Administrative Assistant and Governance Support

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford is seeking an Administrative Assistant and Governance Support to join the HR Policy team in Oxford. You will help deliver governance processes, support policy work, and strengthen relationships with trade unions across the University.

You will support University panels, coordinate meetings, and assist with documentation and enquiries, gaining broad exposure to formal employee relations and governance work.

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent (including Maths and English)
• Experience using Microsoft Office, Excel, and SharePoint
• Strong administrative experience with accuracy and deadlines
• Customer service experience and attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Support HR policy governance processes and panels
• Coordinate meetings with trade unions and stakeholders
• Prepare documentation for hearings and appeals
• Liaise with HR colleagues, panel members and others involved

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

Teamwork

Independent work

Discretion

Education

GCSEs including Maths & English

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

SharePoint

Job description

Effective HR policy depends on more than good guidance - it needs excellent coordination, sound judgement and reliable support behind it. In this Administrative Assistant and Governance Support role, you will be at the heart of the University of Oxford’s HR Policy team, helping to deliver important governance processes, strengthen relationships with trade unions and support policy work that affects colleagues across the University.

Location

5 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX

Contract

Full Time (Part Time considered), Permanent

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations.

The People Department plays a central role in enabling the University to support its staff and meet its responsibilities as an employer. Within the department, the HR Policy team develops University-wide employment policies and procedures, supports compliance with employment legislation and contributes to important governance processes. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the University and the University's recognised trade unions, the team helps provide a clear and consistent framework for effective people management across the University.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

This is a great opportunity to build your HR experience while contributing to work that matters across the University. As part of a small and supportive HR Policy team, you will gain insight into HR policy, governance and formal employee relations processes, with plenty of variety and opportunities to develop your skills.

You will be trusted to help keep important work moving. From supporting University panels and meetings with trade unions to contributing to policy projects, communications and enquiries, you will see first‑hand how central HR processes operate. You will also support formal hearings and appeals by helping to prepare documentation, coordinate arrangements and liaise with HR colleagues, panel members and others involved. This will give you valuable exposure to formal employee relations processes while allowing you to build strong administrative and governance experience.

For someone looking to develop a career in HR, the breadth of this role provides a strong foundation. You will learn from experienced colleagues, develop your understanding of HR policy and formal processes, and have opportunities for professional development and training, while taking ownership of work that helps the team deliver an effective service across the University.

About You

• Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent (including Maths and English)
• Ability to communicate HR policies, procedures, and processes clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrable ability to prioritise workload and produce accurate, detailed work within deadlines
• Experience of providing a high level of customer service with accuracy and attention to detail
• Experience of relevant administrative work, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and SharePoint (or ability to learn), and email
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Willingness to undertake professional development and training
• Evidence of tact and discretion in dealing with confidential or sensitive matters
• Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of people as well as to work effectively as part of a team and to liaise with colleagues where work interests overlap

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 19 October 2026.

Interviews will take place on 3 November 2026, and will be held face‑to‑face in central Oxford.