HR Adviser

HR Adviser (Projects) - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Benefits:

Salary:
£33,699 - £38,220 per annum, Grade 4

Hours:
Full Time - 37 hours per week

Location - Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading

Excellent annual leave allowance of 28 days, flexible working, onsite gym, parking facilities and a Local Government Pension Scheme are available

About the role:

Join Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service as an HR Adviser (Projects), where you'll play a key role in driving change and enhancing HR and payroll processes. This is a 12-month fixed term position based at our Headquarters in Reading.

We are looking for an organised, analytical, and forward-thinking HR Adviser (Projects) to support the continuous improvement of our HR and payroll processes. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a strong HR background who enjoys problem-solving, data analysis, and developing efficient systems that make a real difference.

If you're passionate about process improvement and delivering high-quality HR services, we'd love to hear from you.

About you:

In this role, you'll be identifying and implementing process improvements within HR and payroll. You'll work collaboratively across the Service to enhance consistency, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.

This is a key role within our HR function, that will be co-ordinating and improving HR and payroll processes across the organisation. This will include mapping out processes, spotting areas for improvement, and investigating the sources of any challenges.

The role will focus on payroll accuracy and providing hands-on support across a wide range of HR activities.

You will be an experienced individual who will be able to confidently undertake a range of project tasks. You will also ensure compliance with legislative requirements while maintaining high standards of employee relations and data integrity.

This role offers a great opportunity to make a difference in an evolving public service environment and in an organisation that invests in continuing development. A range of post-appointment training will be provided as appropriate.

This role will be predominantly office based.

The key focus of this role (Key Responsibilities and Deliverables) is:

Map and review existing HR and payroll processes to identify areas for improvement.

Work on multiple improvement projects, ensuring clear communication and timely delivery.

Use HR systems and automation tools to streamline processes and improve service quality.

Conduct payroll audits and checks to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Provide advice and guidance to managers and employees on employment policies, legislation, and best practice.

Maintain data protection and ensure high data quality across HR systems.

Support wider HR projects and contribute to continuous service improvement initiatives.

Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience):

CIPD level 5 qualified or working towards.

Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to use and adapt to various HR systems.

Strong experience in transactional HR and providing professional HR advice.

Excellent attention to detail.

Application and selection process

The successful candidate will demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile/Person Specification and our Behaviour Competency Framework as attached.

The Behavioural Competency Framework allows us to easily identify the behaviours that drive successful performance and enables us to deliver an effective service. The behaviours detailed within the job profile will be assessed throughout the selection process.

If you are interested in applying for this position, click Apply Now

Please see the link to the Job Profile/Person Specification

Appointment is conditional upon undertaking a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Rechecks will be required in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy.

For further details about the role please contact Maja Davies, HR Adviser at (url removed) to arrange an informal discussion.

If you have any queries about the application process or to discuss any adaptations or adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application or with our promotion process please contact Amanda Gavin, HR and Recruitment Officer at (url removed) or by phone (phone number removed) for an informal discussion.

Please note we do not accept applications via Agencies or CVs without an accompanying application form.

Closing date for applications is 23:59 hours 7 December 2025

It is anticipated that the assessment/interview process will be on 11 and 15 December 2025.

Anticipated start date: 5 January 2026

Please note that is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying / accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge.

Please view our Applicant Privacy Statement on application.

Our Commitments:

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity. All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas.

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work.

Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too.

Applications are welcome for job-share or part time arrangements please enquire on application.

All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader - if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.

Please view our Safer Recruitment Statement on application