Employment advisor volunteer roles in barnard castle, county durham

Job Title: Talent Advisor
Location: Remote
Department: People & Culture
Reports To: Manager: Talent Advisory

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a visionary organisation committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Rooted in a People First philosophy, we strive to create workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. Join our People & Culture team to drive meaningful change through equitable HR practices and a culture of belonging.

Role Overview

As a Talent Advisor, you will be a frontline advocate for fair and inclusive employee relations (ER) practices at QuilomboUK. You’ll manage ER cases, guide managers through complex performance and disciplinary matters, and contribute to building a positive workplace culture through proactive strategies. Your work will ensure HR policies and processes align with our mission, legal standards, and social justice values. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional passionate about resolving conflicts equitably and fostering an environment where everyone thrives.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations (ER) Case Management

• Handle end-to-end ER cases, including grievances, disciplinaries, absence management, and performance issues, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance.

• Advise managers on ER processes, providing coaching on conflict resolution, documentation, and equitable decision-making.

• Document case outcomes meticulously and identify trends to recommend preventative measures.

Investigations & Compliance

• Support complex workplace investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing stakeholders, and drafting reports in collaboration with the Manager: Talent Advisory.

• Ensure all ER outcomes comply with UK employment law, organisational policies, and QuilomboUK’s D&I principles.

• Mitigate organisational risk by maintaining accurate records and escalating high-risk issues promptly.

Workplace Culture & Engagement

• Design proactive ER initiatives (e.g., manager training on bias-free feedback, mediation programs) to promote a positive, inclusive culture.

• Partner with the People & Culture team to embed restorative practices and psychological safety in conflict resolution.

• Contribute to engagement surveys and action plans to address systemic employee well-being issues.

Policy Development & Implementation

• Collaborate with the Manager: Talent Advisory to design, update, and implement HR policies that reflect QuilomboUK’s values, culture, and legal obligations.

• Communicate policies clearly to employees and managers, ensuring accessibility and understanding across all levels.

• Monitor policy effectiveness and propose adjustments to align with evolving organisational and social justice goals.

D&I Integration

• Apply a D&I lens to all ER processes, ensuring marginalised voices are heard and outcomes address systemic inequities.

• Advocate for inclusive practices in performance management, such as culturally sensitive feedback frameworks.

• Support initiatives that advance QuilomboUK’s external social justice partnerships and internal equity goals.

Qualifications

• Experience: 2+ years in HR or employee relations, with hands-on experience managing disciplinary, grievance, and performance cases. Exposure to mission-driven or D&I-focused organisations is preferred.

• Skills:

  • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practices.

  • Ability to navigate sensitive conversations with empathy, discretion, and cultural competence.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for policy drafting and stakeholder guidance.

  • Proficiency in HRIS systems and case management tools.

• Knowledge: Understanding D&I frameworks, restorative justice principles, and trauma-informed HR practices.

• Alignment: Commitment to QuilomboUK’s mission and passion for social justice.

Personal Attributes

• Fair-minded and principled, with a strong ethical compass.

• Collaborative team player who builds trust with employees and leaders alike.

• Proactive problem-solver who balances empathy with organisational needs.

• Resilient under pressure, with the ability to manage multiple priorities calmly.

Why Join QuilomboUK?

• Purpose-Driven Work: Tackle ER challenges through a social justice lens, directly impacting equity in the workplace.

• Growth: Develop expertise in equitable HR practices with mentorship from inclusive leaders.

• Culture: Join a team that values authenticity, courage, and collective growth.

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a forward-thinking organization dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Through our People First approach, we aim to create workplaces where every individual feels respected and empowered. Join our remote team to play a vital role in ensuring seamless HR operations that uphold our values and compliance standards.

Role Overview

As a Talent Administrator, you will be the backbone of the Talent Advisory team, ensuring smooth HR processes, meticulous record-keeping, and compliance with legal and organisational standards. Your work will focus on exit procedures, HR documentation, administrative support, and data protection, enabling the team to operate efficiently while advancing QuilomboUK’s mission. This role is perfect for an organised, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a remote environment and believes in the power of equitable systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Exit Procedures & Offboarding

• Manage end-to-end exit processes for resignations, retirements, and contract conclusions, ensuring a respectful and consistent experience.
• Conduct exit interviews (virtually), document feedback, and share insights with the Talent Advisory team to identify trends and improve retention.
• Collaborate with Legal, IT, and managers to ensure the timely return of equipment and access revocation.

HR Records & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date HR records (digital and physical), including contracts, right-to-work documents, and visa expiry dates.
• Prepare audit-ready documentation for internal and external compliance reviews (e.g., GDPR, ISO standards).
• Track and renew right-to-work checks, visas, and other legal requirements, flagging expiries proactively.

Administrative Support

• Assist the Talent Advisory team with administrative tasks, including drafting ER case correspondence, updating HRIS data, and generating reports.
• Manage HR system updates (e.g., employee status changes, promotions) and ensure data integrity across platforms.
• Coordinate team calendars, meetings, and training sessions to optimise workflows in a remote setting.

Data Protection & Security

• Serve as the first point of contact for data protection queries, ensuring compliance with GDPR and company policies.
• Train employees and managers on the secure handling of sensitive HR information in a remote work environment.
• Monitor access permissions to HR systems and escalate potential breaches to the Manager: Talent Advisory.

Qualifications

• Experience: 1+ years in HR administration, data management, or a similar role. Exposure to remote work environments is a plus.
• Skills:
• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in HRIS platforms (e.g., BambooHR, Workday), Google Products, and virtual collaboration tools.
• Strong written communication skills for drafting policies, reports, and employee correspondence.
• Knowledge:
• Understanding of GDPR, UK right-to-work requirements, and fundamental employment law.
• Familiarity with D&I principles and their application to HR processes.
• Alignment: Passionate about QuilomboUK’s mission and commitment to equitable, transparent systems.

