We're currently seeking to support our People & Culture team by bringing in an experience HR Advisor to cover maternity leave for one of our permanent colleagues. It's likely that this FTC will be for between 9-12 months.
Based from our Reading office, this role will work directly alongside the Head of People & Culture and another advisor to provide expert guidance on all aspects of HR, acting as a trusted partner to managers and employees.
The role will focus on delivering high-quality advice on employee relations, conflict resolution, and policy implementation to ensure compliance and foster a positive workplace culture across the network.
Field Seymour Parkes LLP is a full-service law firm based in Reading at the centre of the UK’s Thames Valley, providing pragmatic, solutions focused advice across both business and personal matters.
We are consistently recognised for the quality of our work, ranked as a Top Tier Firm by Legal 500 and a Top Ranked Law Firm by Chambers & Partners. We hold the Lexcel accreditation for excellence in legal practice management and client care, which we have maintained since 2001.
We have 25 consecutive years of Investors in People accreditation, this achievement places FSP among a select group of organisations recognised for a long‑term, consistent commitment to making work better. In 2021, we were awarded the Investors in People Gold Standard, an accolade held at the time by only 17% of accredited organisations (including just 14 law firms nationwide).
In April 2026, FSP join Lawfront - a group of leading regional law firms who are dedicated to delivering comprehensive legal support to individuals and businesses nationwide. Our mission is to unite exceptional legal practices across the country in a single, supportive platform that drives accelerated growth, fosters innovation, and builds long-term value for all stakeholders. We’re committed to ambitious growth and aspire to be a top 10 regional legal services business in the UK.
Key Responsibilities of the Role
Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
* Lead and manage complex ER cases, including grievances, disciplinaries, and performance management.
* Provide proactive advice to managers on sensitive issues and risk mitigation.
* Facilitate resolution of workplace disputes through mediation and coaching.
* Develop strategies to maintain positive working relationships across multiple entities.
Policy Development & Compliance
* Review, update, and harmonise HR policies across the group to ensure consistency and legal compliance.
* Support the rollout of group-wide initiatives and frameworks.
* Ensure adherence to employment legislation and regulatory requirements.
Stakeholder Engagement & Advisory Support
* Act as a key point of contact for People & Culture matters across the network.
* Partner with managers and Heads of Department to drive cultural alignment and engagement.
* Coach and guide managers on people management best practices.
Data & Reporting
* Maintain accurate HR records and documentation for ER cases and policy changes.
* Produce reports and monitor HR metrics to identify trends and recommend solutions.
Recruitment & Onboarding
* Support recruitment processes for key roles, ensuring a positive candidate experience.
* Assist in overseeing the onboarding and induction programs for new hires.
General
* Promote continuous improvement and employee engagement.
* Support on responsible business initiatives including health and wellbeing, DEIB and employee engagement social activities.
* Accurate administration and record keeping
Skills & Experience Required
* Ideally at least 4 years’ experience of working in an advisory role with a proven track record in employee relations and conflict resolution
* Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
* Experience in policy development and implementation across diverse business units.
* Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
* Ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
* Ideally have previous experience in a law firm or professional services
* CIPD Level 5 or above (or equivalent experience).
* IT savvy - experience of iTrent, Reach and Cornerstone would be advantageous, but not a requirement.
If this sounds like you and is of interest, then please apply and we'll be in touch.