HR Advisor (Maternity Cover)

Inspiration Trust; England; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational Trust in the United Kingdom is seeking a proactive HR Advisor. This full-time role involves providing HR advice, supporting case management, and contributing to the professional development of education staff. The successful candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in HR, focusing on employee relations, with a CIPD Level 5 qualification. Generous annual leave, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive team environment are offered. The position is based at the central office in Norwich with flexibility for travel and occasional remote work.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Free parking

Personalized CPD and development programmes

Qualifications

• Experience in a generalist HR role with a minimum of 3 years.
• Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive HR advice and guidance to leaders.
• Support casework on employee relations matters.
• Implement HR policies and deliver training sessions.

Skills

Employee relations handling

Communication

Organization

IT skills

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualification

Tools

iTrent HR system

Job description

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale I: £37,280 to £39,152 per annum

Fixed Term: until April 2027

Full Time: 37 hours per week

Start Date: February 2026

Ready to take your HR career to the next level and make a difference through people?

We’re looking for an experienced HR Advisor who’s ready to make an impact - combining professional expertise with a passion for people. At Inspiration Trust, no two days are the same: one day you might be advising a school leader on a complex case, the next you’re developing training or supporting a Trust-wide project that shapes the future of education in our region.

You’ll join a collaborative, forward‑looking team where innovation, professional growth and making a difference are all part of the job.

If you are you an experienced HR professional ready to make a real impact in education Inspiration Trust is seeking a proactive and solutions‑focused HR Advisor to join our Central Services team in Norwich, supporting academies across our Trust with expert HR advice, case management, and people development.

This is a rewarding, hands‑on role that offers variety, autonomy, and the opportunity to work across a diverse group of schools. You’ll provide trusted support to school leaders and managers, ensuring our people policies, practices and culture help every member of staff – and in turn every student – to thrive.

You’ll work mainly from our central offices in Norwich, which will be relocating to new, modern facilities in Cringleford on the outskirts of the city in early 2026. The role involves regular travel to our academies across Norfolk and North Suffolk, with flexibility for occasional home working.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing proactive, practical HR advice and guidance to leaders and line managers.
• Supporting casework on employee relations matters including disciplinary, grievance, and capability issues.
• Leading on the implementation of HR policies and supporting the delivery of training sessions.
• Managing HR data, dashboards, and payroll changes with accuracy and in line with GDPR.
• Promoting equality, diversity, wellbeing, and best practice across all HR functions.
• Supporting workforce planning, organisational change, and projects that improve how we work.
• Helping ensure safeguarding and compliance requirements are met, including DBS and Single Central Record accuracy.

About You

You’ll be someone who combines sound HR knowledge with a genuine passion for supporting people. You enjoy variety, build strong working relationships, and thrive in a fast‑paced environment. You’ll have experience working within medium to large organisations, where you’ve navigated complex structures and collaborated across teams to deliver effective HR solutions.

Essential

• CIPD Level 5 qualified (or working towards with relevant experience)
• At least 3 years’ experience in a generalist HR role
• Confident handling employee relations and advising at all levels
• Good understanding of employment law and HR best practice
• Excellent communication, organisation, and IT skills

Desirable

• Working in the education sector or multi‑site organisation
• Familiarity with iTrent HR system
• Knowledge of teacher’s pay and conditions

We offer

• Generous annual leave (starting at 28 days and rising with service, plus bank holidays), and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim‑back options for healthcare costs *
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme, retail and theatre discounts, and salary sacrifice options (including home technology and gym membership) *
• Free parking at most sites
• Personalised CPD and development programmes
• A friendly and professional HR team working across a growing Trust with real impact

*Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

Inspiration Trust is a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Our Central Services team, currently based at The Hewett Academy site in Norwich, provides expert support across HR, Payroll, Recruitment, Finance, Governance, Operations, ICT, Marketing, and Estates – enabling our schools to focus on what they do best: teaching and learning.

If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Hayley Burr, People Manager on [e-mail]

To apply for this role please click the Apply button on this page to complete the online application form.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Friday 2nd January 2026

Interview date: Thursday 8th January 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and all staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS checks. You will be required to provide references and undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer.