HR Generalist

The White Horse Federation; Swindon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD opportunities

Flexible working

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work

Excellent pension

Job summary

The White Horse Federation, a Multi-Academy Trust across Swindon and beyond, is seeking a Field HR Professional to join our People Team. You will provide high-quality HR support to a portfolio of schools, building strong relationships with headteachers and staff, and advising on policies, recruitment, onboarding and employee relations.

This role involves regular school visits, staff wellbeing initiatives and participation in HR projects.

Qualifications

• HR experience within education is desirable.
• Experience managing employee relations cases.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational abilities with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office, Outlook and Teams.
• A Level 3 CIPD qualification or equivalent experience.
• GCSEs including English and Maths.

Responsibilities

• Provide HR support to a portfolio of schools and act as the dedicated HR contact.
• Advise on HR policies, procedures, employment law, pay and terms and conditions.
• Manage a range of employee relations cases including absence management, flexible working, family leave, probation reviews and grievances.
• Conduct regular school visits and employee support sessions.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and HR operations across the Trust.
• Contribute to Ofsted preparation and wellbeing initiatives.
• Assist with HR projects, restructures and TUPE processes.
• Support payroll and central HR services.

Skills

HR experience

Employee relations

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

IT skills (MS Office, Outlook, Teams)

Education

A Level 3 CIPD qualification

GCSE English and Maths

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Teams

Job description

As an HR Generalist, the postholder will provide dedicated HR support to a portfolio of schools, building strong relationships with leaders and staff. The role offers advice on HR policies, employment law, pay, and terms and conditions, while managing a range of employee relations matters. Through regular school visits, staff support sessions, and involvement in recruitment, onboarding, organisational projects, and wellbeing initiatives, the postholder will deliver proactive and practical HR support that helps schools achieve their objectives.

Location: Swindon (with regular travel to schools across the Trust)
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Contract: Fixed-term one year

Salary: Hay Q Lower (Points 29-33)

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received and, should a suitable candidate be identified, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Join Our HR Team

The White Horse Federation is a Multi-Academy Trust of 31 schools across Swindon, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, committed to providing exceptional education for all our students.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and professional Field HR Professional to join our People Team. This is an exciting opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys building strong relationships, supporting school leaders, and making a positive difference to staff across a diverse and growing Trust.

Working closely with Headteachers and school leaders, you will provide high-quality HR and employee relations support to a portfolio of schools, alongside supporting central HR services including recruitment, payroll and HR operations.

About the Role

As a Field HR Professional, you will:

• Act as the dedicated HR contact for a group of schools, building strong relationships with leaders and staff.
• Provide advice and guidance on HR policies, procedures, employment law, pay and terms and conditions.
• Manage a range of employee relations cases including absence management, flexible working, family leave, probation reviews, grievances and informal performance matters.
• Conduct regular school visits and employee support sessions.
• Support HR projects, restructures, TUPE processes and wider organisational initiatives.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding and HR operations activities across the Trust.
• Contribute to Ofsted preparation, induction programmes and employee wellbeing initiatives. [Field HR Manager JD | PDF]

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who has:

• Previous HR experience, ideally within the education sector.
• Experience managing employee relations cases.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational abilities with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office, Outlook and Teams.
• A Level 3 CIPD qualification or equivalent experience.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths.

What We Offer

At The White Horse Federation, we are committed to supporting our people to thrive.

You will benefit from:

• Exciting and relevant CPD and career development opportunities.
• The opportunity to work with a forward-thinking Trust with high aspirations.
• Friendly and supportive colleagues who value teamwork and collaboration.
• Access to a flexible and supportive working culture.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Menopause Support Network.
• Discounts for Teachers.
• Blue Light Discount.
• Eye Care Vouchers.
• Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions above national standards.
• Enhanced family-friendly policies.
• An additional White Horse concessionary leave day each year.
• Extensive safeguarding and professional development training opportunities.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a dedicated People Team that plays a vital role in supporting our schools and ensuring colleagues receive a high-quality HR service. If you enjoy variety, autonomy and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships across a range of schools, we'd love to hear from you.

Safeguarding Statement

The White Horse Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance, verification of qualifications and the right to work in the UK. References will be sought prior to interview.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The White Horse Federation values uniqueness and recognises the benefits of a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly, respectfully and in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.