HR Lead – Employment Law

Supervision: Reporting to the CEO
 

Hours: 2.5 days per week (0.5 FTE) (flexible working pattern possible)
 

Venue: Remote based working with some requirements to attend events and key meetings.
 

Salary: £50,000 per annum Pro Rata (pay framework with annual increments in development)
 

Role purpose
The purpose of this role is to provide expert employment law advice and support to Citizens Advice Lewisham leadership and the wider organisation. The HR Lead will ensure the organisation maintains compliance with all employment law obligations, mitigate legal risks, provide specialist guidance on complex HR matters, and support the development of robust HR policies and procedures. This role will work closely with senior management to ensure best practice in all aspects of employment relations.

Principal tasks and responsibilities

Employment Law Advice & Compliance:

• Provide expert employment law advice to senior management and the board on complex HR matters, including dismissal, redundancy, discrimination, and performance management.
   
• Conduct legal risk assessments on proposed HR actions and advise on mitigation strategies.
   
• Ensure the organisation complies with all relevant employment legislation including the Employment Rights Act, Equality Act 2010, GDPR, and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
   
• Advise on and support the handling of employment tribunal claims and disputes.
   

Employee Relations & Dispute Resolution:

• Lead and conduct disciplinary, capability, and grievance matters, ensuring fair and consistent procedures.
   
• Support management in sensitive HR situations including redundancy, settlement agreements, and dismissals.
   
• Provide mediation advice and support for internal disputes.
   

HR Policy Development & Review:

• Develop, review, and update comprehensive HR policies and procedures to ensure they meet legal requirements and reflect organisational values.
   
• Provide guidance on policy implementation across the organisation.
   
• Conduct legal audits of existing policies and recommend improvements.
  Recruitment & Employment Contracts:
   
• Review and advise on employment contract templates to ensure legal compliance and protection of the organisation.
   
• Provide legal guidance on recruitment processes and equal opportunities compliance.
   

Data Protection & Safeguarding:

• Advise on GDPR compliance relating to employee data and HR information.
   
• Support safeguarding policies and procedures relevant to employment.
   

Communication & Collaboration:

• Work effectively with senior management, staff, and external advisors (e.g., ACAS, legal representatives) to resolve HR matters.
   
• Communicate complex legal concepts clearly and accessibly to non-legal stakeholders.
   

Flexibility & General Duties:

• Demonstrate flexibility in supporting the organisation and undertaking duties as required by the line manager.
   
• Support strategic HR initiatives aligned with the organisation's mission and values.
   

Person Specification
Essential:

• Commitment to Citizens Advice Lewisham's aims and principles.
   
• CIPD Level 5, 6, or 7 qualification in HR or equivalent professional qualification demonstrating advanced HR expertise.
   
• Extensive and demonstrable knowledge of UK employment law and regulatory compliance.
   
• Minimum 5 years' experience in HR, with significant specialism or focus in employment law/relations.
   
• Strong experience in policy development and employment relations.
   
• Experience of handling complex HR matters, disciplinary procedures, redundancy, and employment disputes.
   
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
   
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate sound judgment on sensitive matters.
   
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
   
• Proactive, professional attitude with a commitment to continuous learning in employment law.
   

Desirable:

• Understanding of the charity and advice sector