HR Policy Advisor

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a HR Policy Advisor - (Inside IR35) for a 6-month contract working on a hybrid basis and with an expectation of 3 days attendance in your local office

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives . These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our objectives are:

- To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future.
- To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production.
- To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs www.gov.uk .

25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK www.gov.uk .

Role Purpose

The HR Policy Advisor will provide expert HR policy advice and support to programmes across the core department and Civil Service agencies. The role is responsible for reviewing, developing, and implementing people policies that align with organisational objectives , employment legislation, Defra group standards, and best practice.

As a HR Policy Advisor - (Inside IR35) your main responsibilities will be:

- Review, develop, and maintain HR policies, guidance, and procedures.
- Provide expert advice on policy interpretation and application to HR colleagues, managers, and programme teams.
- Support organisational change initiatives , ensuring people policies enable business needs while managing risk.
- Conduct policy research, benchmarking, and equality impact assessments.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the Environment Agency (EA), Defra Group HR teams, Trade Unions, and business areas.
- Monitor legislative and policy changes, recommending updates where required.
- Produce clear policy documentation, communication materials, and briefing papers.
- Support employee relations specialists and casework teams by providing policy expertise to complex cases.

Essential:

- HR background
- HR Policy experience combined with experience of developing and implementing HR policies
- Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Ability to analyse complex information and provide practical solutions.
- Strong written communication skills with experience drafting policy documents and guidance.
- Confident and resilient

Desirable:

•CIPD qualification, or equivalent relevant experience.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, Defra encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates . Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant / Commitment

As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, Defra welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".