Introduction:

Norfolk Rivers Trust’s ambition is to deliver catchment-scale change to our water environment. We are dedicated to protecting our watercourses from pollution, improving habitat and ecological functioning of streams and rivers whilst enhancing resilience to climate change.

Since its founding in 2011, the charity has grown to a team of over 30 passionate and enthusiastic employees. Together, we are delivering major projects such as river re-meandering and floodplain connections, farming and land management advice, new constructed wetlands, species re-introductions and community engagement.

We’re now looking for our very first dedicated Human Resources (HR) professional, someone who’s excited by the opportunity to shape and grow the HR function within a small but ambitious environmental charity. Joining our diverse and passionate team means you’ll have the chance to make a real impact, not only on our people, but also on the environment we work so hard to protect.

Job description:

As Norfolk Rivers Trust’s first dedicated HR professional, the HR Adviser will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing effective people practices that align with the organisation’s culture, values, and strategic objectives. Collaborating closely with the Senior Management Team and Line Managers, the HR Adviser will offer expert guidance and operational support across the entire employee lifecycle.

This standalone, hands-on position requires a proactive self-starter who is confident in establishing new processes and adaptable to the needs of a small but growing organisation. The role is diverse and dynamic, ranging from advising managers on complex employee matters, enhancing recruitment practices and updating policies, to leading wellbeing initiatives.

Above all, the HR Adviser will be instrumental in nurturing the Trust’s positive, values-driven culture, making it an exceptional place to work. Acting as the central point of contact for all people related matters, the HR Adviser will also support the Senior Management Team in developing and delivering a long-term people strategy.

Although standalone, access to an external professional HR sounding board, HR advice and link to employment law advice will be available.

Key duties and responsibilities

HR Policy and Compliance

Develop, implement, monitor and maintain HR policies and procedures ensuring they comply with employment legislation and reflect best practice.
Ensure policies are communicated clearly and are accessible to all staff.
Regularly review policies to ensure alignment with the culture and strategic direction of the Trust.

Employee Relations

Provide guidance to managers on a range of employee relations matters including absence management, performance concerns, disciplinary and grievance processes, flexible working and annual leave.
Ensure processes are legally compliant, fair and consistent.
Coordinate complex or sensitive employee relations casework in collaboration with line managers and external advisers where appropriate.

Line Manager Support

Act as a key adviser to line managers, providing coaching, tools and resources to help them manage their teams effectively.
Deliver training and guidance on key HR topics (e.g. performance management, recruitment best practice, probation and employee wellbeing).

Recruitment and Onboarding

Manage the recruitment process including reviewing job descriptions, advertising vacancies, shortlisting applications and overseeing the interview process.
Ensure inclusive and equitable recruitment practices are followed.
Manage new starter onboarding, ensuring new starters have a positive and structured induction experience.

Employee Lifecycle Administration

Oversee all HR administration, including issuing contracts, processing changes to employment and managing leavers.
Maintain accurate and up to date HR records and use NRT’s HR database to ensure compliance with data protection and GDPR requirements.

Performance and Development

Coordinate the performance review process (including appraisal, probation and the annual staff survey), providing support to managers to ensure a consistent approach.
Develop and support the implementation of learning and development policy and initiatives, including career development plans and staff skills audits.

Systems and Payroll

Implement and maintain a HR management system.
Liaise with the Finance team to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including salary changes, benefits and statutory deductions to administer payroll and payroll records.

HR Data and Reporting

Produce HR data and reports (e.g. staff turnover, absence and diversity data) to feed into the management team and use data to make recommendations regarding future practice.
Use HR data to identify trends and make recommendations for improving people management practices.

Strategic HR Support

Participate in the implementation of specific projects, procedures and guidelines to help align the workforce with the strategic goals of the organisation (e.g. workforce planning, reward and staff engagement).
Promote and drive delivery of the Trust’s equity, diversity and inclusion priorities, through advice monitoring and collaboration.
Work with Senior Management Team to contribute to and drive HR strategy development and implementation, including reward strategy, recruitment and selection strategies, talent and succession planning, alignment between HR strategy and business goals, and supporting change management processes.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Collaborate with designated health and safety leads to develop and implement systems and procedures to create a safe working environment, drawing on specialist advice as appropriate.
Ensure HR-related policies and processes reflect the organisation’s duty of care to staff, including wellbeing initiatives and support systems.

Other

Other duties as necessary.
Clear commitment to the vision and values of Norfolk Rivers Trust.

Person specification:

Education and experience

Essential:

Minimum CIPD Level 3 HR qualification or equivalent.
Good general level of education (GCSEs or equivalent).
Proven experience in a generalist HR Adviser role.
Experience managing recruitment, onboarding, employee relations and performance management.
Experience providing advice to line managers.
Experience implementing and managing a HR management system.
Experienced to support positive employee engagement and culture.
Experience working as the sole HR professional or in a small HR team.

Desirable:

CIPD Level 5 HR qualification or equivalent.
Experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector.

Skills and knowledge

Essential:

Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Ability to plan, prioritise and manage a varied workload.
High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Office and HR databases.
Up-to-date knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practices.
Understanding of HR policies, procedures, and employee relations processes.
Awareness of equity, diversity, inclusion and confidentiality in the workplace.

Desirable:

Ability to interpret and use HR data and metrics.
Ability to develop and deliver training or briefings to managers.
Payroll processing and inputting.
Knowledge of safeguarding and safer recruitment practices.
Familiarity with HR systems and payroll processes.

Personal Attributes

Essential:

Professional, trustworthy and discreet.
Empathetic and approachable.
Proactive and pragmatic solution focused.
Committed to the values and mission of the organisation.
Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities.

Desirable:

Interest in the Trust’s cause.

Applications:

To apply, please send your completed Job Application Form, Equal Opportunities Monitoring Information Form and a covering letter/email to jobs@norfolkriverstrust.org by 17:00 on Monday 15th December 2025.

First interviews will take place the week commencing 5th January 2026 and can be attended in person or on Teams.

Second interviews will take place the week commencing 12th January 2026 and will be held in person.

If you would like to discuss this position, please email jobs@norfollkriverstrust.org with your enquiry and we will arrange to call you back.

Human Resources Advisor