Job Description:

Context
Davies and Partners Solicitors is a well-established law firm with over 30 years’ experience. It has a national reputation for excellence in the Property sector and strength in depth in a wide selection of other legal services for businesses & individuals. There are 5 offices in London, Birmingham, Devon, Bristol and Gloucester

Reporting Line
This role reports to the People Director of the Company who is based in Gloucester, however you will also support the other Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team on a day-to-day basis with Management tasks.

Job Purpose
To support the Company People Plan and the HR strategy, oversee all HR related administrative tasks and support the HR Team on other employee life cycle matters. To maintain confidentiality and show appropriate sensitivity to a wide range of issues.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
The following tasks provide a general overview of the types of activity, the candidate will be expected to engage in or oversee on a day-to-day basis. The tasks are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities as all employees are required to be flexible, dynamic and have the capacity to think creatively when presented with challenges.

• Line management responsibility for the Senior HR Advisor and HR Administrator (based in Bristol), and the Gloucester Reception team.
• Providing strategic input into the office HR strategy and assisting with or leading on initiatives that deliver the overall HR and Company Strategy.
• Leading on several strategic HR projects and partnering with senior managers from across the business delivering both operational and strategic initiatives and priorities.
• Developing and delivering the annual HR plan which drives employee engagement, a high-performance culture and ensures best practice HR solutions.
• Clarifying the resource requirements with Head of Departments and engaging the HR Team to deliver against these needs.
• Monitoring and reviewing terms and conditions of employment and HR policies and implementing changes where necessary.
• Overseeing the Recruitment and Induction process for the Company for excellent employee experience.
• Supporting Line Managers and giving advice in the management of complex ER casework including performance management, flexible working, dispute resolutions, disciplinaries, grievances, and redundancy.
• Providing trusted one-to-one guidance and coaching to employees on HR related issues (e.g. maternity/paternity leave, salary and benefits queries, sickness absence.
• Overseeing the data in the HRIS system (SageHR)
• Assisting in ad hoc monthly Management Reporting for the monthly management meeting.
• Providing salary information to the Board on an annual basis.
• Authorising payroll notifications to the Accounts department on a monthly basis.
• Liaising with different external providers for company benefits and marketing, to update employee information. 
• Assisting with the annual renewals such as SRA Practising Certificates, CQS accreditation and Company Healthcare Insurance provider.
• Collaborating with the Board on appropriate Training Days for all staff or managers.
• Assisting with the implementation of Trainee Solicitor programmes with the Training Principle.
• Reviewing a variety of ongoing HR subscriptions on an annual basis.

We reserve the right to introduce changes in line with technological developments which may impact upon your job duties or methods of working.

Location
Davies and Partners Solicitors, Gloucester. GL4 3RT. Some travel to other office locations may be required. This is predominantly an office based role. Hybrid working is agreed on an ad-hoc basis.

Hours
Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm (with 1 hour unpaid lunch break). Part-time hours may be considered. 

Compliance 
As part of our compliance procedures, applicants are asked to note that:

• references will be followed up;
• all gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily;
• proof of identity and (where applicable) qualifications will be required;
• reference requests will ask specifically whether the applicant has ever been subject to any proceedings/complaints initiated by the Law Society or any other professional body.
• appropriate suitability checks may be required prior to confirmation of appointment.

Equal Opportunities
Davies and Partners Solicitors provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable national laws. Davies and Partners Solicitors complies with applicable national laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Person Specification
Essential Criteria

• Legal Status    
• Appropriate DBS disclosure will be required prior to confirmation of appointment.
• Right to live and work in the UK, e.g. valid UK or EU passport or appropriate visa/work permits.

Education/ Qualifications    

• L5 CIPD qualified/Degree educated or equivalent.

Skills/Knowledge    

• Experience of working at HR Manager level with line management experience.
• Experience of working in a law firm or other professional services.
• Experience of implementing change projects.
• Willingness to adopt a hands-on approach with strong in-person presence.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent IT skills, and experience of using HR systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure credibility of HR function.
• Ability to build relationships with all key stakeholders, Head of Departments, Fee-Earners and support staff.

Desirable Criteria

• Level 7 CIPD qualified 
• Experience of using SageHR and Sharepoint