HR Assistant (Maternity Cover)

The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice; Farnham; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Plan (matched up to 7.5%)

Employee Assistance Programme

Blue Light Discount Card

Skill Development and Training

Project-Based Learning

Professional Growth

Job summary

The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham is seeking a full-time, fixed-term HR Assistant to cover maternity leave from Oct/Nov 2026 to Dec 2027. The role involves recruitment and lifecycle administration, HRIS record maintenance, and supporting the HR team with various duties. Hybrid working is possible.

You will join a friendly HR team, reporting to the HR Manager and HR Officer, gaining a broad understanding of HR and Payroll in a charity/healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• A proactive, helpful and can-do attitude is essential.
• Excellent organisation skills with the ability to multi-task.
• The ability to learn quickly, and to work at a fast pace.
• A flexible and professional approach to work.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong administration skills.
• The ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner.
• Strong team working skills as well as the ability to work independently.
• The ability to build relationships at all levels and influence.

Responsibilities

• Provide efficient, organised HR support in all areas of HR with a focus on recruitment and employee lifecycle administration.
• Maintain accurate HR records within the HR Information System (HRIS).
• Be the first line responder to HR queries and provide support in other HR areas, including notetaking at meetings.

Skills

Proactive attitude

Excellent organisation

Multi-tasking

Learn quickly

Fast pace

Flexible approach

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Administration skills

Confidential handling

Team player

Relationship building

Education

No formal HR degree required

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Based in Farnham, Surrey, with the possibility of some hybrid working

£28,169 per annum

Are you passionate about working for a local charity that delivers exceptional care? We have an opening for a full time, fixed term HR Assistant within our friendly and supportive HR team to cover a period of maternity leave. The ideal candidate will commence employment in October/November 2026, with the role anticipated to continue to December 2027.

Working closely with the HR Manager and HR Officer, the role provides efficient, organised and comprehensive support in all areas of HR with a particular focus on recruitment and employee lifecycle administration. The post will take responsibility for maintaining accurate HR records within our HR Information system and be the first line responder to HR queries, as well as providing support in all other areas of HR, including notetaking at meetings.

The HR Assistant role is varied and fast paced and will allow the successful candidate to gain a broad understanding of HR and Payroll within a charity and healthcare setting. Whilst some experience of HR or Recruitment is an advantage, this is a wonderful opportunity for someone looking to start their career within the field of HR.

What is it really like to work in HR at Phyllis Tuckwell? We asked our current HR Assistant to describe their experience so far. “I’ve really enjoyed my role as HR Assistant and being part of the team. I’ve valued the opportunity to support colleagues across the organisation, while developing my own knowledge and experience in HR. It’s a varied and rewarding role, which is different every day, and I’m sure whoever steps into the position will enjoy it as much as I have”.

About You

A successful HR Assistant will have:

• A proactive, helpful and can-do attitude
• Excellent organisation skills with the ability to muti-task
• The ability to learn quickly, and to work at a fast pace
• A flexible and professional approach
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft office and strong administration skills
• The ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner
• Strong team working skills as well as the ability to work independently
• The ability to build relationships at all levels and influence

For a full list of essential requirements, please refer to the job description and person specification document.

About Us

Phyllis Tuckwell are based in Farnham and Guildford, and provide bespoke, compassionate palliative and end of life care for people living with an advanced or terminal illness, across West Surrey and North-East Hampshire.

Phyllis Tuckwell is a very special place to work. Our staff make a real difference to the lives of our patients and their loved ones, providing outstanding care at a time that really matters. Our support team members are pivotal in helping deliver our vital services, ensuring ‘every day is precious’ for our patients.

The impact of our services on the lives of our patients and their families can be read about here:

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture, with the principles of fairness and equality at our core. We are an equal opportunities employer, who values and respects our employees’ unique knowledge, skills and experiences. We warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community. All appointments are made following a fair and equitable process, based on merit, job requirements and business need.

We Offer

Excellent Benefits

• Phyllis Tuckwell Group Personal Pension Plan (matched contributions up to 7.5%)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Discount Card
• Skill Development and Training
• Project-Based Learning
• Professional Growth

A Great Place to Work

• Supportive colleagues
• 97% of our staff are proud to work for Phyllis Tuckwell (Phyllis Tuckwell Birdsong Hospice staff survey 2023)

For further information regarding the role or to arrange an informal visit please contact Kate Mynard, HR Manager or Sophie James, Head of HR on [e-mail] or phone [phone]. If you are unable to apply online or have any questions about the recruitment process, contact HR on 01252 729408 or email as above.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 14 th September 2026

Interviews to be held: Wednesday 23 rd September / Thursday 24 th September 2026

We reserve the right to close the role ahead of the closing date should sufficient applications be received. Your early response is therefore encouraged.

Please note that we do not hold a sponsor licence and therefore are unable to provide sponsorship.

This post is subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service check.