Senior HR Adviser (Policy)

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Reading

21/06/2026

Senior HR Adviser (Policy)

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary

£44,075- £47,181 per year

Contractual hours

Basis

Full time

Region

Permanent / Full-Time

Job category/type

Human Resources

Date posted

03/06/2026

Job reference

RES0812

This is a key role in shaping how we design and deliver modern, fair and legally compliant employment practice across Reading Borough Council.

We’re looking for an experienced HR professional to lead the development, review and implementation of our HR policy framework. Working at the centre of our HR & OD function, you’ll ensure our policies and guidance are clear, accessible and aligned to both organisational priorities and employment law. You will take the lead on our job evaluation policy and process as well as co ordinating the Council’s work on the employee wellbeing agenda.

This is a varied and high‑impact role, combining policy development, strategic advisory work and collaboration with stakeholders across the Council.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people, as diversity and inclusion are key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

This role offers the opportunity to shape how HR policy is applied in practice across a large, complex organisation - supporting consistent, fair and effective people management.

You’ll work closely with HR colleagues, senior managers and trade unions to ensure our approach is modern, pragmatic and supports positive employee outcomes.

You will:

• Lead the development, review and consultation of corporate HR policies, procedures and guidance
• Ensure policies remain legally compliant, evidence‑based and aligned to organisational priorities
• Provide expert advice on policy interpretation and complex employee relations matters, ensuring their consistent application across the Council
• Support organisational change, restructures and TUPE activity from a policy perspective
• Develop clear implementation tools such as guidance, templates and flowcharts to support managers
• Lead engagement and negotiation with trade unions on policy changes
• Monitor employment law, case law and best practice to inform policy development
• Deliver training and briefings to managers and HR colleagues
• Lead on the Council’s job evaluation process and policy development
• Support the Council’s wellbeing agenda, including oversight of Occupational Health and EAP provision

About you

You’ll be a confident HR professional with a strong grounding in employment law and policy development, comfortable working across both strategic and operational issues.

You’ll bring:

• Experience of developing and implementing HR policy in a complex or unionised organisation
• Strong knowledge of employment law and its practical application
• Experience advising on complex employee relations matters
• Excellent written skills, able to translate complex legal or technical content into clear, usable guidance
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret legislation and emerging trends
• Experience of working with trade unions and supporting consultation processes
• The ability to influence stakeholders and provide pragmatic, risk‑aware advice
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. Alongside the colleagues you work closely with, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, making a personal contribution to a successful and vibrant borough.

Our vision is for Reading to be a great place to live, work and play, where everyone shares the benefits of success. Our values and behaviours guide how we achieve this:

Work Together as One Team: champion collaboration to deliver outcomes for Reading

Drive Efficiency: use resources effectively and maximise the impact of our people

Be Ambitious: strive for excellence and support others to reach their potential

Make a Difference to Reading: put residents first and embrace positive change

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact ***email_hidden***

Closing Date: Sunday 21st June 2026

Interview Date: Week commencing 29th June or 6th July 2026

Interview Process: To be confirmed

Senior HR Adviser (Policy)