Advice and Guidance Assistant Review
at Staffordshire County Council
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Human Resources
Stafford
Review Submitted: May 2026
Overall Rating
4.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
My role as an Advice and Guidance Assistant sits within People Services and acts as part of the front door to HR support across Staffordshire County Council. I provide first‑line people advice and guidance to managers, employees, and schools, ensuring queries are handled accurately, consistently, and in line with Council policy and employment legislation.
What the role involves on a day‑to‑day basis
On a daily basis, I:
Receive, triage and manage queries through the Ask People Services system, email, and phone, ensuring they are prioritised and acknowledged promptly.
Provide clear, practical advice on a wide range of people matters, including:
sickness absence (short‑ and long‑term),
annual leave and working time,
flexible working,
pay, contracts and terms and conditions,
car user status, travel and expenses,
informal employee relations matters such as conduct, capability, grievances, and mediation referrals.
Retain ownership of queries from end to end, resolving them at the earliest opportunity where possible and escalating more complex cases to Advice and Guidance Advisors while maintaining involvement and oversight.
Interpret and apply SCC policies, national terms (e.g. Green Book), and legal frameworks accurately, translating them into clear guidance that managers and employees can easily understand.
Liaise closely with wider People Services teams (such as Payroll, Pensions, Employee Relations, Occupational Health and Reward) to ensure advice is joined‑up and issues are resolved efficiently.
Support managers with understanding their responsibilities and next steps, helping them apply policy fairly and consistently in practice.
Contribute to continuous improvement, including updating guidance, identifying trends in queries, and helping make people information more accessible via Staffspace and digital systems.
Support the Advice and Guidance Team Leader and Advisors with administrative tasks, data monitoring, and ad‑hoc project work to improve service delivery.
What the role involves on a day‑to‑day basis
On a daily basis, I:
Receive, triage and manage queries through the Ask People Services system, email, and phone, ensuring they are prioritised and acknowledged promptly.
Provide clear, practical advice on a wide range of people matters, including:
sickness absence (short‑ and long‑term),
annual leave and working time,
flexible working,
pay, contracts and terms and conditions,
car user status, travel and expenses,
informal employee relations matters such as conduct, capability, grievances, and mediation referrals.
Retain ownership of queries from end to end, resolving them at the earliest opportunity where possible and escalating more complex cases to Advice and Guidance Advisors while maintaining involvement and oversight.
Interpret and apply SCC policies, national terms (e.g. Green Book), and legal frameworks accurately, translating them into clear guidance that managers and employees can easily understand.
Liaise closely with wider People Services teams (such as Payroll, Pensions, Employee Relations, Occupational Health and Reward) to ensure advice is joined‑up and issues are resolved efficiently.
Support managers with understanding their responsibilities and next steps, helping them apply policy fairly and consistently in practice.
Contribute to continuous improvement, including updating guidance, identifying trends in queries, and helping make people information more accessible via Staffspace and digital systems.
Support the Advice and Guidance Team Leader and Advisors with administrative tasks, data monitoring, and ad‑hoc project work to improve service delivery.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy my apprenticeship programme to a great extent. It has given me the opportunity to develop my knowledge and confidence in HR and people management while applying what I learn directly to my role as an Advice and Guidance Assistant.
I particularly value the balance between theoretical learning and practical experience. Being able to relate my coursework to real workplace situations—such as advising managers, interpreting policy, and handling complex queries—has helped me deepen my understanding and see the impact of my learning in practice.
The programme has also supported my professional development, encouraging me to build my skills in communication, problem‑solving, organisation, and professionalism. I feel more confident in my role and more motivated about my future career within People Services as a result of the apprenticeship.
I particularly value the balance between theoretical learning and practical experience. Being able to relate my coursework to real workplace situations—such as advising managers, interpreting policy, and handling complex queries—has helped me deepen my understanding and see the impact of my learning in practice.
The programme has also supported my professional development, encouraging me to build my skills in communication, problem‑solving, organisation, and professionalism. I feel more confident in my role and more motivated about my future career within People Services as a result of the apprenticeship.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have learnt a significant number of new skills and also developed strong transferable skills through my apprenticeship, particularly as I had no prior knowledge or background in HR before starting the role.
Since joining the programme, I have developed a solid understanding of HR policies, procedures, and employment legislation, and gained the confidence to interpret and apply these correctly when advising managers and employees. I am now able to provide accurate, consistent, and practical people advice, which was a completely new area for me at the start of the apprenticeship.
I have also developed key skills in:
Communication, particularly explaining complex HR matters clearly and sensitively using different channels such as email, phone, and case management systems.
Problem‑solving and judgement, by assessing individual circumstances, identifying risks, and knowing when to resolve queries independently and when to escalate more complex issues.
Organisation and prioritisation, managing a high volume of queries, meeting response times, and retaining ownership of cases from start to finish.
Professional confidence, supporting managers with people issues and contributing effectively within People Services despite initially limited HR knowledge.
Since joining the programme, I have developed a solid understanding of HR policies, procedures, and employment legislation, and gained the confidence to interpret and apply these correctly when advising managers and employees. I am now able to provide accurate, consistent, and practical people advice, which was a completely new area for me at the start of the apprenticeship.
I have also developed key skills in:
Communication, particularly explaining complex HR matters clearly and sensitively using different channels such as email, phone, and case management systems.
Problem‑solving and judgement, by assessing individual circumstances, identifying risks, and knowing when to resolve queries independently and when to escalate more complex issues.
Organisation and prioritisation, managing a high volume of queries, meeting response times, and retaining ownership of cases from start to finish.
