
Senior People Consultant
Surrey County Council
Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, RH2 8EF£47,142 - £51,175 per annumPermanent36 hours per weekCloses: 2026-05-31
Job Introduction
We are committed to the development of our workforce.
This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council.
We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.
The Senior People Consultant has a starting salary of £47,142 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.
Are you ready to take the next step in your HR career? Surrey County Council is hiring for one fantastic role within our People Consultancy team. If you thrive on managing employee relations casework, working collaboratively with managers, and making a real impact, we want to hear from you!
The team is based in
Woodhatch
and this role is open to hybrid working meaning you aren’t required in the office 5 days a week working to a 2 day a week average. Fundamentally this is about working practice and goes beyond the location in which we work – having the freedom and flexibility to work when and where as needed. Our focus on results, outcomes and collaboration is enabled by high levels of trust and accountability in our people.
Our Offer to You
26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
a generous local government salary related pension
up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
paternity, adoption and dependants leave
an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
learning and development hub with a wealth of resources
wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
a chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the team
Our People Consultancy team is a dedicated group of professionals who are genuinely passionate about making a positive impact in the workplace. We thrive on collaboration and believe that the best solutions come from working together. Each team member brings their unique skills and perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of expertise in human resources and employee relations. We are committed to fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect, where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
We pride ourselves on providing tailored support and guidance to managers and employees alike. Whether it's navigating complex HR policies, managing employee relations processes, or facilitating change management initiatives, we're here to help every step of the way. Our approach is interactive and inventive, ensuring that we not only address immediate challenges but also equip our clients with the tools and knowledge they need for long-term success.
We are a personable, friendly, and enthusiastic team that genuinely cares about the well-being and development of the people we work with. Our mission is to create a thriving workplace culture where everyone can achieve their full potential and contribute to the organisation's success. Join us, and you will find a team that values collaboration, trust, and excellence, and is always ready to lend a helping hand.
About the role
As a Senior People Consultant, you will bring your expertise in handling complex employee relations casework, collective disputes, TUPE processes, employment tribunal work, and change management. You will also play a key role in coaching and mentoring our People Consultants, ensuring high standards of casework delivery.
We are looking for someone with strong technical HR knowledge, including the practical application of employment law and HR policies. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to strategic projects and work closely with Trade Union colleagues to drive improvements.
The role requires a HR professional with experience managing employee relations casework and providing expert advice. If you are passionate about HR, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and want to make a difference, we encourage you to apply.
Your application
In order to
be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with
our behaviours:
Substantial HR / People Consultancy experience
Proven experience of complex employee relations casework
Experience supporting organisational change
Strong applied employment law knowledge
Credible stakeholder management and communication skills
Ability to operate at Senior Consultant level
To apply, we request that you submit a
CV
and you will be asked the following four questions:
Can you describe a challenging employee relations case you have managed, and how you approached it?
Give an example of a time you were involved in a restructuring or change process. How did you contribute to its success?
Tell us about a project or initiative where you helped improve HR processes or implemented a positive change.
Your responses will be used for shortlisting, so make them count! If shortlisted, we will send interview questions in advance to help you prepare.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and
our
Life at Surrey handbook
to get an insight into working at Surrey.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the roles. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
If you would like to know more about this role or have an informal discussion, please contact Geraldine Judge by email at
Geraldine.judge@surreycc.gov.uk
.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 24th May 2025 with interviews to follow.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here:
Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.