Human Resources Advisor (Cambridge)

Dukes Education; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Dukes Education in Cambridge is seeking a proactive People Advisor to provide trusted HR guidance to managers and staff, helping navigate people matters with confidence. You will partner with Principals, line managers, the People Partner and Finance to ensure consistent policy application and smooth HR operations.

In this role you will handle HR administration, employee relations, onboarding/offboarding, payroll liaison, and wellbeing initiatives, while maintaining records in the HRIS and

Responsibilities

• Serve as first point of contact for employee queries offering guidance on policies and employment law
• Coordinate employee relations cases including disciplinary, grievances, and attendance issues
• Support HR administration such as contracts, variations and payroll liaison with Finance
• Maintain accurate employee records in HRIS from start to end of employment
• Update and implement HR policies and the employee handbook across the organisation
• Support wellbeing and benefits communications and act as a resource for managers

Job description

We're looking for a proactive, approachable and solutions-focused People Advisor who can provide trusted HR advice and support, helping managers and employees navigate people matters with confidence.

Working across our 3 settings in Cambridge, the People Advisor provides practical HR advice and support to employees and managers across various HR-related areas. The role supports employee relations, people processes, HR administration, workforce changes and the consistent application of policies and procedures.

The People Advisor works in partnership with Principals, line managers, the People Partner and Finance, escalating complex matters as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities:

HR Administration & Compliance:

• Prepare and process contract variations, service occupancy agreements, individual learning agreements and other employment documentation, ensuring approvals and records are complete.
• Prepare and issue references in line with organisational policy and agreed authorisation processes.
• Maintain training logs and relevant employee records.
• Maintain accurate employee information in the HRIS from the employee's first day through to their last working day.
• Ensure job descriptions are in place for all roles.
• Work with the finance department to ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll.

Employee Relations:

• Serve as the first point of contact for employee queries and concerns, offering advice on employment law, policies, procedures, and conflict resolution.
• oTriage payroll and pension queries, resolving routine questions where possible and escalating pay, pension or calculation issues to Finance.
• Collaborate with managers to handle employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievances, flexible working, performance management and attendance issues. Including meeting arrangements, documentation, records and follow-up actions.
• Provide support and guidance to managers regarding employees who are on long-term sickness absence and support with return to work.
• Coordinate probation processes, including review reminders, documentation, manager guidance and follow-up on outcomes.
• Coordinate occupational health referrals and reports, maintaining confidentiality and supporting managers to consider appropriate recommendations.
• Support exit interviews and collate feedback to identify themes and inform improvements to the employee experience.
• Escalate complex cases, ACAS conciliation or employment tribunals to the People Partner.
• Support the People Partner with any change initiatives.

Employee Engagement:

• Contribute to employee engagement initiatives, ensuring employees feel valued and supported within the organisation.

Policy Implementation:

• In collaboration with the people partner, update HR policies and procedures and provide guidance to managers on how to implement them.
• Regularly review and update the employee handbook, ensuring it reflects the school / college's values and current legal requirements.
• Support the implementation of HR policies by preparing, maintaining and adapting standard templates, letters, forms, checklists and manager guidance.

HR Reporting:

• Support the collection and analysis of HR data, preparing reports on employee performance, turnover, absenteeism, and other HR metrics.

Wellbeing and Employee Benefits:

• Champion employee wellbeing across the organisation, promoting a positive, inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
• Actively promote and raise awareness of the benefits, resources and support available to employees, ensuring employees understand how to access the support available to them.
• Work with the People team and relevant stakeholders to communicate wavailable benefits, identify opportunities for improvement and support the ongoing development of the organisation's offering.

Other

• Provide general administrative support to the People team as required, contributing to the smooth and efficient delivery of HR services and undertaking additional duties appropriate to the role.