Senior People Advisor - Absence Management Specialist
At a glance
- Band
- Band 6
- Contract
- Fixed-term
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Hours / week
- 37.5
- Posted
- 21/09/2026
- Closes
- 05/10/2026
Sponsorship verdict
Sponsorship is not clearly stated in this advert.
The advert didn't contain a clear role-specific sponsorship line, so HiveMind can't confirm eligibility. Verify with the recruiting manager or trust HR before you apply.
Role summary
This role is for a Senior People Advisor specializing in absence management within the Estates, Facilities, and MES services. The successful candidate will proactively manage sickness absence cases, facilitate early returns to work, and provide expert HR advice on complex absence issues. Beyond casework, the role involves shaping and embedding a positive attendance culture, moving towards early intervention and prevention. It requires a solutions-focused HR professional passionate about improving wellbeing and driving cultural change.
Essential criteria
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in HR, People Management, Employment Relations or related discipline
- Evidence of CPD relevant to people management or employment practice
Desirable criteria
- CIPD Level 5 Qualification or working towards
- Training qualification
- Knowledge, Behaviours and Experience
- Experience of providing HR/People advice and support to managers on employee matters
- Working knowledge of sickness absence management processes and best practice
- Experience of interpreting and applying HR policies and procedures in a practical, operational context
- Experience of coaching and supporting managers to manage people issues effectively
- Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and information governance
- Experience of working in and NHS or large unionised public sector organisation
- Experience of advising on complex or long term sickness absence cases
- Experience of contributing to policy development or reviewing internal procedures
- Experience of working with Occupational Health and/or wellbeing services
- Experience of supporting operational services such as Estates and Facilities or other staff groups with high physical demands
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in HR, People Management, Employment Relations or related discipline
- Evidence of CPD relevant to people management or employment practice
- CIPD Level 5 Qualification or working towards
- Training qualification
- Knowledge, Behaviours and Experience
- Experience of providing HR/People advice and support to managers on employee matters
- Working knowledge of sickness absence management processes and best practice
- Experience of interpreting and applying HR policies and procedures in a practical, operational context
- Experience of coaching and supporting managers to manage people issues effectively
- Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and information governance
- Experience of working in and NHS or large unionised public sector organisation
- Experience of advising on complex or long term sickness absence cases
- Experience of contributing to policy development or reviewing internal procedures
- Experience of working with Occupational Health and/or wellbeing services
- Experience of supporting operational services such as Estates and Facilities or other staff groups with high physical demands
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 6 at £37,338 – £44,962 a year, across England.
This advert: £39,959 – £48,117 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 1d ago · Closes in 14d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
Senior People Advisor - Absence Management Specialist
The closing date is 05 October 2026
Job summary
Are you a solutions-focused HR professional who is passionate about improving wellbeing and driving meaningful cultural change?
At SaTH, we are committed to creating a healthier, more engaged workforce.We are seeking an experienced Senior People Advisor - Absence Management Specialist to play a key role within our Estates, Facilities and MES services, leading a proactive and impactful approach to employee wellbeing attendance management.
This is a Band 6 (Subject to Agenda for Change Job Evaluation) role, full-time 37.5 hours per week, fixed Term for 6 Months initially (if successful will extend to 18 months).
Main duties of the job
About the Role
This is a high-impact, operational and strategic role where you will take ownership of all aspects of sickness absence management, working directly with colleagues and managers to support attendance, wellbeing and performance.
You will:
- Proactively manage sickness absence cases, maintaining regular and supportive contact with colleagues during periods of absence
- Facilitate early, safe returns to work, ensuring appropriate support plans and adjustments are in place
- Provide expert HR advice on complex absence cases, including long-term and frequent short-term ab
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