Job Description

Human Resources Advisor (HRA) - London

Maternity Cover (FTC - 12 months)
Grade: HEO
Working pattern: full time
Location: The role is based in London (Rolls Building).  There is an expectation that the successful candidate will spend a minimum of 60% of their time in the office.  Some of this time may be spent out in the Region on Court visits, at face-to-face stakeholder meetings or facilitating HR input at regional conferences.  The role requires occasional (broadly quarterly) travel to other parts of England including to London.  Due to the nature of the role meetings may need to take place outside of core hours. There is an expectation of working flexibly around judicial office holder availability i.e. out-of-court hours before 10am, after 4pm and at lunchtimes.  We offer flexible working; our focus is on delivery of outcomes.

Judicial Office - Judicial HR
Team: Judicial HR Business Partner and Organisational Design & Development (HRBP & OD&D)

Role Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for an aspiring HR professional to build a strong HR generalist foundation within a unique and high‑profile environment supporting the judiciary.

Reporting to an HR Business Partner (HRBP), the post holder will work closely with HRBPs and colleagues across Judicial HR to provide high‑quality, proactive and responsive HR advice and support to judicial office holders. The role requires agility, sound judgement and confidence in operating in a complex and sometimes ambiguous environment.

Judicial Office HR (JO HR) places judicial office holders at the centre of its service. We are visible, proactive and collaborative, working across the Judicial Office, HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to ensure the Lord Chief Justice and the Senior President of Tribunals are supported by a properly resourced, accessible and professional HR function.

Role Purpose

The Human Resources Advisor plays a key role in enabling the effective delivery of HR services to the judiciary by:

• Supporting HRBPs in delivering a field‑based HR service.

• Acting as a key point of contact for judicial office holders.

• Interpreting and applying HR policy accurately within the context of the judiciary’s unique status as office holders.

• Ensuring HR processes, advice and data handling are compliant, timely and of high quality.

The role involves problem‑solving, analysis and relationship management, and contributes to effective collaboration between the judiciary and HR Centres of Expertise and Operations teams.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties

• Appraise, assess and respond to a wide range of HR and pastoral issues on a day‑to‑day basis, offering appropriate options and solutions to judicial leaders.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships and credibility with judicial office holders and key stakeholders.

• Support the HR triage service for the judiciary, ensuring advice and signposting is accurate, timely and evidence‑based.

• Work collaboratively with Regional HR Advisors to support delivery of a consistent, field‑based HR service to the judiciary.

• Exercise autonomy in managing workload and deploying appropriate HR resources, using initiative and established HR networks.

• Consider sensitive, complex or competing perspectives, analyse information and determine the most appropriate course of action.

• Apply judgement to decide when escalation or specialist input is required.

• Interpret HR policies and terms and conditions, undertaking further investigation where needed to understand wider impacts.

• Operate as an integral member of the HRBP & OD&D team, identifying emerging themes and acting as an intelligent customer into wider Judicial HR services.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Judicial HR, the Judicial Office and HMCTS to deliver seamless support.

Key Tasks

• Work closely with HRBPs to support delivery of a strategic, field‑based HR service.

• Undertake regular travel to courts and tribunals as required to build relationships and provide visible HR support.

• Analyse HR data and information to identify trends, risks or concerns and recommend appropriate interventions.

• Monitor sickness absence and escalate concerns or patterns to the HRBP.

• Carry out Occupational Health referrals supporting the JOH and Leadership judge through the process and provide guidance and support as required

• Provide timely, high‑quality HR advice to support judicial leaders on health, wellbeing and pastoral matters.

• Draft briefing notes, reports and summaries to inform decision‑making.

• Maintain oversight of record‑keeping, ensuring compliance with GDPR and data retention requirements.

• Liaise with HMCTS on complex workplace adjustment and reasonable adjustment cases.

• Collate appeal information relating to judicial office holders and support preparation of briefing materials.

• Support HR‑related meetings involving the judiciary, including minute‑taking where appropriate.

• Respond to complex queries requiring interpretation of multiple policies and terms and conditions.

• Build collaborative relationships with regional support units (RSUs) and other stakeholders to gather insight on regional issues and performance.

• Support maintenance and review of HR systems, processes and services to ensure delivery of a high‑quality and professional HR service.

• On occasion, step up to support or cover elements of the HRBP role, including representing the HRBP or HRBP & OD&D team at meetings, as appropriate.

• Demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development and improvement of HR knowledge and skills.

Behaviours (Success Profiles)

• Communicating and Influencing ( lead behavour)

• Making Effective Decisions

• Managing a Quality Service

• Working Together

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Ability to build strong, credible working relationships and be recognised as a trusted advisor.

• Confidence working autonomously and managing competing priorities in an ambiguous environment.

• Experience of working in a pressured, operational or people‑focused environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.

• Experience of analysing information and applying judgement to support effective decision‑making.

• Ability to manage change and adapt to evolving priorities.

Desirable Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Previous experience working in an HR role or HR team.

• Understanding of the judiciary or public sector environment.

Technical Skills / Qualifications

• Credible HR or operational experience.

• CIPD Level 3 or Level 5 qualified, or willingness to work towards qualification.
  
  
  

Security Clearance

• Successful candidates will be required to obtain CTC.