About Support When It Matters (SWIM)
SWIM is a London-based social enterprise delivering culturally competent programmes that support individuals facing multiple disadvantage, including mental health challenges, substance misuse, offending histories and housing instability.
SWIM provides supported housing and recovery services across London and is expanding its accommodation pathway to support individuals at risk of homelessness and those transitioning from the criminal justice system.
Our work focuses particularly on African, Caribbean, Asian and other minoritised communities who experience systemic barriers to services. Through housing, mentoring and behaviour-change programmes we help people stabilise their lives, rebuild confidence and move towards independence.
Role overview
The HR Business Partner delivers and oversees people management practice and policy across the whole employee journey. The role makes sure HR practice aligns with SWIM's values and enables the organisation to scale with its ambitions.
This is an ideal opportunity for an HR generalist who wants to deliver and support best-practice HR at process, policy and strategic levels.
SWIM is looking for someone with substantial experience of supporting employees and senior managers in effective people management within a small to medium-sized organisation. The post holder will bring excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, and strong commitment to SWIM's mission.
Role details
Job Title
HR Business Partner
Responsible To
Head of Operations
Responsible For
HR and Data Administrator
Hours of Work
Part-time, 20 hours per week
Location
Hybrid – 2-3 days office based (London, Hackney HO) and 2-3 days working from home.
Contract Type
Permanent
Salary
£40,000 to £42,000 pro rata per annum, depending on experience
DBS
Enhanced DBS check required
Key responsibilities
Reporting to the Head of Operations, the HR Business Partner will:
· Deliver and oversee people management practice and policy across the entire employee lifecycle.
· Make sure HR practice supports SWIM's strategic objectives.
· Make sure HR policy and process align with SWIM's organisational values.
HR processes and casework
· Manage recruitment, selection and onboarding, including right-to-work checks in line with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
· Maintain accurate employee records and manage employee record systems.
· Oversee DBS vetting and His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) security clearance processes.
· Apply the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 when handling disclosures, so that recruitment stays fair to people with criminal records.
· Manage performance management and appraisal processes.
· Manage flexible working and reasonable adjustment requests in line with the Equality Act 2010.
· Support payroll and employee benefit requirements where they link to HR, including pension auto-enrolment duties under the Pensions Act 2008.
· Manage disciplinary and grievance processes in line with the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.
· Drive continuous improvement of HR processes and systems.
HR policy and compliance
· Maintain HR policies and the employee handbook in line with SWIM's HR provider.
· Monitor changes in employment law, including the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Working Time Regulations 1998, and update policy accordingly.
· Communicate and train staff on HR policies and procedures.
· Support health and safety compliance in line with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
· Maintain practical understanding of HR governance and compliance across the organisation.
Data protection, safeguarding and confidentiality
· Handle sensitive personal and special category data in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
· Support safeguarding practice across the organisation in line with SWIM policy and the Care Act 2014.
· Report safeguarding and whistleblowing concerns promptly and in line with SWIM policy.
HR strategy
· Support the development and delivery of SWIM's long-term HR strategy.
· Promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
About the candidateEssential requirements
This role requires a hands-on, proactive and values-driven individual. The post holder will operate confidently in complex environments during a growth phase, while maintaining SWIM's commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and community impact.
Experience:
· Significant HR generalist experience in small to medium-sized organisations.
· Experience of supporting senior managers and employees.
· Experience of recruitment, onboarding and performance management.
· Experience of developing evidence-based HR recommendations.
· Experience of HR systems and online recruitment tools.
Knowledge:
· Strong understanding of UK employment law, including the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Equality Act 2010.
· Knowledge of diversity, equality and inclusion practice.
· Knowledge of the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR as they apply to HR.
· Knowledge of DBS and safeguarding processes, including the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
· Understanding of criminal justice licence conditions as they relate to employment.
· Practical understanding of HR governance and compliance.
Skills and abilities:
· Excellent communication and influencing skills.
· Strong policy and contract-writing skills.
· Interviewing, presentation and training skills.
· Effective prioritisation and time management.
· Strong IT skills.
Qualifications:
· CIPD Level 5 or equivalent.
Desirable
· Experience of change management and restructuring, including TUPE transfers under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006.
· HR experience in the charity or social enterprise sector, ideally within health and social care or housing.
· Experience of leadership development programmes.
· Coaching skills.
Other requirements
· Ability to travel across London and work from multiple SWIM locations.
· Flexibility to respond to operational requirements where needed.
· Enhanced DBS clearance.
Why join SWIM
SWIM is a mission-driven organisation committed to improving the lives of people experiencing multiple disadvantage. Its work supports people to rebuild stability through culturally competent services across housing, wellbeing and social inclusion.
Joining SWIM offers the chance to shape and strengthen people management as the organisation grows. The HR Business Partner will help build a fair, compliant and supportive workplace for a committed team delivering services that make a real difference to communities who often face barriers to support.
SWIM celebrates diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
Responsibilities for All SWIM Staff
All staff are expected to:
· Uphold SWIM values and ways of working: Equality, Understanding, Inclusion, Compassion, Belonging, Respect.
· Promote inclusive and anti-discriminatory practice aligned with SWIM policies and the Equality Act 2010.
· Comply with organisational policies and procedures, including UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and health and safety requirements.
· Take part in supervision, training and learning forums, maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement.
· Work flexibly to enable effective service delivery, including across sites when required.
· Carry out other reasonable duties as required within the scope of the role.
Pay: £40,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Please provide a cover letter of no more than 2 A4 sides detailing how your experience, skills and abilities make an ideal candidate for the role.
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hackney
