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People Advisor (Maternity Cover)

The Royal Yachting Association, based in Hamble, near Southampton, is the national governing body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating. It represents dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing, inland cruising and personal watercraft. 

Job Role: People Advisor (Maternity Cover) 

Salary: £28,800 per annum - Fixed Term Maternity Cover until December 2026

Hours: 30 hours per week

Location: Hamble

  • Do you thrive in a busy, people‑focused environment?
  • Do you enjoy helping others, creating a positive first impression, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes?
  • Are you someone who brings calm, clarity and friendliness — even on the busiest days?

If so, this could be a fantastic opportunity to play a key role at the heart of our organisation.

Join the RYA — and help us deliver exceptional service

We are a membership organisation and a world-leading provider of training schemes and publications, supporting a diverse community through an extensive network of over 2,400 Recognised Training Centres and 1,500 Affiliated Clubs. As the first point of contact for many of our members, visitors and partners, our reception service is crucial to ensuring every interaction reflects our values of professionalism, support and excellence.

We are now seeking a receptionist to deliver a warm, efficient and proactive reception and telephone service.

What You’ll Do:

We are currently looking for an experienced and proactive People Advisor to join our team on a part-time basis to provide maternity cover starting in April 2026. This role is integral to ensuring HR services are delivered effectively across the RYA.

You will:

  • Be the first point of contact for HR-related queries, offering advice in line with employment law and internal policies.
  • Administer People correspondence, including contracts, offer letters, and benefits information.
  • Creating, supporting and leading Learning and Development activities.
  • Manage employee relations casework, including performance, conduct, and absence matters.
  • Support the full recruitment process, including advertising, interviewing, and onboarding.
  • Maintain and update the online People system with accurate employee records.
  • Help coordinate the employee survey and follow-up action planning.
  • Support managers with appraisal processes and learning and development requests.
  • Assist with People projects and initiatives in collaboration with external HR consultants and the Head of People

This role sits at the heart of a busy organisation — no two days are the same, and your professionalism will make a real difference.

Who We’re Looking For:

We’re keen to hear from people who can demonstrate:

Essential - 

  • CIPD qualified Level 3 or above.
  • Generalist HR experience, ideally supporting multiple departments.
  • Strong understanding of current employment law and HR best practice.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Highly organised and able to manage a varied workload effectively.
  • Confident using Microsoft Office and HR databases/systems.

Desirable - 

  • Experience of working with an outsourced HR consultancy
  • Experience of delivering training and/or coaching to managers at all levels. 
  • Experience in creating and implementing training and development initiatives. 

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a friendly, supportive organisation with a strong sense of purpose. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, people contact and being the go-to person who keeps things running smoothly.

To apply

Please review the full job description and send a completed application form and an equality monitoring form to jobs@rya.org.uk

Job description | Application form | Equality monitoring form

Or alternatively, apply here: 

Apply now

Closing date: 26 March 2026 
(we will review applications on a continuous basis and may close the advert early if sufficient applications are received)

Interviews: Monday 30 March / Tuesday 31 March 2026

The RYA is committed to equality of opportunity.

As an equal opportunity and disability confident employer, we celebrate and welcome diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity, and creativity.

We are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves. We would particularly encourage applications from ethnically diverse candidates who are currently underrepresented at the RYA.

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