Job summary
At Willen Hospice, we are proud to deliver compassionate, high-quality palliative and end-of-life care to our community. Our incredible teams make this possible and were here to support them just as wholeheartedly.
We are now seeking an experienced and proactive HR Advisor to join our dedicated People Services team.
Main duties of the job
As HR Advisor to our Clinical and Support Services teams, you will play a key role in providing expert guidance and hands-on support to managers, employees and volunteers across the Hospice. Working closely with the Head of People Services, you will be involved in a wide range of HR activities, helping to shape an inclusive, supportive workplace culture that truly reflects our values and strategic goals.
What youll do:
- Support our amazing staff and volunteers across the employee lifecycle
- Advising and supporting managers and employees on policies, procedures and best practices
- Lead or support employee relations matters including disciplinary, grievance and attendance management
- Help us shape a positive, inclusive and values-driven workplace culture
- Contribute to the development and implementation of People initiatives to enhance employee engagement and wellbeing
What you'll need:
Excellent time management skills are necessary for this role, as is the ability to develop and maintain excellent working relationships at all levels. You will be self-motivated to work autonomously and manage your own workload. Ideally CIPD qualified with a minimum of 3 years relevant, demonstrable experience. Experience of working within an NHS or health setting would be advantageous.
About us
Who we are:
Set in the tranquil grounds of Willen Lake, Willen Hospice is the leading provider of specialist palliative care in the Milton Keynes area. We offer round-the-clock, expert care to local patients with a life-limiting illness, both in their own homes and in our In-Patient Unit. Our passionate staff and volunteers make sure our care is personalised to each patients needs and supports their loved ones too. We have a thriving Therapeutic & Wellbeing service providing counselling, physiotherapy, activity groups and more, and a specialist Lymphoedema service. As a registered charity, we raise vital funds through our dedicated Business Development team and our growing portfolio of high street and online shops, to ensure our care stays free of charge.
Why join us?
- A role with purpose be part of a team delivering outstanding palliative care.
- Supportive and caring environment work with passionate colleagues.
- Great benefits package including 35 days' holiday, contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity/sick pay, and ongoing professional development.
- Perks and extras free on-site parking, subsidised catering, Blue Light Card discounts (with membership), and an Employee Assistance Programme.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply today and help shape the future of Willen Hospice!
Interview date: 15 July 2025
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Responsibility for recruitment of paid roles, utilising cost effective and creative solutions. Oversee the recruitment, selection and on-boarding process for paid roles, working closely with the People Services Administrator to ensure all activity is dealt with in a professional timely manner. Participation in interviews as required.
- Proactive involvement in the Induction of new starters, both employees & volunteers e.g. participating in on-boarding processes, including meet & greets etc. and ensuring probationary reviews are completed or probation periods extended where appropriate.
- Through partnership working with managers, provide a range of complex advice on employee/volunteer relations issues, including absence management and grievance & disciplinary matters, working in collaboration with the Head of People Services on more complex matters. As agreed by the Head of People Services, undertake investigations and hearings, providing reports of findings. Attend hearings in either a formal capacity as a panel member, ensuring hearings are conducted in accordance with organisational Policies and Procedures or take minutes at meetings or hearings as required.
- Process any contractual variations etc and ensure accurate maintenance and update of PERCI and associated spreadsheets for the clinical and support services. Provision of accurate and timely information for the monthly payroll including ad-hoc staff claims e.g. DSE.
- Support the Voluntary Services Co-ordinator where appropriate in providing a proactive comprehensive volunteer offering including recruitment, on-boarding, ongoing support and advice to Line Managers in the daily management of volunteers and ensuring a positive volunteer experience.
- As part of the team, champion employee and volunteer engagement initiative, supporting the delivery of agreed action plans in conjunction with line managers.
- Collaborate with the team to ensure all processes are delivered on time, that up to date and accurate information is available via the internet and intranet for current and prospective employees or volunteers and that we offer a consistent standard of support and guidance across the organisation.
- Under the direction of the Head of People Services, review and update existing policies to ensure compliance with statutory and CQC/CHKS requirements.
- Lead on audit for the department by attending the Audit committee and under the direction of the Head of People Services, identify appropriate audits that add value to current work streams.
- Support the development of the People Services Assistant by providing advice and guidance where appropriate, and provide shadowing opportunities where possible.
- Under the direction of the Head of People Services, lead or work collaboratively on relevant projects as appropriate.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Responsibility for recruitment of paid roles, utilising cost effective and creative solutions. Oversee the recruitment, selection and on-boarding process for paid roles, working closely with the People Services Administrator to ensure all activity is dealt with in a professional timely manner. Participation in interviews as required.
- Proactive involvement in the Induction of new starters, both employees & volunteers e.g. participating in on-boarding processes, including meet & greets etc. and ensuring probationary reviews are completed or probation periods extended where appropriate.
- Through partnership working with managers, provide a range of complex advice on employee/volunteer relations issues, including absence management and grievance & disciplinary matters, working in collaboration with the Head of People Services on more complex matters. As agreed by the Head of People Services, undertake investigations and hearings, providing reports of findings. Attend hearings in either a formal capacity as a panel member, ensuring hearings are conducted in accordance with organisational Policies and Procedures or take minutes at meetings or hearings as required.
- Process any contractual variations etc and ensure accurate maintenance and update of PERCI and associated spreadsheets for the clinical and support services. Provision of accurate and timely information for the monthly payroll including ad-hoc staff claims e.g. DSE.
- Support the Voluntary Services Co-ordinator where appropriate in providing a proactive comprehensive volunteer offering including recruitment, on-boarding, ongoing support and advice to Line Managers in the daily management of volunteers and ensuring a positive volunteer experience.
- As part of the team, champion employee and volunteer engagement initiative, supporting the delivery of agreed action plans in conjunction with line managers.
- Collaborate with the team to ensure all processes are delivered on time, that up to date and accurate information is available via the internet and intranet for current and prospective employees or volunteers and that we offer a consistent standard of support and guidance across the organisation.
- Under the direction of the Head of People Services, review and update existing policies to ensure compliance with statutory and CQC/CHKS requirements.
- Lead on audit for the department by attending the Audit committee and under the direction of the Head of People Services, identify appropriate audits that add value to current work streams.
- Support the development of the People Services Assistant by providing advice and guidance where appropriate, and provide shadowing opportunities where possible.
- Under the direction of the Head of People Services, lead or work collaboratively on relevant projects as appropriate.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 2 years experience in generalist HR advisory role.
- Have solid employment law knowledge, practical experience across a wide range of HR issues including recruitment, employee relations, operational HR and a good understanding of GDPR.
- Have experience of using an HR database.
Desirable
- Have experience and understanding of working with volunteers and the contribution they make to an organisation.
Qualifications
Essential
- CIPD Level 5 or equivalent level of experience
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 2 years experience in generalist HR advisory role.
- Have solid employment law knowledge, practical experience across a wide range of HR issues including recruitment, employee relations, operational HR and a good understanding of GDPR.
- Have experience of using an HR database.
Desirable
- Have experience and understanding of working with volunteers and the contribution they make to an organisation.
Qualifications
Essential
- CIPD Level 5 or equivalent level of experience
