Senior HR Advisor at Meridian Trust

Meridian Trust; Sawtry; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-academy trust is seeking a Senior HR Advisor to provide HR support to Headteachers and HR Officers across schools. The ideal candidate will have a good educational background with GCSEs in English and Maths, along with experience in a school HR environment. This role offers comprehensive benefits including CPD opportunities and healthcare benefits.

Benefits

Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Healthcare benefits

Cycle to work scheme

Defined benefit pension scheme

Discounts on various benefits

Qualifications

• Experience working as a first line HR advisor.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Headteachers and HR Officers.
• Knowledge of recruitment processes and HR administration.

Responsibilities

• Provide first line HR support to Headteachers and HR Officers.
• Conduct informal audits of HR practices in schools.
• Liaise with HR Manager for best practice guidance.

Skills

Good knowledge of HR procedures

Experience in a school HR environment

Skills in building positive relationships

Education

GCSE or equivalent in English Language and Maths

Job description

Overview

Meridian Trust is seeking a Senior HR Advisor to join the Peterborough Hub. The role provides first line HR support for Headteachers/Principals and HR Officers based in schools within the trust, delivering a professional and efficient service.

Salary: Meridian Trust Support Staff, Grade 9, Point 24-28. Starting at £25,211 (Actual Salary). Hours: 40 weeks per year, 30 hours per week. Travel between sites within the Peterborough hub is required; a driving licence is essential.

The Opportunity

• Act as the first point of contact, offering advice and guidance for Principals/Headteachers and HR Officers in schools on all aspects of HR work, e.g. recruitment, terms and conditions, pay, maternity, paternity, sickness absence, HR administration, and single central record.
• In liaison with the HR Manager, ensure that each Headteacher/Principal has one face-to-face visit each half term, with both HRM and SHA.
• Support the HR Manager in interpreting best practice guidance to schools, reflecting Trust policies and procedures.
• Informal audits of HR practices in schools, offering advice to HR Officers in the completion of accurate files and records (ensuring the security of both manual and computerised data).

The ideal candidate

• Good educational background with GCSE or equivalent in English Language and Maths.
• Experience of working in a school HR environment.
• A good knowledge of HR procedures.
• Skilled at making and sustaining positive relationships.

Benefits

• Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in
• Opportunity to start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT)
• Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources
• Cycle to work scheme
• Defined benefit local government or Teacher's pension scheme
• Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations
• Free on-site parking
• Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays

For full details on benefits, please visit the Meridian Trust benefits page: www.meridiantrust.co.uk/jobs-and-training/benefits/

About Meridian Trust

Meridian Trust is a successful multi-academy trust founded on its commitment to people and communities. The Trust operates 30 schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire and is committed to high-quality professional development and career opportunities for all staff. To learn more, please visit www.meridiantrust.co.uk.

Application information

For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below.

Closing date for applications: 29 September 2025

Interview to take place in W/C 29 September 2025

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, and online searches.