Aspirations Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An Enhanced DBS check with Barred List clearance, online pre-employment checks, and satisfactory references are required for this post.
Job Details
Location: Trust Head Office in Hounslow, with occasional travel across academies in Dorset, Oxfordshire and West London
Salary: NJC SCP 38–41. Actual Salary £36,246 – £38,419 based on 25 hours per week. FTE, £52,194 – £55,323 based on 36 hours per week (Note: Pay award Pending)
Contract Type: Permanent / Part-time, 20-25 hours per week
Responsible to: Deputy Director of HR and Compliance
Closing Date: 7th September 2026
Interview Date: w/c 14th September 2026
Job Overview
Are you an experienced HR professional seeking a high-impact, flexible role? (20-25 hours per week to be worked between Mon-Friday)
Working closely with the Deputy Director of HR and Compliance, the HR Business Partner will focus on operational casework, management guidance, and supporting the practical implementation of our Trust-wide HR strategy.
In this hands-on, autonomous role, you will provide expert guidance to Principals and senior leaders across all 16 academies (supporting 1,200+ staff). You will ensure all employee relations matters are handled professionally, consistently, and in line with statutory guidance and employment law.
About Aspirations Academies Trust
Founded in 2011, Aspirations Academies Trust educates over 9,000 young people aged 2 to 18 across 16 academies in Southern England. Grounded in the student aspirations framework of Dr. Russell J. Quaglia, we combine academic excellence with a commitment to self-worth, engagement, and purpose.
While all 16 of our academies share a powerful common identity, each operates individually to reflect its local community. We provide a challenging, engaging, and supportive environment designed to bring out the absolute best in every child—and every member of our team.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Ongoing CPD
- Free, on-site parking
- Local Government Pension (LGPS)
- Cycle To Work Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Employee Relations: Provide proactive, practical ER advice to academy leadership on complex casework, including disciplinary, grievance, sickness absence, and capability processes.
- Hearings & Organisational Change: Attend HR Meetings, formal hearings and investigation panels to provide professional advice. Support with organisational change projects.
- Policy & HRIS Management: Advise on the interpretation of Trust HR policies and the Equality Act (2010), maintain case logs on our HRIS platform, and analyse casework trends to recommend preventative interventions.
- Safer Recruitment & Safeguarding: Ensure recruitment activity across the Trust complies with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) standards.
- Coaching & Training: Deliver coaching and practical briefings to academy leadership teams on people management.
What We Are Looking For - Essential Criteria
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma or equivalent professional experience.
- Casework Experience: Proven advisory/business partnering experience in complex HR casework (disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence).
- Documentation & Communication: Proven ability to draft high-quality formal HR documentation, investigation reports, and outcome letters.
- Legal & Policy Knowledge: Strong knowledge of UK employment law, case law trends, national pay frameworks (STPCD/NJC), and HR best practices.
- Systems Proficiency: Experience maintaining case logs on an HRIS and strong digital skills
- Attributes: Pragmatic judgment, high integrity, calm under pressure, and strong coaching capabilities.
How to Apply
To apply, please email [email protected] to request, and complete, our standard application form and submit it alongside a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.
Informal Enquiries: Contact Clare Mackrell, Deputy Director of HR and Compliance, at [email protected].
Safeguarding & Application Declarations
Application Method: In line with KCSIE guidelines, CVs cannot be accepted without a fully completed application form.
Checks: An Enhanced DBS check with Barred List clearance, online pre-employment searches (including social media), and satisfactory references are required prior to interview.
Early Applications: Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted in advance of the closing date.
Pay: £52,194.00-£55,323.00 per year
Benefits:
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Transport links
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- CIPD or equivalent qualification (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
