Hr business partner jobs
WORKING WITH US
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, coming 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.
To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.
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ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
We’re looking for a passionate and driven HR professional to play a pivotal role in delivering our ambitious HR strategy and supporting the growth of our Federation.
In this high-impact, operational role, you’ll work closely with senior leaders to drive forward key business and HR initiatives.
From resourcing and employee relations to learning and development, you’ll provide expert guidance and hands-on support that empowers our management teams to thrive. You’ll be at the heart of our people strategy, leading on complex casework, championing best practices and ensuring our academies are supported with regular on-site visits.
If you're a proactive, solutions-focused HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about education, we’d love to hear from you.
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MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing professional and customer-focussed HR leadership, advice and support to academies to enable leaders to improve and support staff engagement, tackle workforce priorities, maximise workforce efficiency and achieve academy people objectives
- Influencing and supporting the strategic direction of academies by providing and analysing workforce information and developing HR initiatives to respond to needs or example, developing effective retention plans, improving sickness absence and reducing agency expenditure
- Coaching, supporting and mentoring senior leaders on people management practices, issues and priorities, through development of close working relationships and understanding of business challenges and opportunities
- Providing expert advice to managers in highly complex employee relations cases on the interpretation and implementation of the Federation employment procedures within the context of the legal framework
- Retaining oversight of casework, and line managing an HR advisor in the management of specific ER cases
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- Experience in a HR Business Partner or senior HR advisor role within a large complex organisation
- Experience of developing and delivery of strategic HR plans and initiatives
- Previous experience of managing complex Employee relations issues, change management, and restructuring
- Experience of supervising staff
- Educated to masters level in HR Management or equivalent level of experience of working in an HR role
- A CIPD qualification to Associate level or above
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.
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APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION
If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.
Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.
When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.
A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.
OUR VISION & VALUES
Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.
We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
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WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.
You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:
- 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
For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.
About The Role
Together we can change children’s lives. At Place2Be, we believe every child should have easy access to mental health support whenever they need it. We create a safe place in schools where children and young people can open up without pressure or stigma. Allowing our highly skilled and diverse counsellors to reach children, young people and their families who need us.
As a Business partner at Place2be you will join a high-performing, fast-paced People & Culture team to provide comprehensive human resources support to the whole organisation. From our school based staff providing mental health support to children and young people to our Head office based staff working behind the scenes. We have experienced an exciting time of business and people growth and are looking for a People professional with the desire and commitment to help embed and consolidate good people practices and drive organisational performance by influencing and coaching managers and leaders on our people priorities.
Proven experience in a HR/ P&C function alongside a solid understanding of employment legislation and employee relations is essential, together with an enthusiastic and flexible approach to work, strong interpersonal skills and a genuine passion to make a difference.
For a career with purpose, this is your place.
Recruitment Process:
As part of your application you will need to answer some shortlisting questions. Please answer these as fully as you can, we recommend using the STAR model. Situation, Task, Action Result.
Closing date for applications: Midnight on 10/07/2025
1st Interview date: 14/07/2025
Our Benefits
When you work at Place2Be –whether that's in a school, supporting families, providing clinical supervision, or in IT, Finance, or Fundraising –every role can make the difference to a young person. To achieve this, we ask that you bring your best self to your role and our commitment to you, is to welcome you into our community, and help you progress. Because we know that you being at your best, means the best outcomes for the children we support.
Here’s just a few things we have on offer:
- Annual Leave that increases with service
- Comprehensive learning and development to enable you to progress your career
- 5% contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance of four times your annual salary
- A comprehensive employee assistance programme
- Mobile Phone Discounts (EE network)
- Wellbeing days to allow you some ‘you’ time
- Christmas holidays closure period in addition to your annual leave
We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented within our organization.
We are proud to be a disability confident employer and will ask you during your application If you wish to be considered for a guaranteed interview under the disability confident scheme. Under the scheme we commit to offering an interview to disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria as outlined in the job role.
If you have any questions about the scheme, or require any adjustments to help you complete an application then please contact the recruitment team
we believe every child should have easy access to mental health support whenever they need it.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
What you will be achieving
As People Assistant, you will be supporting an established People and Culture (P&C) team to deliver an efficient and accurate P&C administration service across the Academy, ensuring that all P&C records are maintained properly. You will have some admin experience, which could be easily transferred to working in a P&C team. There will be opportunities to grow and develop in the role and get involved in wider cross-team working projects.
The People and Culture function forms part of the Directorate team. The team includes the Head of People and Culture, two People Business Partners and two People Assistants (including this role).
The wider Directorate team is responsible for supporting big annual Corporate Events. The team also supports and provides administrative support to the Chief Executive (CEO), President, Officers and Senior Leadership Team.
