People Advisor

We support peace and prosperity by building connections understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education arts culture language and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

People Advisor.

Purpose of the Role:

We are looking to hire a People Advisor on a 12 month fixed term contract. You will support the hub Lead People Advisor Cluster Leads and Country Directors and SBU leads and teams through the delivery of legally and culturally compliant advice and guidance across the broad spectrum of People function activity. You will ensure there is support to provide an efficient and effective business operations and an improved employee experience.

Through coaching and advice you will contribute to building the confidence of line managers to address people-related challenges and to the early resolution of workplace conflict.

The role will be key to ensuring that the People function services provided are consistent with global HR policies and processes that it reflects local policy frameworks and are high quality and efficient.

Accountabilities:

Advise and guide managers to manage all aspects of the employee life cycle so that the EVP is delivered and experienced within the organisation.
Apply People function technical and professional knowledge recognised best practice approaches and insight from previous experience to resolve non-standard issues.
Manage and advise on discipline and conduct related issues up to and including dismissal by reference to policy and local legislation and working with ER/case management team on medium and high-risk cases as required.
Support resolution of workplace conflict including grievances taking an early resolution approach wherever possible.
Conduct analysis using a range of standard methodologies and across multiple datasets to provide high quality and evidence-based procedural recommendations and HR advice.
Support business execution of organisation re-structures compliant with British Council policies and legal requirements (e.g. advise and participate with business on execution of the consultation process and managing redundancies) and work with legal advisers and union bodies as necessary to support Lead Advisor.
Use a variety of information resources and professional networks to maintain up-to1date knowledge of developments in external policy practice and regulation within the People function. Build line managers confidence to make decisions in people-related matters. Internal customer focus.
Consult closely with internal customers and other stakeholder to understand current and future business needs and plans work activities accordingly to ensure the services and advice provided meet those demands. Service improvement.
expert HR advice informed by local labour laws and other relevant regulations support and challenge to internal customers and other stakeholders to support the development of high quality effective and continuously improving business practices within their area of expertise ensuring high quality service is delivered to maximise performance and minimise risks and costs.
Make professional recommendations to resolve specific or localised People function issues and offer ideas which contribute to the development of wider solutions to broader business challenges and problems.
Participate as part of a team to support implementation the people component of corporate or regional change projects.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Track record of building effective relationships with business leadership teams and managing a range of complex internal and external stakeholders in the delivery of high quality and effective professional People function services.
• Working knowledge of employment law including working knowledge of social security and tax regulations.
• Demonstrable experience in a generalist or specialist People function Advisory role across a number of countries.
• Well versed in all areas of the People function life cycle.
• Risk mitigation & ethics - Ensures ethical conduct and compliance and mitigates people risks.
• Execution excellence Action orientation Implements actionable and adaptive plans to achieve results

Important Information:

Department: Human Resources People.
Contract type: Fixed Term until 31st August 2026.
Contract Hours: Full time - 36 hours per week.
Pay band: 7

Salary: 30839 - 33995 Plus 3300 per annum London Market Allowance for those based in the London area only.

Benefits Include but are not limited to:
32 days annual leave in addition to public holidays
3 days volunteering leave
Career average defined benefit pension scheme

Location: UK - London Cardiff Edinburgh or Belfast only.

Please note we work in a hybrid capacity expectations of a split time between home and office working is standard.

Closing Date: Wednesday 2nd July at 23:59 UK time.

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing legal right to work in the UK.

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.

Interviews will be held around mid July.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19 UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Councils Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application please email