People & HR Advisor - CoLab Exeter
- Exeter, Devon
- Part Time
- £32,075 - £34,434 per annum (dependent on experience)

Responsible to: Head of Service for Business & Operations
Location: CoLab Exeter Hub (primarily office-based; ad hoc home working by agreement)
Criminal Records Disclosure required: Basic DBS check required
This advert reflects CoLab’s commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and equity. The full duties, responsibilities, and the essential and desirable criteria for this role are set out in the accompanying job description and person specification.
Project Summary
Demonstrating our values of welcome, compassion and collaboration, we are looking for people who are good communicators with the ability to relate and communicate easily with individuals at all levels in a friendly, professional and inclusive way.
The People & HR Advisor is a permanent, operational HR role providing advice and support to the Senior Leadership Team, managers and staff at CoLab. Working at the heart of our Hub, this post ensures that HR policies and procedures are applied consistently, in line with current UK employment legislation, and that staff feel supported and heard.
This is not a strategic or line management role – strategic HR direction and organisational risk sit with the SLT. It is, however, a highly relational and visible role that requires someone who is approachable, grounded, and committed to building positive relationships across the organisation.
We value people’s unique backgrounds, experiences, and lived experience, and recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen our work and our communities.
Role Summary & Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as the first point of contact for managers on the application of HR policies and procedures across the full employee lifecycle
- Supporting managers with employee relations casework, including absence management, performance, disciplinary and grievance procedures
- Maintaining oversight of HR policies, monitoring legislative updates (via CIPD/SafeHR), and drafting amendments for SLT review
- Overseeing HR systems and ensuring accurate, GDPR-compliant employee records, absence tracking and payroll liaison
- Supporting compliant recruitment and onboarding processes, including right-to-work and safer recruitment checks
- Being visibly present within the Hub, providing accessible, relational support to staff and managers
You will be CIPD Level 3 qualified (or working towards), or hold demonstrable equivalent operational HR experience, with a sound working knowledge of UK employment law and a track record of supporting managers through employee relations processes. Experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector, and/or in values-led or trauma-informed settings, is desirable.
Employee Benefits at CoLab
At CoLab, we value our team and offer a range of benefits, including:
- Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support for your wellbeing
- Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for the future
- Annual Leave – 27 days per year, plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time). Increases after five years of continuous service
- Birthday Celebration Day – Enjoy an extra day off for your birthday
- Volunteering Days – Two paid days per year to volunteer with a registered organisation of your choice
- Blue Light Card – Access to exclusive discounts and offers
- Learning & Development – Training opportunities through our in-house learning platform to develop your skills and career
- CoLab Hub Breakfast Mornings – A chance to connect and catch up with colleagues over breakfast
Inclusive Recruitment
CoLab is committed to fair, transparent, and inclusive recruitment practices. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
We actively work to remove barriers to recruitment and selection, and all decisions are made using objective, role-related criteria.
CoLab welcomes applications from people with convictions or lived experience of the criminal justice system.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, including for candidates with disabilities, health conditions, or caring responsibilities. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to apply or attend interview.
How to Apply
CoLab Exeter is committed to promoting a positive approach to equality, diversity and inclusion, and values the benefits of employing a diverse range of talented people.
To apply, please visit our website here.
Some roles may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Any check required will be proportionate to the role and carried out in line with relevant legislation.
Application Deadline: Sunday 17th May 2026.
Interview Date: 28th May 2026 at CoLab Exeter.
Job Details
- OrganisationOther Organisations
- Work LocationExeterDevon
- Work Postcode
EX4 6PD
- Reference
AC6353
- Occupational GroupHR & RecruitmentAdministrative, Secretarial & Office Support
- Salary Details
£32,075 - £34,434 per annum (dependent on experience)
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypePart Time
- Hours
30 hours per week (working pattern to be agreed)
- Closing Date
16/05/2026
- DBS Check Required
Yes
