About this role
Job summary
We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to join the People Directorate as an HR Advisor Apprentice (Band 4 Development Role). This role provides a structured pathway to develop into a Band 5 HR Advisor over approximately two years.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to build a career in HR within the NHS. The successful candidate will undertake the Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship, gaining both practical experience and a recognised qualification, while developing the skills and confidence to support managers and staff across the Trust.
You will be part of a supportive and experienced HR team, working across a wide range of employee relations and people management activities. The role offers a blend of hands-on experience, formal learning and structured development aligned to the NHS People Profession Map.
We are looking for someone who is motivated, organised and keen to learn, with strong communication skills and a genuine interest in supporting people and teams.
Main duties of the job
As an HR Advisor Apprentice, you will work closely with experienced HR colleagues to develop the knowledge and skills required to provide high-quality HR support.
This role will involve a combination of day-to-day operational activity and structured development. You will support managers with a range of employee relations queries, contribute to casework, and develop an understanding of HR policies and employment processes.
Over time, and with appropriate support, you will build towards managing your own caseload and providing advice to managers on matters such as absence management, probation, performance and conduct.
You will also contribute to HR projects, support training delivery, and assist with data analysis and reporting to identify trends and areas for improvement.
About us
At the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), we are committed to achieving the best staff experience in the NHS. In the 2023 NHS Staff Survey, we proudly:
Scored above the national average for the People Promises: "We are recognised and rewarded," "We are always learning," "We work flexibly," "We are a team," and for staff engagement. Ranked #1 among all Trusts in North and Central London for all People Promises and themes. Ranked #1 among all Acute Specialist Trusts for "We work flexibly." At RNOH, we're committed to being actively anti-discriminatory and actively inclusive. We recognise our brilliant people do brilliant work, and we offer rewarding careers, no matter what their background. We continue to strive to break down barriers to be the Trust where people come together because what they do matters, makes a difference and where they can thrive.
Joining our organisation means enjoying a wide range of staff benefits, including:
24/7 access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme. A Rewards & Recognition platform, offering opportunities to thank colleagues, send gifts, and access exclusive discounts. A dedicated Staff Wellbeing Hub, providing a space to relax and recharge away from the work environment. Salary sacrifice schemes for transport (season ticket loans, car and bike), electrical goods, and childcare At RNOH, we are more than a workplace--we are committed to patients, to excellence and the wellbeing of our staff.
Job description Job responsibilities
The postholder will support the delivery of a comprehensive HR advisory service across the Trust.
Key responsibilities include:
Supporting managers with employee relations queries and HR processes Assisting with casework, including absence, probation and performance management Drafting correspondence and maintaining accurate records Supporting the development and delivery of HR training and guidance Contributing to HR projects and service improvement initiatives Assisting with data collection, reporting and analysis Developing knowledge of HR policies, procedures and employment law The role will include structured development, with increasing responsibility over time, supported by experienced HR colleagues.
The role includes some protected time for off-the-job learning as part of the Level 5 apprenticeship programme, alongside in-house development through shadowing, training sessions and exposure to wider People services.
We are looking for someone who demonstrates initiative, attention to detail, and a commitment to developing a career in HR.
Please note the successful applicant must be able to meet the essential criteria below ;
Be able to produce certificates to evidence Maths and English GCSE 4/C or above (or equivalent) and Level 3 qualification or above, prior to interview
Not have completed the same qualification at the same level or higher
Have the right to live and work in the UK, in line with government apprenticeship guidance, sponsorship cannot be offered
Undertake enrolment activities with BPP prior to employment to ensure apprenticeship start date can align to employment start date
Commit to study the full 2 year programme
Failure to complete any aspect of the academic and work based components within the set time scale could result in removal from the course and termination of the contract with Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
Please see job description for full details.
Person Specification
Knowledge, Training & Experience & Qualifications Essential
Maths and English GCSE C/4 or above or recognised equivalent Other Level 3 qualification or above Understanding of the main Employee Relations processes, e.g. sickness absence, disciplinary, performance issues Able to deal with distressing or emotional circumstances, frequently when imparting information e.g., sickness. Demonstrate experience in a customer/client facing role which included advisory duties
Desirable
CIPD level 3/Foundation Membership or similar Up to date and thorough working knowledge of employment law and Human Resource best practice Experience of working within the NHS
Communication & Relationship Skills Essential
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear, concise and effective way to colleagues and managers at all levels including accurate note-taking Ability to provide a proactive and high quality customer focused service Strong interpersonal skills, for effective working with colleagues and internal customers Ability to manage conflict and sensitive situations
Desirable
Presentation skills and experience in assisting with the delivery of training workshops
Analytical & Judgment Skills Essential
Analytical skills and the ability to produce clear and succinct reports and correspondence for a range of audiences Ability to work autonomously, without direct supervision and as part of a team Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage situations in a sensitive manner Able to concentrate with frequent interruptions and where work is unpredictable.
Planning & Organisational Skills Essential
Proactive with the ability to work on own initiative, responding to immediate requests Ability to set own priorities, meet tight deadlines and work independently Ability to work autonomously, without direct supervision and as part of a team Ability to manage educational activity alongside workload
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust
Address The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
Brockley Hill
Stanmore
HA7 4LP
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.rnoh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)