HR Lead

Priory Group; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday holiday

Enhanced maternity pay

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits (gym, tech, health)

IPD sponsorship

Job summary

Priory Group is seeking a HR Lead at Priory Hospital Middleton St George in Darlington, County Durham. The role is full-time, 37.5 hours per week, fixed term, with an annual salary of £32,704.

You will lead onsite HR and resourcing, support recruitment, DBS checks, mandatory training, and employee relations while maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for patients and staff.

Qualifications

• Previous experience coordinating HR activities within a corporate environment.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information appropriately.
• Ability to support managers with HR policies, procedures and employee relations matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead onsite HR and resourcing activities, supporting managers with recruitment, onboarding and HR processes.
• Work with the Central Talent Acquisition and Onboarding teams to attract quality candidates and ensure timely recruitment and onboarding.
• Monitor DBS checks, professional accreditations and mandatory training compliance, arranging training where required.
• Support colleague engagement and retention initiatives, including engagement surveys, exit interviews and absence management.
• Manage the onsite HR team, maintain accurate employee records and support employee relations processes, including investigations and grievances.

Skills

HR coordination

Communication

Attention to detail

Confidential data handling

HR policies

Job description

Department: Site Support Roles

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Priory Hospital Middleton St George

Compensation: £32,704 / year

Description

Priory Hospital Middleton St George
£32,704 per annum

Full Time - 37.5 hours per week

Priory Hospital Middleton St George has an opportunity for a HR Lead to join our team.

Set in spacious and relaxing grounds, Priory Hospital Middleton St George, located in Darlington, County Durham, is a specialist inpatient service for adults with mental health issues, complex needs and behaviours that challenge. We are dedicated to supporting people to transfer effortlessly between the most appropriate care, meeting individual needs, enabling recovery and re‑engagement within the community, and maximising life opportunities.

We accept referrals from a wide variety of public sector organisations throughout the UK, including special hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, prisons, courts, low secure units (LSUs), medium secure units (MSUs), forensic lead commissioners, social services, NHS Mental Health Trusts, GPs, the police and others.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be part of a dedicated and compassionate team, all working together to ensure the smooth running of the hospital and to support the wellbeing of our patients. While your role doesn’t involve providing direct care, your contribution is vital in helping to maintain a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for everyone. Whether you’re assisting with day-to-day operations, keeping things organised, or ensuring our spaces are well looked after, your support plays an important part in creating a positive experience for those who live and work here.

• Lead onsite HR and resourcing activities, supporting managers with recruitment, onboarding and HR processes.
• Work with the Central Talent Acquisition and Onboarding teams to attract quality candidates and ensure timely recruitment and onboarding.
• Monitor DBS checks, professional accreditations and mandatory training compliance, arranging training where required.
• Support colleague engagement and retention initiatives, including engagement surveys, exit interviews and absence management.
• Manage the onsite HR team, maintain accurate employee records and support employee relations processes, including investigations and grievances.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.

What you’ll bring to the role

Essential for the role

• Previous experience coordinating HR activities within a corporate environment.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information appropriately.
• Ability to support managers with HR policies, procedures and employee relations matters.

The following experience would be beneficial

• Experience working within the healthcare sector.
• Experience in recruitment, onboarding and employee engagement.
• Experience managing or leading an HR team.
• Experience supporting absence management, investigations and grievance procedures.
• Working towards a CIPD qualification.

What we will give you in return

We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.

• Birthday Holiday - your birthday as an extra days annual leave
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
• Access to development opportunities
• Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
• Leadership & management development
• Long service award
• Refer a friend bonuses

Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.