HR GraduateCouncil

Terms and Conditions: Full time, 37 hours per week
Department: Human Resources
Interview date: w/c 5th October 2026

As a recent graduate with a degree in Human Resources and a current member of CIPD (or eligible for CIPD membership), you will have a passion for people, employment law, and making a difference in the workplace. This isn't just a graduate role; it's an opportunity to build a career in HR while contributing to one of the biggest changes in local government in a generation. 

Due to increased workload following the recent Local Government Reorganisation decision, we are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated HR Graduate to join our busy and dedicated Human Resources team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in HR and gain experience across a wide range of employee relations and people management matters. 

You will gain valuable experience supporting managers and schools across the Borough with a variety of HR activities. 

Working alongside experienced HR Consultants, you will assist in providing advice and guidance on a range of people matters including absence management, wellbeing initiatives, performance management, disciplinary procedures and change management including TUPE. You will also support the administration and organisation of formal meetings and hearings. 

You will have excellent organisational and communication skills, a willingness to learn, and the confidence to build positive working relationships with managers and colleagues. You should be comfortable using Microsoft Office applications, including Teams, and have strong attention to detail. 

In return, we offer a supportive and collaborative environment where you can develop your HR knowledge and skills through practical experience, mentoring, and professional development opportunities. No two days are the same, making this a challenging and rewarding opportunity for someone looking to start their HR career. 

We also offer hybrid working and a Flexi-Time Policy. Our office base is the Town Hall, Blackburn. 

Due to the nature of the role, a Full UK Driving Licence and access to your own vehicle is desirable.  

For further information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact either [email protected] or Laura.O'[email protected].

The Government has confirmed plans to reorganise local government across Lancashire. From April 2028, the current 15 councils will be replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire.

If you're successful in your application, you'll initially join Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. As part of the reorganisation, your employment will transfer to the new East Lancashire council from April 2028.

We're committed to continuing to deliver excellent services throughout this transition. By joining us now, you'll be part of an important period of change and have the opportunity to help shape the future of local government for local communities.