Hr assistant jobs in Milton keynes

Are you an experienced HR professional with a passion for creating clear, inclusive and impactful people policies? Join Shelter as our HR Policy Officer and play a key role in shaping policies that support our people and our mission to end the housing emergency

About the role

As part of the Employee Relations and HR Business Partnering Team, you will be responsible for developing, reviewing, re-writing and maintaining Shelters HR policies, ensuring these are legally compliant, particularly with new legislation, aligned with strategic goals, and reflective of best practice. A core part of this role will be to work collaboratively with our employee affinity groups, trade unions and key internal stakeholders to ensure policies reflect diverse perspectives, promote inclusion and support positive employee relations.
 
Role specifics

As our HR Policy Officer, you will be CIPD qualified, up to date in UK Employment Law, ERA and HR best practice. You will draw on your HR experience to understand detail, and how ER processes are applied in a busy and diverse organisation. You will be able to write clear, consistence policies, procedures, management guides and flowcharts. 

You’ll play a key role in developing and maintaining clear, inclusive and legally compliant people policies that support Shelter’s work. You’ll research and draft policies, guidance and tools, ensuring they reflect legislation, best practice and organisational needs, while working closely with colleagues, trade unions and affinity groups to gather insight and build engagement. You’ll provide expert advice to managers and HR colleagues on how policies are applied, helping to ensure consistency and confidence across the organisation. You’ll also support the rollout of new policies through clear communications, training and accessible resources, and help keep our HR systems up to date and easy to use. 

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

 Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies. 

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Are you highly effective at building relationships, with experience in talent relationship management, celebrity engagement, or ambassador strategy? Do you want to develop a credible, high-performing network of public figures who authentically champion our mission and enhance the national profile and public support for the Alzheimer’s Society?

About the role
We are recruiting for a Head of Talent, Ambassadors and Influencer Relationships to join on a full-time basis, working 35 hours per week on a permanent contract. This is a home-based role, however there is a requirement to travel to London on a regular basis to attend in-person networking events and meetings with donors, key stakeholders and team members.

As Head of Talent, Ambassadors and Influencer Relationships, you will be responsible for harnessing the power of public figures and sport to drive long-term engagement, profile, and impact. You will achieve this by identifying, securing, and managing relationships with celebrity supporters, ambassadors, and influencers, whilst also building and maintaining positive relationships with agents, managers, and representatives.

In this new senior leadership role, you will lead and manage a specialist team, whilst also working collaboratively with key internal teams and stakeholders to create high-impact moments and campaigns that increase engagement, relevance, and organisational fame.

You will lead a joined-up strategy across celebrity talent, ambassadors, sport organisations, and broadcasters with the aim of developing a credible, high-performing network of public figures who authentically champion our mission and enhance the national profile and public support for the Society. Through bold, high-profile activations and trusted partnerships, you will connect new and diverse audiences to the organisation’s mission, values, and campaigns.

First round interviews for this role have been provisionally scheduled to take place via MS Teams on Friday 1st May. Second round will be held in person.

About you
Joining us, you’ll have significant experience in talent relationship management, celebrity engagement, or ambassador strategy, ideally within culture, sport, media, or mission-driven organisations. You’ll have experience of using your entrepreneurial mindset and commercial awareness to build and shape new areas of work and you’ll have a track record of successfully using your initiative and your ability to think strategically to identify new opportunities.

Crucially, you’ll have a proven ability to manage high-profile relationships and complex external partnerships. You’ll be a highly effective networker and relationship-builder, with the emotional intelligence, negotiation and communication skills required to establish long-lasting partnerships. You’ll also have experience of successfully leading a team and building a proactive and positive, solutions-focussed team culture.

What you’ll focus on:

- Developing and delivering an integrated strategy for talent, ambassadors, influencers and sport partnerships that supports organisational priorities, campaigns, and growth.
- Defining how the organisation works with influential figures — from entertainers to athletes — to maximise reach, credibility, and public engagement.
- Leading and manage a small specialist team, while working closely with campaigns, media, fundraising, digital, and policy and influencing colleagues.
- Identifying, securing, and managing relationships with celebrity supporters, ambassadors, and influencers, aligned to clear objectives and outcomes.
- Designing and growing a structured, diverse ambassador programme that amplifies lived experience and authentic storytelling to deliver profile and credibility for the Society.
- Developing strategic partnerships with sport’s governing bodies, clubs, leagues, broadcasters, and sport talent to deliver national reach and impact.
- Acting as a connector between sport and mission, identifying shared values and long-term collaboration opportunities.

About Alzheimer's Society - who are we and what’s our mission?
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding ground-breaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.  

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for. 

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as part of a minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.     

Our hiring process
We want you to bring your whole self to the process. Applications are anonymised until interview stage, and we’re happy to support any adjustments. Share your feedback via our candidate survey when applying to help us improve. We may close early if we receive high interest (with 48 hours’ notice). Some roles may require a DBS check as part of our safer recruitment commitment. Thinking about using AI during the recruitment process? We know this can be helpful in many ways but remember to include your personal and authentic self too. Your voice and experience are what really set you apart. 

