Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
About Us
We are a growing education-based organisation committed to delivering outstanding education, early years provision and specialist support services. Operating across nurseries, schools and associated educational settings, we are dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for children, young people and our workforce.
We are seeking an organised, proactive and professional Human Resources Officer to join our Human Resources Department. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering high-quality HR support across the organisation.
About the Role
Reporting to the Human Resources Manager or Directors, the Human Resources Officer will provide operational HR support across all areas of the employee lifecycle. The successful candidate will assist with recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, HR administration, compliance, training coordination and workforce planning, while ensuring compliance with employment legislation and safeguarding requirements.
The Human Resources Officer will work closely with managers and staff to promote best practice, maintain accurate HR records and support the effective delivery of the organisation's people strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day Human Resources advice and administrative support to managers and employees.
- Coordinate the full recruitment process, including preparing job advertisements, arranging interviews, issuing offer letters and employment contracts.
- Manage onboarding processes, ensuring all pre-employment checks are completed before employment commences.
- Verify and maintain records relating to identity, qualifications, references, Enhanced DBS checks and Right to Work documentation.
- Maintain accurate electronic and paper personnel records in accordance with UK GDPR and organisational policies.
- Assist with workforce planning by monitoring vacancies, staffing levels and recruitment activity.
- Support managers in probation reviews, performance management processes and employee development.
- Provide guidance on attendance management, sickness absence procedures and return-to-work meetings.
- Assist with disciplinary, grievance, capability and other employee relations processes, including preparing correspondence and maintaining confidential records.
- Coordinate mandatory training, safeguarding training and continuing professional development programmes.
- Maintain the organisation's training matrix and monitor compliance with mandatory training requirements.
- Produce HR reports and workforce statistics, including absence, turnover, recruitment and training data.
- Support the annual appraisal process and employee development initiatives.
- Assist in reviewing and updating HR policies, procedures and employee handbook documentation.
- Monitor annual leave records and support workforce scheduling where required.
- Liaise with payroll to ensure accurate processing of new starters, contractual changes and leavers.
- Support employee wellbeing initiatives and staff engagement activities.
- Respond promptly to routine HR enquiries while maintaining confidentiality.
- Build positive working relationships with managers, employees and external agencies.
- Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.
Essential Requirements
- Degree, diploma or professional qualification in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
- Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) or working towards CIPD qualification.
- Previous experience in a Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Administrator or Human Resources Advisor role.
- Good working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Experience supporting recruitment and onboarding processes.
- Experience maintaining confidential personnel records and HR systems.
- Good understanding of Right to Work requirements and safer recruitment practices.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to prioritise competing workloads and meet deadlines.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and HR information systems.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement.
Desirable
- Experience working within an education, nursery, school or multi-site organisation.
- Knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), EYFS and safeguarding requirements.
- Experience supporting disciplinary and grievance procedures.
- Knowledge of Occupational Health referrals and absence management.
- Experience coordinating mandatory training and compliance records.
- Understanding of payroll administration and workforce reporting.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Support towards CIPD qualifications and continuing professional development.
- Employee wellbeing initiatives.
- A collaborative and supportive working environment.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undergo appropriate pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, identity verification and Right to Work checks in accordance with current legislation.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
If you are an enthusiastic Human Resources professional looking to develop your career within a dynamic education-based organisation, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £41,700.00-£43,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
