Human Resources Advisor
2 days ago
Perth
Who is GEOAmey? GEOAmey is a 50:50 joint venture company from GEO inc based in the United States, one of the worlds largest correctional services provider and Amey, one of the largest infrastructures and consulting companies in the UK. GEOAmey provide court custody and escorting services for the Scottish Prison Service for the whole of Scotland and also in England and Wales on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. About the role The HR Advisor plays a critical role within the HR Operations function, ensuring the delivery of a professional, credible and legally compliant HR service to the business. The post holder will act as a trusted advisor to operational managers across their region, supporting effective people management, embedding best practice, and ensuring governance and compliance with all relevant HR policies and procedures. The HR Advisor will provide expert guidance on employee relations, sickness absence, colleague engagement, ED&I initiatives, and leadership development. By building strong and collaborative relationships with operational and support function colleagues, the HR Advisor will enable a “one team” approach to people management, providing pragmatic and consistent solutions that support the business to deliver its objectives through its people. This role requires resilience, strong relationship-building skills, and a commitment to supporting managers to deliver through their people. Responsibilities Employee Relations (ER) • Provide clear, consistent, and legally compliant ER advice to operational managers and provide appropriate coaching and training to enable proactive, independent ER case management., • Support and, where necessary, attend formal ER meetings, including – but not limited to - disciplinary, grievance, and performance-related processes., • Monitor ER case management to ensure timely resolution and escalate risks as appropriate. Sickness Absence Management • Provide oversight and guidance on sickness absence cases across the region., • Lead weekly regional absence management calls with operational managers to drive consistency, compliance, and progress., • Support managers in effectively applying policies and procedures, balancing welfare considerations with operational impact. Engagement & ED&I • Coordinate regional colleague engagement forums, ensuring effective action planning and follow-up., • Act as the lead for an elected Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) topic, championing best practice, and embedding relevant initiatives companywide., • Support in driving colleague engagement initiatives at a regional level; supporting managers in their delivery and success communications. Leadership Development & Coaching • Support the development and delivery of leadership development initiatives within the region., • Coach and train operational managers to build capability in people management, including ER, performance, and engagement. Operational Oversight & Governance • Ensure appropriate oversight of local people management activity, flagging where managers are not driving required actions., • Regular attendee at relevant business review meetings and regional management meetings as appropriate, acting as a trusted HR representative., • Support accurate reporting of regional HR operations activity., • Govern regional compliance with HR policies, procedures, and statutory obligations, escalating risks or concerns as appropriate. Collaboration & Stakeholder Management • Build strong, proactive relationships with operational managers, acting as their go-to HR contact., • Work collaboratively with central HR functions (e.g., Recruitment, L&D, Reward) to facilitate a joined-up service., • Champion a “one team” approach across HR and operations. Stakeholder Relationships Internal • HR Director, Head of HR Operations, HR Business Partner (direct line manager) and wider HR Operations team., • Regional operational management teams (including first and second line operational managers and Regional Managers)., • Central HR functions (Recruitment, Payroll, Learning & Development, Reward and HR Shared Services)., • Operational and support functions senior leadership teams / Heads of Function. External • Client representatives (i.e. SPS Prison Escort Monitors)., • Trade union representatives (where applicable)., • Occupational health provider., • External legal advisors (where required). Qualifications Essential • Proven experience in an HR advisory or generalist role within a complex, multi-site organisation., • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice and a commitment to personal and professional development., • Experience providing comprehensive ER advice and supporting in formal ER processes., • Experience in managing sickness absence and driving compliance in case management., • Ability to coach, influence, and build credibility with managers at all levels., • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities., • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence effectively, diplomatically and robustly at all levels., • A proactive, solutions-focused approach with strong problem-solving skills., • High levels of discretion and integrity in handling sensitive information. Desirable • CIPD Level 5 (or working towards) or equivalent HR qualification., • Experience within a security, justice, or custodial services environment., • Exposure to HR reporting and data analysis with a comprehensive understanding of Excel. Vetting: As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment, all successful applicants will be required to go through an Enhanced Disclosure application process with Disclosure Scotland. The Enhanced Disclosure process is designed to assess your suitability for a position that involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults, sensitive information, or circumstances where trust is paramount.