Assistant HRBP - Absence Management Project

Halton Borough Council
Assistant HR Business Partner - Absence Management
Location: DCBL Stadium, Widnes (Hybrid - 3 days office-based)
Rate: £22 per hour
Contract: Fixed term until 31st March 2026

Are you a confident HR professional with proven experience in absence management? Halton Borough Council is seeking an Assistant HR Business Partner to support the delivery of a key programme of work as part of our wider Transformation Programme.

This role is pivotal in helping us to improve attendance and reduce costs associated with absence across the Council. Based at the DCBL Stadium in Widnes, you will work on a hybrid basis (3 days in the office, 2 days remote), supporting a project lead and working closely with the wider HR Business Partner Team.

You'll play an essential part in:

• Supporting the development and implementation of a detailed action plan to tackle high levels of absence in key service areas.

• Using HR data and insights to drive case management and targeted interventions.

• Advising and coaching managers to embed absence policy, processes and systems into everyday practice.

• Liaising with stakeholders including service managers, senior leadership, the Transformation Programme Board, and trade unions.

This is a hands-on role, requiring strong stakeholder engagement and an analytical approach. Your ability to interpret trends, influence change, and drive improvement will directly impact the Council's goals around attendance and wellbeing.

• Degree or equivalent professional HR qualification.

• Solid experience in absence management and managing high-volume cases.

• In-depth knowledge of UK employment law, ACAS Codes and employee relations best practice.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret HR data and provide evidence-based recommendations.

• Proven experience in supporting HR-related projects and familiarity with project documentation.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to coach and support managers at all levels.

• Ability to work at pace and manage competing priorities in a resilient and flexible way.

• Advising and supporting managers through absence cases, including long-term and complex matters.

• Working collaboratively with HRBPs, managers and trade unions to improve attendance outcomes.

• Analysing and presenting HR data to inform decisions and monitor progress.

• Maintaining and updating project action plans and documentation for ongoing reporting.

• Supporting and delivering training on attendance management policies and procedures.

• Maintaining positive employee relations and contributing to staff wellbeing initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to real organisational change in a forward-thinking local authority. You'll be supported by a dedicated HR team and play a vital role in building a more sustainable and effective approach to attendance and employee wellbeing.

Connect2Haltonis a trading style of Halton & Kent Commercial Services LLP- A joint venture between Halton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Halton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.