Career guides / Careers in human resources (HR)
Careers in human resources (HR)
HR and people professionals manage the employment lifecycle across the public sector, from recruiting and onboarding staff, through advising managers on employment law and handling disciplinary cases, to designing learning programmes and administering payroll and pensions.
Day-to-day work involves advising on employee relations cases, supporting recruitment campaigns, developing HR policies, running training sessions, processing payroll, and analysing workforce data.
Discover current vacancies, an overview of key roles, salary expectations, and answers to common questions about careers in HR.
Explore the latest opportunities below and find a role that fits your skills and career needs.
34 employers, including central government, housing associations and councils, are seeking HR professionals across the UK.
Types of HR roles in the UK
HR roles are broad and varied, having evolved significantly. You may now find "people partner" and "organisation development" roles sitting alongside traditional HR and payroll positions.
CIPD qualifications are the primary professional credential for HR, though employers also value experience and capability.
The most common job titles advertised on Jobs Go Public for HR professionals include:
- Learning & Development Officer
- HR Business Partner
- HR Advisor / Consultant
- HR Administrator
- Payroll Officer
- Employee Relations Specialist
- HR Officer / People Officer
- Recruitment / Resourcing Officer
- HR Systems Analyst
- Pensions Officer
- Pay & Benefits Officer
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Salary overview for HR jobs in the UK
Salaries for HR professionals in the public sector vary depending on the subsector and location. Generally, the profession offers great potential for career progression with competitive entry-level salary bands.
Typical average salary ranges in 2026:
- Entry level: £34,434 - £37,938 per year
- Mid-level: £45,271 - £50,574 per year
- Senior level: £70,309 - £78,000 per year
FAQs about careers in HR
What are HR jobs?
HR (human resources) jobs involve managing and supporting an organisation's workforce. In the public sector, this covers a broad range of specialisms including recruitment, employee relations, learning and development, payroll, pensions, organisational development, and HR business partnering.
Roles range from HR assistants and coordinators through to senior HR business partners and heads of HR. Public sector HR professionals work for local councils, emergency services, housing associations, central government, and educational institutions—helping organisations attract, retain, and develop the people who deliver public services.
How do I start a career in HR?
There are several routes into HR. Many people start in HR assistant or coordinator roles, which often require GCSEs or A-levels rather than a degree. Apprenticeships are another popular entry point. Our job data shows HR apprenticeships available at Level 3 and Level 5 (CIPD).
Some people move into HR from administrative or customer-facing roles, transferring their people skills. Gaining a CIPD qualification is widely valued—around 35% of HR vacancies on our platform reference the CIPD. Explore entry-level HR roles on Jobs Go Public to find your starting point.
Can I get a job in HR with no experience?
Yes. Public sector employers regularly advertise HR assistant, HR coordinator, and HR apprenticeship roles suitable for candidates without prior HR experience. These positions typically offer on-the-job training and often support you through qualifications like the CIPD.
Transferable skills from administration, customer service, or office-based roles are valued by hiring managers. On Jobs Go Public, around 10% of HR vacancies are at assistant or coordinator level, providing a genuine pathway into the profession. Browse our entry-level HR vacancies to see what's currently available.
What are the HR job responsibilities?
HR responsibilities vary by role and specialism. Across public sector HR vacancies on our platform, the most common duties include managing recruitment and onboarding, advising managers on employee relations issues, supporting organisational change and restructures, administering payroll and pensions, delivering training and development programmes, and ensuring compliance with employment law.
More senior roles involve strategic workforce planning, HR business partnering with service areas, and shaping people policy. The specifics depend on the role and employer, so check individual job descriptions for full details.
Is HR a good career?
Yes, public sector HR offers strong career progression. On Jobs Go Public, roles span from entry-level assistants through to heads of HR and assistant directors. There's genuine variety across specialisms, including recruitment, employee relations, L&D, payroll, and organisational development.
Public sector benefits typically include the Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements. With 145 different employers advertising HR roles on our platform over the last financial year, there's no shortage of opportunities to build a varied and rewarding HR career.
Is HR a high-paying job?
Public sector HR salaries vary by level and specialism. Based on roles advertised on Jobs Go Public, entry-level positions such as HR assistants and coordinators typically start around £25,000–£30,000.
Mid-level roles like HR advisors and business partners sit in the £35,000–£47,000 range. Senior positions, including HR managers and heads of HR can command £55,000–£75,000, with director-level roles exceeding £100,000. The median salary across all HR roles on our platform is around £38,000–£42,000. London-based roles often attract additional weighting.
What qualifications do I need for an HR job?
It depends on the level. Entry-level roles such as HR assistants often require GCSEs and good IT skills, with no degree necessary. CIPD qualifications are the most widely recognised professional standard in HR, with this being referenced in around 35% of HR vacancies on our platform.
CIPD Level 3 suits those starting out, Level 5 for advisors and business partners, and Level 7 for strategic roles. Some employers accept relevant degrees in HR, business, or law in place of CIPD. Apprenticeships offer an alternative route, combining work with study toward CIPD accreditation.
What are entry-level HR jobs?
The most common entry-level HR roles in the public sector include HR assistants, HR coordinators, recruitment assistants, payroll assistants, pensions assistants, and learning and development assistants. HR apprenticeships at Level 3 and CIPD Level 5 are also available.
On Jobs Go Public, these roles are advertised by local councils, police forces, housing associations, and other public sector employers. Many provide structured training and support toward professional qualifications, making them an ideal starting point for an HR career.
What is the job of an HR manager?
HR managers in the public sector lead teams and oversee people functions within an organisation or service area. Common responsibilities include managing employee relations casework, leading recruitment strategies, developing HR policies, advising senior leaders on workforce planning, and ensuring compliance with employment law.
Some specialise in areas such as payroll and reward, organisational development, or schools HR. On Jobs Go Public, HR Manager and Head of HR roles typically fall within the £40,000–£70,000 salary range, depending on the organisation and level of responsibility.