Professional confidence, supporting managers with people issues and contributing effectively within People Services despite initially limited HR knowledge.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I would rate the programme 4 out of 5 in terms of organisation and structure. Overall, it is well structured, with clear learning objectives and a good balance between on‑the‑job learning and formal study. The content links well to my role, which helps reinforce learning in practice.
At times, there can be competing demands between workload and off‑the‑job training, which can make planning more challenging. However, support from my manager and the training provider helps manage this effectively. Overall, the programme is well organised and supports my development, with only minor areas for improvement.
At times, there can be competing demands between workload and off‑the‑job training, which can make planning more challenging. However, support from my manager and the training provider helps manage this effectively. Overall, the programme is well organised and supports my development, with only minor areas for improvement.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I would rate the support I receive from my employer as 5 out of 5. I feel fully supported in my apprenticeship, both in my day‑to‑day role and with my learning and development.
My manager and the wider team are approachable and supportive, providing regular guidance, feedback, and encouragement. I am given time and flexibility to complete off‑the‑job learning and coursework, and I am supported to apply what I learn directly to my role.
My manager and the wider team are approachable and supportive, providing regular guidance, feedback, and encouragement. I am given time and flexibility to complete off‑the‑job learning and coursework, and I am supported to apply what I learn directly to my role.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I would rate the support I receive from my training provider as 4 out of 5. Overall, the support is good and the training provider is approachable and helpful when guidance is needed.
They provide clear information around coursework requirements, assessments, and deadlines, and are available to answer questions or clarify topics when needed. Feedback is constructive and supportive, which helps me understand how to improve and develop further.
At times, response times can vary due to workloads, which is why I have not rated this as a 5. However, the support remains positive and effective overall, and it contributes well to my progression through the qualification.
They provide clear information around coursework requirements, assessments, and deadlines, and are available to answer questions or clarify topics when needed. Feedback is constructive and supportive, which helps me understand how to improve and develop further.
At times, response times can vary due to workloads, which is why I have not rated this as a 5. However, the support remains positive and effective overall, and it contributes well to my progression through the qualification.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Overall, my qualification supports me well in performing my role more effectively. The learning provided by the training provider has strengthened my understanding of HR principles, policies, and employment law, which I apply regularly when providing advice and guidance to managers and employees.
The qualification has helped improve my confidence, judgement, and ability to interpret and apply policy accurately in real‑life scenarios. This has had a positive impact on the quality and consistency of the advice I provide.
There are some areas where the learning is more generic and not always directly aligned to the specific context of my role within SCC, which is why I have not rated it a 5. However, overall it adds clear value and supports my development and performance in the role.
The qualification has helped improve my confidence, judgement, and ability to interpret and apply policy accurately in real‑life scenarios. This has had a positive impact on the quality and consistency of the advice I provide.
There are some areas where the learning is more generic and not always directly aligned to the specific context of my role within SCC, which is why I have not rated it a 5. However, overall it adds clear value and supports my development and performance in the role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are plenty of extra‑curricular activities and opportunities to get involved in at work, which I would rate 5 out of 5. Staffordshire County Council offers a wide range of social activities, wellbeing initiatives, and professional development opportunities that help create a supportive and inclusive working environment.
These include employee wellbeing events, social and networking opportunities, and access to professional groups and learning sessions across the organisation. There are also opportunities to get involved in wider projects and networks, which helps build relationships beyond my immediate team.
These include employee wellbeing events, social and networking opportunities, and access to professional groups and learning sessions across the organisation. There are also opportunities to get involved in wider projects and networks, which helps build relationships beyond my immediate team.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Staffordshire County Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would definitely recommend Staffordshire County Council to a friend.
SCC is a supportive and inclusive organisation that genuinely invests in its people. I have experienced strong support from my managers and colleagues, particularly in relation to development, wellbeing, and work–life balance. There are clear opportunities to learn, progress, and build a career, with access to apprenticeships, training, and professional development.
The organisation also has a positive working culture, where collaboration is encouraged and people are supported to do their jobs well. SCC feels like a place where employees are valued and given the opportunity to grow, which is why I would recommend it to others.
SCC is a supportive and inclusive organisation that genuinely invests in its people. I have experienced strong support from my managers and colleagues, particularly in relation to development, wellbeing, and work–life balance. There are clear opportunities to learn, progress, and build a career, with access to apprenticeships, training, and professional development.
The organisation also has a positive working culture, where collaboration is encouraged and people are supported to do their jobs well. SCC feels like a place where employees are valued and given the opportunity to grow, which is why I would recommend it to others.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Staffordshire County Council?
Here are some practical tips I’d share with others applying to Staffordshire County Council, based on my experience:
Read the job description carefully and tailor your application to clearly show how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria. Use examples where possible.
Be honest about your experience. SCC is very supportive of development and learning, so showing a willingness to learn and grow is just as important as existing knowledge.
Demonstrate your values, not just your skills. SCC places strong emphasis on behaviours such as collaboration, inclusivity, and delivering good outcomes for communities.
If offered an interview, prepare examples in advance using real situations, and don’t be afraid to talk about what you’ve learned from challenges as well as successes.
Finally, highlight your interest in development opportunities, such as training or apprenticeships. SCC genuinely invests in its people, and showing commitment to learning is viewed positively.
Read the job description carefully and tailor your application to clearly show how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria. Use examples where possible.
Be honest about your experience. SCC is very supportive of development and learning, so showing a willingness to learn and grow is just as important as existing knowledge.
Demonstrate your values, not just your skills. SCC places strong emphasis on behaviours such as collaboration, inclusivity, and delivering good outcomes for communities.
If offered an interview, prepare examples in advance using real situations, and don’t be afraid to talk about what you’ve learned from challenges as well as successes.
Finally, highlight your interest in development opportunities, such as training or apprenticeships. SCC genuinely invests in its people, and showing commitment to learning is viewed positively.
