County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
HR Assistant
The closing date is 26 January 2026
We are looking for a well‑organised, highly motivated person to join our team as a Human Resources Assistant to support the HR Team by contributing to the provision of a comprehensive, pro‑active HR service to managers and staff.
In addition to having the skills and expertise required for the core requirements of the role, we are looking for someone who shares our person‑centred approach, works effectively within a busy team and has excellent communication skills. You will be supported by a friendly and knowledgeable team and this is an ideal opportunity if you wish to increase your experience of providing a Human Resources service and to gain experience within the NHS.
The Trust supports flexible working opportunities and, after a period of induction and training, working from home can be included. This is an agile role as, although the main base is at Darlington Memorial Hospital, we cover across a wide geographical area including the other main hospitals in Durham and Bishop Auckland.
Main duties of the job
You will act as the first point of contact for managers and staff providing timely HR advice and guidance as required on HR issues including HR policies and procedures, terms and conditions of service, management of attendance, etc., ensuring compliance with current employment legislation.
A major focus of the role will be on assisting with absence management and we will develop, train and support you to assist our managers in this area.
Job responsibilities
* Act as the first point of contact for managers and staff providing timely HR advice and guidance on HR issues for all staff (both medical and non‑medical) including HR policies and procedures, terms and conditions of service, management of attendance.
* Provide timely advice and guidance on W&OD compliance matters.
* With appropriate support from HR Managers/Advisors, provide effective advice and support to managers in the management of sickness absence and attend sickness interviews as necessary.
* Assist in non‑complex formal investigations.
* Escalate appropriate issues to HR Manager/Advisor when necessary.
* Contribute to the development and review of HR policies, procedures and working practices.
* Assist HR Advisors/Managers with collation of document packs, whether paper‑based or electronic.
* Maintain the prior consideration list, check against vacancies weekly and flag potential suitable alternative employment opportunities, taking action and escalating when appropriate.
* Liaise with managers regarding the admin side of lapsed registrations and keep the appropriate HR representative updated.
* Act as central point of contact for all Data Subject Access Requests from employees, co‑ordinate the collation of information, maintain a central register, monitor compliance with statutory timeframes and appropriately redact and escalade breaches.
* Maintain a database of internal/external audits and chase up outstanding actions.
* Maintain an up‑to‑date list of local accredited trade union staff representatives and compose replies to routine correspondence.
* Assist the HR Compliance Business Partner with collation of data for annual reporting submission.
* Assist with the production of the JCNC agendas and associated papers and attend JCNC as a note‑taker.
* Support the HR team with workforce planning initiatives and the implementation of ad‑hoc projects.
* Provide high‑quality administrative support to the HR team.
* Develop and maintain administration systems to aid smooth running of the team.
* Maintain paper‑based and electronic filing systems.
* Liaise and set up meetings as appropriate.
* Work as part of the wider Workforce and Organisation Development Directorate for service delivery and personal development.
* Attend meetings and take notes as required.
* Support the delivery of the Trusts Human Resources Policy training programmes; organise training and other events, preparing materials.
* Work as part of a team to ensure the delivery of efficient and high quality HR services.
* Any other duties commensurate with Band.
Person Specification
Experience
* Experience of working in an HR Department.
* Experience of advising on terms and conditions of employment.
* Experience of developing and using Excel spreadsheets.
* Experience of taking accurate and comprehensive notes.
* Experience of working in an NHS Human Resources Department.
* Experience dealing with HR issues such as absence management.
Qualifications
* Good general education – minimum of 4 GCSEs or equivalent including English Language.
* Educated to NVQ level 4 standard or equivalent experience.
* Certificate in People Practice / NVQ Level 3 in HR or equivalent (or working towards).
* Evidence of continuous personal development (regular updates in employment legislation and other HR related matters).
Special Skills & Knowledge
* Good written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide range of people from different backgrounds.
* Ability to prioritise work and work effectively under pressure.
* Good influencing skills.
* Tact and diplomacy in interactions with others.
* Good personal organisation and administrative skills.
* Evidence of using own initiative.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Ability to meet specific deadlines.
* Competent user of Microsoft/Computer products.
* Knowledge of employment law and terms and conditions of service.
* Flexible/positive attitude to work.
Statutory Registration
* CIPD
Special Requirements
* Able to travel independently across all Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post.
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
About us
We provide hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester‑le‑Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community‑based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre‑employment checks.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under‑represented.
For the most up‑to‑date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
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