Personal Attributes

• A meticulous problem-solver who takes pride in accuracy and compliance.
• Discreet and trustworthy when handling confidential information.
• Proactive self-starter who thrives in a remote, fast-paced environment.
• Team-oriented with a “no task too small” mindset and a commitment to collective success.

Why Join QuilomboUK?

• Impact: Ensure the integrity of HR systems that directly support equity and social justice.
• Flexibility: Work remotely with a team that values work-life balance and inclusivity.
• Growth: Build expertise in HR compliance and data management within a mission-driven organisation.
• Culture: Join a collaborative, values-led team where your contributions are celebrated.

Do you have a coaching qualification, or are you working towards one? Would you like to help managers across our organisation develop their skills and confidence? As a coach, you will support managers to improve their leadership abilities, build confidence, and enhance their effectiveness in their roles. Your coaching will help them tackle challenges such as personal effectiveness, leadership credibility, career development, and conflict resolution. By providing guidance and encouragement, you will play a key role in helping managers grow, develop new skills, and lead their teams more effectively.

What you will be doing

• Deliver coaching sessions for managers at various levels, from team leads to department heads.
• Provide a safe, open, and confidential space for coaching conversations focused on leadership, communication, conflict resolution, managing change, and interpersonal skills.
• Use clear and effective coaching methods and models.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow Hestia’s coaching programme guidelines.
• Define clear roles for both the coach and coachee, ensuring there are no conflicts of interest.

The skills you need

• A recognised coaching qualification (or currently studying towards one), such as ICF or EMCC, or significant coaching experience at a management level.
• Experience in the social care sector (desirable but not essential).
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Willingness to participate in supervision and continuous learning.
• A friendly, approachable, and supportive manner.
• Understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and engaging tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with long-term illnesses.

What will you be doing? 

• Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person. 

• Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to Welsh language 

• Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

• Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of the Welsh language. 

• Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

• Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.

• Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.

• You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

What difference will you make? 

• Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.

• Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.

• Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. 

What will you gain?

• The opportunity to fight education inequities and make a difference in a young person's life

• Enhanced DBS Certificate

• Safeguarding level one training

• Skill development opportunities and practical experience 

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a pioneering organisation dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. We champion a People First approach, embedding fairness and belonging into every aspect of our operations. As we grow, we seek a strategic leader to guide our Talent Advisory team in shaping equitable workplaces and empowering employees to thrive.

Role Overview

As the Manager: Talent Advisory, you will lead the Talent Advisory team (including Talent Advisors and Administrators) to deliver high-impact HR solutions that align with QuilomboUK’s mission and business goals. You’ll oversee the development of HR policies, advise leadership on complex employee relations (ER) and performance matters, and drive initiatives to enhance retention, engagement, and compliance. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, ensuring our People & Culture practices reflect our commitment to social justice and equity.

Key ResponsibilitiesHR Strategy & Policy Development

• Design, implement, and refine HR policies, procedures, and frameworks that align with QuilomboUK’s values and legal requirements.
• Partner with the Director of People & Culture to integrate D&I and social justice principles into all talent processes.
• Stay ahead of HR trends and best practices, adapting strategies to meet evolving organisational needs.

Talent Advisory & Employee Relations

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on complex ER issues, performance management, and workforce planning.
• Resolve high-risk employee concerns with fairness, empathy, and adherence to labour laws.
• Lead investigations into grievances or misconduct, ensuring equitable outcomes and minimal organisational risk.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, mentor, and develop the Talent Advisory team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback to ensure alignment with departmental and organisational goals.
• Promote continuous learning within the team, particularly in areas of D&I, social justice, and equitable HR practices.

Engagement & Retention

• Partner with the People & Culture team to design programs that boost employee engagement, retention, and belonging.
• Analyse turnover data and exit interviews to identify trends and recommend proactive solutions.
• Champion recognition initiatives that celebrate contributions aligned with QuilomboUK’s mission.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure HR practices comply with employment laws, regulations, and internal equity standards.
• Mitigate organisational risk through robust documentation, audits, and training on HR policies.
• Lead compliance reporting and address gaps proactively.

D&I Integration

• Embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into talent lifecycle processes (e.g., hiring, promotions, succession planning).
• Advise leaders on creating inclusive team environments and addressing systemic inequities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to advance external social justice partnerships and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years in HR management, with expertise in employee relations, policy development, and team leadership. Prior experience in mission-driven or D&I-focused organisations is a plus.
• Skills:
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Proven ability to resolve complex ER cases with diplomacy and cultural sensitivity.
• Excellent stakeholder management, coaching, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and data-driven decision-making.
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of D&I frameworks, social justice principles, and workforce planning strategies.
• Alignment: Passionate about QuilomboUK’s mission and values, with a track record of advocating for equity.

Personal Attributes

• A confident leader who inspires trust and fosters psychological safety within teams.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance organisational priorities and employee needs.
• Resilient problem-solver who navigates ambiguity with grace.
• Unwavering commitment to fairness, inclusion, and amplifying marginalised voices.

Why Join QuilomboUK?

• Impact: Lead a team that directly shapes equitable workplaces and social justice outcomes.
• Innovation: Drive cutting-edge HR practices in a growing, mission-driven organisation.
• Culture: Join a collaborative, values-led environment where your voice matters.
• Development: Access to mentorship, training, and opportunities for career growth.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Help us build workplaces where everyone belongs. #TalentWithPurpose #SocialJustice #InclusiveLeadership