Human Resources Advisor

HARRIS FEDERATION; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational federation in the UK is seeking a proactive HR Advisor to enhance HR services across its academies. The role involves advising on HR policies, managing employee relations, and supporting organizational change initiatives. Ideal candidates will have experience in generalist HR activities, knowledge of employment law, and a commitment to professional development. The federation values diversity and offers numerous benefits, including career progression opportunities, competitive bonuses, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Continuous professional development opportunities

Annual performance and loyalty bonus

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous pension scheme contributions

26 days annual leave

Healthcare cash plan

Qualifications

• Proven experience providing generalist HR advice and support.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive information.
• Willingness to further study for CIPD qualification.

Responsibilities

• Provide generalist HR advisory service to the Federation and Academies.
• Advise on HR policies, processes, and employee relations.
• Support HR Business Partner with organizational change programs.
• Assist with end-to-end employee lifecycle and payroll processes.

Skills

Generalist HR advice

Knowledge of employment law

Communication skills

Relationship building

Discretion and diplomacy

Education

At least part qualification to CIPD Level 5

Degree level qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

We are seeking a proactive and knowledgeable HR Advisor to join our central HR team. You'll support a group of academies, providing expert guidance on HR policies, employee relations and workforce initiatives, while contributing to projects that shape the future of education.

Responsibilities

• Delivery of a generalist HR advisory service to the Federation and our Academies, providing up-to-date and informed HR guidance and support on HR policies, processes and systems.
• Providing professional advice and support to Federation and Academy leaders in all areas of HR practice and employee relations such as grievance, disciplinary, performance management and sickness absence management, escalating complex cases as appropriate to the Head of HR and HR Business Partners.
• Supporting the HR Business Partner with organisation change programmes including redundancy, restructuring and TUPE transfers; preparing documents, supporting planning, due diligence completion etc.
• Participating in the development and delivery of HR policy skills workshops for line managers and academy HR.
• Assisting with end-to-end employee lifecycle and payroll processes.
• Preparing HR documents and creating and maintaining templates.
• Producing management information reports.
• Evaluating job descriptions and providing advice and guidance on salary bandings to ensure a consistent and fair approach.
• Assisting with the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures.

Key Qualifications

• Experience providing generalist HR advice on terms & conditions, application of policies and first‑line employee relations.
• Up-to‑date knowledge of employment law & current HR practice.
• Qualifications to degree level, or equivalent experience.
• At least part qualification to CIPD Level 5 or equivalent by experience, with a willingness to study.
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
• Confidence and ability to develop and maintain professional relationships at all levels.
• Discretion and diplomacy, with the ability to adhere to confidentiality requirements.

About the Harris Federation

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high‑quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve. As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff. Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, bringing together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

Benefits & Support

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression.
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus.
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution.
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term‑time contracts.
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare.
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice.
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme.
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts.
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees.
• Interest‑free ICT and season ticket loans.