View a live recruitment microsite
See how a live microsite can bolster a recruitment campaign….
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Who we are
Discover how our values and vision create a people‑first culture, delivering exceptional results for our resourcing partners.
About HR Shared Services
Essex County Council’s HR Shared Service gives local authorities cost-effective access to expert recruitment, HR and employment vetting support.
As a council ourselves, we can work together compliantly under the Public Contract Regulations 2015 – no lengthy tenders required.
Our partners benefit from a pay-as-you-go model or a collaboration agreement with no contracts or tie-ins. We provide flexibility, transparency and an exceptional service tailored to meet our customers’ resourcing and HR needs.
What sets us apart?
We’re more than a HR and resourcing service – we’re a collaborative partner helping local authorities and education providers streamline workforce management. We help public sector organisations achieve savings through efficiencies, real-time reporting and partnerships built on trust.
Customer excellence
We deliver flexible, transparent and high‑quality HR and recruitment services that consistently exceed expectations. Councils trust us for cost‑effective expertise, real‑time workforce insight and talent attraction that delivers standout results.
Industry expertise
As a local authority ourselves, our highly experienced team brings public‑sector expertise across all aspects of HR and resourcing. Our deep understanding of local authority needs enables us to deliver compliant, insight‑driven solutions for your organisation.
Tailored solutions
We tailor our services to your unique needs, offering flexible, scalable solutions. From bespoke talent attraction campaigns to targeted executive search and customised HR support, we ensure you receive what’s required to solve workforce challenges effectively.
Our mission and values
Our mission is to provide public sector organisations with outstanding HR and resourcing services that deliver excellent service and value. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality, reliable support, underpinned by two key principles:
- A direct hire first approach
- Delivering customer excellence
We recognise the resourcing challenges faced by the public sector. By leveraging our unique experience, we are committed to sharing our knowledge and resources to support organisations across Essex and beyond.
Staying ahead of the curve
We continuously evolve our services to keep pace with the changing demands of the public sector. Through smart use of technology, ongoing innovation and a commitment to learning from our partners, we deliver solutions that remain efficient, compliant and future‑focused.
Our forward‑thinking approach ensures our clients always receive services that anticipate challenges rather than react to them
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Our journey of success
HR Shared Services was established to offer councils a flexible, transparent and compliant way to access high‑quality HR and recruitment support, including employment vetting. As a council‑owned service, we understand the pressures local authorities face and design our model to remove barriers and deliver cost‑effective solutions. Our success is made possible by our talented team and the partnerships we’ve forged.
Discover our case studies
Transforming Basildon Council’s Temporary Recruitment Service
Supporting Basildon Borough Council with tailored recruitment and talent attraction services….
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Executive Recruitment for Castle Point Borough Council
Learn how we supported Castle Point Borough council with their recruitment….
Read the case study
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our services and approach.
Our mission delivers meaningful impact for every client we partner with by:
- Championing direct hires: We prioritise permanent, high‑quality hires who bring lasting value, cultural alignment and long-term stability to your teams.
- Putting your experience first: You’ll work with a team that’s proactive, responsive and committed to delivering a recruitment process that feels smooth, transparent and genuinely supportive.
- Constantly optimising our approach: We don’t stand still. We review performance, gather feedback and refine our methods so your hiring outcomes keep improving over time.
- Leveraging smart, modern solutions: We use innovative tools that speed up hiring, improve accuracy and streamline processes – without compromising the human touch.
- Understanding your business deeply: We take the time to learn your goals, challenges and culture, tailoring our service so every recommendation feels purpose-built for your needs.
We are fully publicly owned, so unlike a typical agency, we are not focused solely on the bottom line. Our priority is ensuring you have access to the right people and services at the right time. We go beyond the standard managed service model, offering a flexible, partnership-driven approach rooted in local authority expertise. Our goal is to share our innovative solutions and experiences with other councils to drive mutual success.
We partner with leading national job boards and specialist platforms to give your roles maximum reach, including:
- Jobs Go Public – trusted across the public sector for attracting high‑quality talent.
- The MJ (Municipal Journal) – the go‑to platform for senior-level local government professionals.
- Diversity Jobs Group – a key partner in ensuring inclusive hiring and widening access to underrepresented talent.
Our wider partnerships include Local Government Association, Local Government East, Matrix, and other trusted networks that strengthen our ability to deliver fast, compliant and effective hiring outcomes.
Through our partnerships, we utilise a range of advanced technology solutions to ensure efficient and effective service delivery:
- Vendor Management System (VMS): An integrated system for end-to-end temporary recruitment, including timesheet management and billing.
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS): A custom-built system designed for efficient hiring processes.
- E-Broker: An advanced DBS e-broker platform that ensures efficiency and regulatory compliance.
These technologies enable us to provide exceptional value and service to our clients.
Innovation is at the core of what we do. It drives us to continuously improve our services, adapt to changing needs and deliver exceptional value to our customers. By embracing new technologies and creative solutions, we stay ahead of the curve and ensure our customers benefit from the latest advancements.
For example, we launched a first-of-its-kind Essex Secondment Jobs Portal in partnership with Jobs Go Public. This innovative website platform reduces competition for talent and creates valuable development opportunities within local government, showcasing our commitment to pioneering solutions that address public sector challenges.