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.
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.
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.
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.