Giving back to you
At Alzheimer’s Society, we value our people and take a total reward approach to pay and benefits. You’ll enjoy a generous double-matched pension scheme, 27 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays and wellbeing days), and access to a free Health Shield Cash Plan, 24/7 EAP, Thrive mental wellbeing support, and virtual GP services. Our Society Plus platform offers exclusive discounts, wellbeing resources, and recognition schemes, while our flexible working, family-friendly policies, and life assurance provide peace of mind and work/life balance. We also offer a free Will-writing service and long service awards to recognise your ongoing commitment.

JOB TITLE:HR Coordinator

LOCATION:                        Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire (minimum 4 days in office per week)

SALARY: £35 - £40k per annum, depending on experience

JOB TYPE: Permanent, 5 days per week (37.5 hours)

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease with our Bio Detection Dogs.  We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist innovative field.

MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE ROLE:

The HR Coordinator will provide specialist and proactive support to other departments within the charity to ensure organisational compliance in all relevant areas relating to HR.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Reporting to the People Engagement Manager, you will be supporting the Charity to set and deliver on its People Strategy. You will be responsible for providing operational HR services, advice, and guidance with a primary focus on HR transactions, employee relations management, engagement, recruitment and performance management.  You will identify, analyse and utilise HR data to inform decision making and identify more efficient ways of working.

Reports to: People Engagement Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE

• You will lead the development and implementation of a best practice approach to recruitment.
• You will advise managers on best practice techniques for monthly one-to-one meetings and annual appraisals to ensure staff feel confident to openly discuss challenges as well as successes.
• You will review and update our existing HR policies and procedures, ensuring they not only comply with current HR law but importantly promote best practice.
• You will also work with the senior leadership team to develop a set of organisational values that prioritise equality, diversity and inclusion and reflect best practice, ensuring these are then communicated to all staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• This is a rare opportunity to join a charity that wants to strengthen the support it provides to its staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities of the Role

• Maintain all HR policies and procedures ensuring they are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect relevant legislation and best practice.
• Ensure managers and staff are aware of and understand policies and procedures, communicate changes, and provide support to managers when interpreting policies as required.
• To work in collaboration with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team in leading Medical Detection Dogs towards our vision of becoming a staff-centric charity.
• Provide an efficient service to deliver HR transaction activities throughout the employment lifecycle, from offer to off-boarding.
• Provide support, guidance, and advice for managers in conducting and concluding employee relations cases, including absence, performance management, disciplinary and grievance cases, ensuring adherence to policy.
• Manage, maintain, and deliver the charity’s onboarding induction to new members of staff.
• Always maintain the highest levels of discretion and confidentiality.
• Be a role model within the charity demonstrating MDD’s values and behaviours at all times.
• Monitor completion of performance appraisals and one to one meetings, issuing reminders and offering support to managers as required.
• Coordinate and support the delivery of employee engagement surveys, including planning, analysis, reporting and follow up actions.
• Produce regular HR reports and people data metrics for the Senior Leadership Team (e.g. turnover, tenure, sickness absence trends, performance outcomes).
• Maintain and update the HR system (Breathe HR), ensuring employee records are accurate and up to date.
• Prepare and submit monthly payroll changes to the finance team in line with payroll deadlines.
• Manage staff benefits including the health cash plan, life assurance, pension scheme and long service awards.
• Produce and circulate internal HR communications such as staff newsletters, HR updates and policy changes.
• Coordinate and support learning and development activities, including booking and maintaining training records and delivering HR related training for managers and staff (e.g. one to ones, appraisals, HR systems).
• Assist in developing employee engagement initiatives.
• Contribute to wellbeing and inclusion initiatives.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• CIPD Qualified and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role or currently undertaking the qualification.
• Employee relations (e.g. performance, absence, disciplinary, grievance, redundancy, etc) case management in line with current UK employment legislation
• Management of end-to-end recruitment activity, supporting hiring managers and focussed on candidate experience
• Excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills
• Experience of managing relationships with staff at all levels

Desirable

• Experience of reward and recognition practices
• Experience of managing and inspiring staff, including encouraging innovation and improving ways of working to build a resilient and high performing team culture that delivers results
• Effective organisation and administrative skills gained within HR
• Experience on use of HR database (BREATHE)

Knowledge & Skills

 

DESIRABLE

• Ability to work independently and under minimal supervision in a fast paced and demanding environment, exercising good judgement, and using own initiative.
• Ability to work supportively and effectively within and across teams and build good working relationships
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when appropriate
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills
• Good influencing and negotiation skills
• Strong people management skills with the ability to train and develop individuals and create a ‘one team’ ethos

Other Requirements

• A full current driving license
• Comfortable with dogs in the workplace/office

DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION

We are a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive Charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

 

Charity Values

All employees are expected to uphold the charity’s core values in their daily work. This includes demonstrating respect through open and considerate communication, fostering cooperation by working collaboratively, maintaining honesty in all interactions and ensuring fairness through just and transparent decision-making.

Benefits

• Sick Pay
• Health Cash Plan
• 26 days holiday, increasing with service
• 5% Employer Pension Contribution
• Free On-site parking
• Life Insurance