Senior Workforce Advisor

Job summary

Join us in a pivotal HR leadership role where no two days are the same. As a trusted partner to managers and staff across the County and designated corporate functions, you will provide expert advice and support on a wide range of complex operational HR matters, helping to shape positive workforce outcomes and drive organisational success. Working closely with the Workforce Manager and Head of Workforce, you will play a key role in supporting service transformation, development and modernisation initiatives, while acting as the dedicated HR link for a designated service area. With opportunities to influence strategic workforce planning, lead on change initiatives and deputise for the Workforce Manager when required, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR professional looking to make a real impact. The postholder will provide a comprehensive operational HR service across the County and designated service areas, working closely with managers to support the delivery of organisational objectives.

Main duties of the job

They will offer expert advice, guidance and practical support on a wide range of employee relations matters, including disciplinary and grievance procedures, absence management, performance and capability issues, equality and diversity, and employment legislation. The role will also involve leading on specific areas of work and projects, maintaining a strong understanding of NHS terms and conditions, and developing effective working relationships with managers, staff and trade union representatives.

A key aspect of the role will be supporting organisational change and workforce development initiatives, ensuring managers are equipped to implement change effectively and within agreed timescales. The postholder will provide specialist support in managing sickness absence, including attendance reviews, ill health retirement and redeployment processes, and absence audits. They will also support managers through disciplinary and grievance investigations and hearings, acting as the HR representative where required. In addition, the role will contribute to partnership working arrangements, provide HR support to forums and working groups, and assist the Head of Workforce and Workforce Manager with service improvement and strategic workforce projects.

About us

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 99 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

Job responsibilities

Applications will be shortlisted based on Qualifications and Knowledge, Experience and Other criteria. Skills and Attributes will be assessed at interview stage.

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on 18.09.2026

Person specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

• Graduate member of CIPD
• Degree or equivalent level of experience
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Extensive knowledge of employment law

Desirable

• HPMA member
• ECDL
• Broad understanding of Agenda for Change

Experience

Essential

• Generalist HR experience
• Working in partnership with TU's in a Unionised environment
• Working in a multidisciplinary environment and across departments/County
• Disciplinary issues
• Policy development & implementation
• Conflict Resolution

Desirable

• NHS Experience
• TUPE transfer handling regulations
• Experience of managing organisational change & advising on staff consultation

Other

Essential

• Flexible approach to the needs of the service
• Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner

Desirable

• Welsh Speaker (level 1)