Scottish Environment Protection Agency
People Advisor

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We are recruiting for a full time People Advisor on a permanent basis
Your passion has never had a greater purpose
Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take - to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise.
That’s why, when you join us as People Advisor, you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful - for our environment, and for your career.
Work that goes beyond your desk
Experts at what we do, we work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment. As People Advisor, that involves:
- Providing professional HR advice and guidance to managers and colleagues on a range of people-related matters, ensuring alignment with policy and best practice
- Managing a caseload of employee relations issues, including disciplinary, grievance, absence management and performance, supporting fair and timely outcomes
- Supporting the development, review and implementation of HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with current employment legislation
- Producing clear and concise documentation, including letters, reports and guidance materials, translating complex information into accessible content
- Building effective working relationships with stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor and supporting people-related decision making
- Maintaining accurate People records, systems and case documentation in line with data protection and organisational requirements
- Monitoring trends and identify opportunities for continuous improvement in HR processes, policies and employee experience
- Contributing to HR projects, initiatives and wider organisational activities as required
- Working collaboratively as part of the HR team, sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive, inclusive environment that enables collective success and high-quality service delivery
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Respect for your expertise
This is a highly important role within our People, Workspaces & Development portfolio, which means you’ll need:
- Qualified to SCQF Level 8-10 (e.g. minimum HND) with CIPD (or working towards) or equivalent experience
- Strong working knowledge of HR best practices and employment legislation, with the ability to apply this in a practical, business-focused way
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with confidence advising and influencing managers at all levels
- Proven ability to manage a varied employee relations caseload, applying sound judgement and a pragmatic, people-focused approach to achieve fair and consistent outcomes
- Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment and balance multiple deadlines
Please open the link to the which outlines the core responsibilities and expectations of the role within a defined activity family. Please note the role profile name may be different to the job title being advertised.
Support that goes beyond the workplace
We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and at home. Such as:
- Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities
- Up to 35 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata)
- Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Progressive Family Friendly policies
- Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge to perform at their best.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Plus, many more lifestyle benefits such as 24/7 access to an online employee discount platform, credit union facilities and access to a Cycle to Work Scheme.
Passionately you. Purposefully supportive
SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and good relations in everything it does - as a community leader, as a provider and commissioner of services, and as an employer.
Passionately Purposeful about Scotland’s environment - and your career.
Protecting our environment, promoting our work, and supporting our people, working at SEPA means being part of an organisation that’s grounded in respect for your expertise - and your wellbeing. So you can be your best, and make the biggest impact.
We recruit solely based on merit. Our shortlisting process is conducted on an anonymous basis. Please ensure that you include all relevant information when you apply.
We support flexible working arrangements to help you maintain a healthy balance between career and homelife. This includes working part time, reduced hours, job sharing, working remotely. As a flexible first employer we are open to having conversations about flexible working arrangements that work for you and SEPA from day 1 of your employment with us.
We are proud to be a 'Disability Confident' employer and will work to identify and implement reasonable adjustments and equipment to support you in the role that you do.
Applicants with a visual impairment can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape.
For the security and wellbeing of our colleagues, successful candidates will undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks including a level one Disclosure Scotland check.
If you have questions or need any assistance with the recruitment process please contact SEPA’s Recruitment Team at recruitment@sepa.org.uk
Apply now to join a Passionately Purposeful workplace
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Jessica, London
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