Interim HR Advisor – Employee Relations (Children’s Services)

Location: Reading (Hybrid – approx. 80% remote)
Contract: Interim until at least 21 August 2026
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Rate: £27.16 PAYE / £35.00 Umbrella

About the Role

A Reading-based Local Authority is seeking an experienced Interim HR Advisor to join their Social Care division, supporting the Children’s Directorate. This role is heavily focused on Employee Relations (ER) and will suit a candidate who thrives in a fast-paced, casework-driven environment.

Approximately 80% of the role will be dedicated to ER, including managing complex casework, advising managers, and supporting informal resolution and coaching conversations. This is not a generalist HR role – strong ER expertise is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of employee relations matters, including disciplinaries, grievances, capability, and absence
• Provide practical, solution-focused advice to managers within Children’s Services
• Lead and support informal conversations and early resolution approaches
• Coach and upskill managers to confidently handle people issues
• Attend hearings, meetings, and case conferences as required
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, policies, and best practice

About You

• Strong Employee Relations experience – confident managing complex and sensitive casework
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-demand environment, ideally within the public sector
• Experience in local government and/or children’s services is highly desirable, but not essential
• Open to HR generalists who are willing to focus primarily on ER
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proactive, flexible, and able to work independently

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid model: Approximately 80% remote working
• Attendance required on-site for key meetings, hearings, and team sessions
• Preference for candidates based locally to Reading to enable easy travel when required
• Flexibility is essential – candidates are expected to attend the office proactively when needed

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to work within a meaningful Children’s Services environment
• Gain experience in a high-impact ER-focused role
• Work within a supportive advisory team with flexible working arrangements

If you’re an experienced ER professional looking for your next interim opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.