HR Governance Adviser

Job Introduction

Scale:

Grade SO2, £38,510 - £40,444 per annum pro rata

22 hours per week (permanent contract)

Working days can be agreed with the successful candidate and line manager, providing flexibility while ensuring the needs of the role and the Service are met.

Location:

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Hindlip Hall, Worcester

Overview:

Join us as our new HR Governance Adviser and you'll play a key role in strengthening a positive, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive, while supporting our wider aim of putting our communities first.

Reporting directly to the Head of HR & Development, this newly created role is an opportunity to make a real impact across the Fire and Rescue Service. Using workforce intelligence, insight and evidence, you'll provide organisational assurance on workforce culture, governance, employee experience, workforce risks and compliance, helping to shape informed strategic decision-making. Ultimately, your work will help sustain and strengthen the culture, practices and support that enable our people to deliver the best possible service to our communities.

While accountability for culture sits with leaders at all levels, you'll provide the expertise, challenge, coordination and assurance that supports leaders to deliver our culture, equality and strategic workforce priorities.

The role:

You'll be at the centre of our people agenda, helping to maintain employment practices that are fair, inclusive and aligned with our Core Code of Ethics.

Working across the organisation, you will:

• Provide advice on workforce governance, employment practice and people-related risk.
• Use workforce data and insight to identify trends, opportunities and areas for development.
• Support the delivery of our People Strategy, Diversity Framework and Culture Statement of Intent.
• Coordinate workforce assurance initiatives and organisational action plans.
• Lead and support the People Impact Assessment framework and support inclusive decision-making.
• Help ensure employees continue to have a positive, fair and supportive experience at work.

About you

You'll be an experienced HR professional with a strong understanding of employment legislation, workforce governance and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who can turn insight into action, influence positive change and build strong relationships across the organisation.

Why join us?

Help sustain and strengthen our inclusive workplace, where people feel valued and supported to perform at their best. Your insight, challenge and assurance will guide better workforce decisions, strengthen our organisation and help us put our communities first.

We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:

• 29 days annual leave rising to 34 days after 5 years (plus Bank Holidays)
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK)
• Occupational sick pay scheme
• Flexi-time scheme and hybrid working arrangements
• Access to the Blue Light Card - the UK’s largest Emergency Services discount card.

Closing date for applications is 1700 hours on 7th December 2026. Interviews to be held w/c 11th January 2027.

The successful applicant will be subject to a Standard DBS Check and Social Media Screening Check. A satisfactory NPPV Level 2 Vetting Check is also required as we are co-located on West Mercia Police premises.

To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Louise Cooper, Head of HR & Development at LCooper@hwfire.org.uk.

Safeguarding 

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.