also tend to offer many softer benefits, including flexi-time and time off in lieu, which can create a culture and working environment far removed from what is usual in the private sector.
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