HR Adviser (Policy Development)

Vacancy Information

Hourly rate of pay: £22.76 - £25.36

Days and Hours of Work:
Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00
Days and times of working are negotiable, and flexi time is applicable
To start late February 2027
Interviews will be held on 7 or 15 December 2026

Applications will be accepted from those wishing to be considered for this role on a part-time basis. Please note this on your application form.

We will not be offering Skilled Worker Sponsorship for this role. If you submit an application stating that you would require sponsorship to undertake the role your application will not be progressed.

Home / Hybrid Working Consideration
Home or hybrid working will be considered in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies which can be found here.

Please note that while the post is suitable for home working, the nature of the role will require regular attendance at Council premises. The successful candidate will initially be based at John Muir House for approximately the first 4-6 weeks.

We're looking for a proactive and experienced HR Adviser to take a lead role in the development, review and implementation of employment policies that support our workforce and organisational priorities. Working closely with senior managers, Trade Union representatives and HR colleagues, you will help shape people policies, provide expert advice on complex employee relations matters and drive continuous improvement across the Council.

You'll join a supportive HR team where collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement are valued. This is an excellent opportunity to influence employment policy, and make a meaningful contribution to how we support our workforce across East Lothian Council.

What you'll do

• Lead the development, review and implementation of HR policies, procedures and guidance.
• Research and analyse employment legislation, best practice and workforce trends to inform policy recommendations.
• Work collaboratively with Trade Union representatives, senior managers and service leaders to develop practical and effective people solutions.
• Manage consultation and negotiation processes relating to employment policies and workforce initiatives.
• Present policy proposals and recommendations to senior management groups and consultative forums.
• Deliver policy workshops, training and development sessions to managers and Trade Union colleagues.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of policies and recommend improvements that enhance employee experience and organisational performance.
• Advise managers on a wide range of employee relations matters including discipline, grievance, absence management, capability and performance issues.

What you'll bring

• Significant HR generalist experience with experience of developing, reviewing or implementing HR policies and procedures.
• Experience of consultation and negotiation with Trade Union representatives.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice.
• The ability to influence, negotiate and build credibility with senior managers and key stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and organisational skills.
• A commitment to collaborative working, continuous improvement and delivering high-quality HR services.

Job Details

To provide HR support and advice to all managers in accordance with Council’s policies and legislation. 

Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification (available under 'Job Attachments') for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.

The ‘East Lothian Way’– values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours. Please refer to the document via the link to familiarise yourself with them.

Job Requirements

Relevant Qualifications
Educated to HND/SVQ4 level or equivalent and/or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and competencies gained through previous experience.

Evidence of a strong commitment to Continuous Professional Development.

Driving Licence
A full current driving licence is desirable for this post.

Level 1 Disclosure Clearance
This role requires Level 1 Disclosure Clearance to allow access to the Public Sector Network. ELC will submit a Police Act Disclosure application on behalf of the preferred candidate and receipt of the subsequent certificate will be required prior to commencement.

Please note:
If you have spent more than 3 months working or living out with the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Additional Information

For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link:
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo

If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team via this link https://myjobscotland.gov.uk/contact-us.

If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or contact us via the HR Service Desk

Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form. Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form. If, for example, due to a disability, you are unable to complete the on-line application form you can contact us for a paper application via the telephone number or email address above.