Scottish Environment Protection Agency
People Advisor
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People Advisor – Fixed Term (12 Months) – Full Time
Your passion has never had a greater purpose
At SEPA, our shared passion drives us to protect Scotland’s environment through meaningful action. Here, expertise is respected, workplaces are purposeful, and every role helps create lasting change.
We are recruiting for a full-time, fixed-term (12 months) People Advisor.
About the Role
Experts at our core, we achieve real, environmental impact. As People Advisor, you’ll:
- Provide professional HR advice to managers and colleagues, ensuring alignment with policy, best practices, and regulatory standards.
- Manage employee relations, including disciplinary procedures, grievances, absence management, and performance reviews—ensuring fair, timely resolutions.
- Support the development, review, and implementation of people policies and procedures, while maintaining compliance with employment legislation.
- Create and disseminate clear, concise HR documentation, translating technical information into accessible and practical guidance.
- Act as a trusted HR advisor, building key working relationships across stakeholders and supporting decision-making.
- Maintain accurate People records, HR systems, and case documentation—fully compliant with data protection regulations.
- Monitor HR trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and enhance employee experience.
- Collaborate with the HR team and contribute to broader organisational projects and initiatives.
Responsibilities
Core Functions
- Deliver personalised HR advice and guidance on policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Handle employee relations segments (discipline, grievance, absence, performance) to ensure fairness and consistency.
- Work closely with managers to support HR initiatives, fostering a positive, solution-driven HR service.
- Ensure HR documentation, letters, and reports reflect SEPA’s standards and deliver actionable insights.
- Represent HR in projects as required, embedding HR perspectives into broader organisational goals.
Policy & Compliance
- Assess and contribute to the development and refinement of HR policies, ensuring alignment with Scottish government and employment laws.
- Support a people-centric HR approach, prioritising trust, transparency, and inclusivity.
Relationships & Systems
- Build strong, collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintain up-to-date systems, case records, and risk assessments, while adhering to data privacy standards.
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Innovation & Support
- Actively identify HR process improvements, promoting efficiency and employee satisfaction.
- Work with the People, Workspaces & Development portfolio to enhance HR functions and support broader delivery activities.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
-
UK-located qualifications at SCQF Level 8-10 (equivalent to minimum HND level), coupled with:
- CIPD qualification (or the bearer, i.e., in progress) or
- An equivalent HR/people management qualification with verifiable competencies, or
- Direct, credible experience in HR roles demonstrating alignment with technical and strategic expectations.
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Proven practical HR knowledge, with expertise in key areas:
- Employee relations (discipline, grievance, etc.).
- Employment legislation (particularly Scottish frameworks).
- Process/people-centric problem-solving within a non-adversarial approach.
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Trust-supported stakeholder management:
- Ability to engage with managers across the organisation, including those in non-traditional HR-dependent roles.
- Evidence of confidence in structured, consultative support.
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Judgement and prioritisation:
- Proven ability to handle multiple HR cases of varying complexity with clear prioritisation skills.
- Demonstrated record of positive procedural outcomes in a people-focused and pragmatic manner.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional communication: Clarity in translating HR concepts for a range of stakeholders.
- Organisational agility: Balancing multiple deadlines in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment.
- Integrity and discretion: Maintaining confidentiality while upholding fairness.
- Technology familiarity: Confidence in managing human resources systems data.
Support & Benefits
At SEPA, we offer support and opportunities that extend beyond the workplace to reflect the significance of your role in protecting Scotland’s environment and your own well-being.
Benefits
- Purpose-driven career growth: Development tailored to current and future organisational priorities.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements responsive to individual needs, encouraging a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
- Generous leave: Up to 35 days annual leave plus 7 additional public holidays (pro-rata).
- Wellbeing and volunteering support: Paid time off to volunteer in the community and focus on personal well-being.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) as a secure retirement planning option.
- Family-friendly policies:
- Flexible working options
- Parental and other caregiving support
- Targeted training & development resources to hone professional competencies and personal goals.
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Lifestyle Support
- 24/7 online employee discount platform to access products and services at a premium partner rate.
- Legal and technical assistance via SEPA Credit Union facilities.
- Cycle to Work Scheme for sustainable commuting options.
Diversity & Inclusivity
- SEPA’s commitment to equality, diversity and good relations extends to proactive recruitment, fair opportunities, and accommodations where necessary.
Outlook
By joining SEPA, you become part of an organisation that values your expertise and demonstrates respect for the role you play. Environmentally conscious, forward-thinking, and people-oriented, SEPA fosters a work environment where you can:
- Advance your passion for people operations while driving meaningful work.
- Leave a legacy—each day’s work contributes directly to Scotland’s environmental future.
- Nurture and grow as a professional in a supportive, forward-thinking HR team.
We actively encourage and accommodate:
- Applicants who require reasonable adjustments for their role needs (Disability Confident employer).
- Flexible working arrangements (working remotely, part-time, job-sharing) from day one.
- Applications from applicants with visual impairments (Braille, large print, or recorded format options available).
Next Steps
To explore this opportunity further or for any support during the recruitment process, contact: SEPA’s Recruitment Team: recruitment@sepa.org.uk
Security & Legal Information Successful candidates may be required to:
- Complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment clearances, including a Level 1 Disclosure Scotland check.
Apply Now: Join a passionately purposeful workplace and help make a difference. [Access the full People Advisor profile to review activity family responsibilities within the portfolio](insert profile link).
SEPA operates on a rights-based, meritocratic recruitment process. For full details, always refer to the official profile.
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