What you will be doing
- Supporting the People Business Partners in managing the recruitment activity. Recording diversity information after each recruitment round, ensuring it is available for annual analysis.
- Managing the new starter admin process, including conducting reference checks, induction meetings, and ensuring line managers follow the induction and probationary procedures.
- Undertaking P&C administration, including updating the HR employee database (Cezanne), P&C spreadsheets, preparing correspondence, and responding to external reference requests.
- Maintaining and updating information on the staff organogram and number of permanent/fixed-term posts on a monthly basis.
- Supporting the People Business Partner to prepare payroll administration and paperwork.
- Monitoring the sick leave and annual leave processes - escalating any potential issues to the People Business Partners and Head, as appropriate.
- Supporting the People Business Partners with any training administration, booking paperwork, and supporting training day coordination.
- Being the super user of the HR system.
- Updating any changes in the system, as and when needed.
- Supporting Academy away days.
- Supporting the People Business Partners in systems development work, as necessary.
What you’ll bring to the role
- The ambition to study towards CIPD level 3, or be studying towards.
- Experience of doing admin (within a P&C department would be an advantage).
- Some experience of dealing with people at all levels.
- Excellent IT skills, working with databases (experience with HR databases would be an advantage).
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
Benefits
- Salary progression framework.
- Hybrid and agile working.
- 29 days' annual leave, including Christmas closure dates, plus bank holidays.
- Regular organisation-wide Wellbeing Days.
- Pension (the Academy offers a flexible contribution structure with a minimum employer contribution of 8% up to a maximum of 13% of gross salary, with an employee contribution ranging from 3% to 8%).
- Life assurance.
- Vitality Private Medical Insurance, on completion of probation.
- SimplyHealth Cash Plans, on completion of probation.
- Season ticket travel loan (interest-free), on completion of probation.
- Cycle to work scheme, available on completion of probation.
- Family-friendly benefits - enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying period), coaching for parents returning to work.
- Subscription to Headspace and Class Pass.
- Staff training to support your development, including EDI training.
For more information and to apply, please visit our careers portal.
Closing date: 5.00pm on Thursday 17 July 2025.
Interview dates: Thursday 24 & Friday 25 July 2025 (likely held online).
Diversity and inclusion matter to us.
Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment.
We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
Job Summary
To manage talent acquisition for the Museum, working with hiring managers to plan and deliver effective campaigns to fill each role with the best possible candidate. To manage and develop a range of materials and systems to support talent acquisition activity.
Main responsibilities
- Be responsible for the end-to-end recruitment pipeline across the Museum (around 150 campaigns per year)
- Work with the HR Business Partners to understand and predict resourcing needs and plan future hiring needs
- Be responsible for the Museum’s candidate marketing materials including the careers site, developing content and working with the Digital team to ensure content is updated regularly
- Work with hiring managers to plan and deliver tailored recruitment campaigns for each role
- Undertake focused research and campaign planning for hard-to-fill and specialist roles to ensure they are filled with appropriately qualified candidates
- Keep abreast of best practice and new developments in talent acquisition, testing and learning new ideas and methodologies to improve our approach
- Liaise with the HR Administrators to ensure vacancies are posted as needed and candidates are moved through the recruitment pipeline. Administer an allocation of campaigns where required during peak periods
- Plan and manage volume recruitment events for front of house roles in conjunction with hiring managers and the HR Advisor
- Develop and deliver a range of selection assessment tools and methodologies to ensure we select the right hires for each role. Sit on interview/assessment panels as required
- Work with the Volunteering Co-ordinator and HR Operations Manager to develop and deliver an effective recruitment service for volunteers
- Manage the recruitment advertising budget ensuring it is deployed where it will deliver the best returns in terms of candidate quality
- Liaise with recruitment and agencies as needed, selecting the best value partners, negotiating rates and managing their service delivery
- Support on Executive Search campaigns where required for senior hires
- Manage the day-to-day functioning of the Applicant Tracking System, liaising with the HR Operations Manager on system developments and improvements
- Work with the managers of proposed externally funded projects to understand potential hiring needs and advise on timing/strategy
- Work with the Head of Inclusion & Organisational Development on strategies to ensure inclusive recruitment and to meet our targets for increasing representation at every level of our workforce
- Work with the HR Operations Manager to develop a suite of management information reports for hiring managers, senior leaders and HR that give insight into campaign performance and candidate diversity. Make recommendations for changes and developments based on insights from this data.
Person Specification
- Significant experience as an in-house recruiter with a successful track record of hiring into key roles
- Experience of a broad range of assessment methodologies and deploying these to select the best candidates for each role
- Experience of developing and implementing assessments against behaviour frameworks
- Experience of coaching hiring managers to deliver effective recruitment campaigns
- Experience with developing candidate attraction materials and communications
- Experience of developing and delivering training for hiring managers
- Experience of developing targeted campaigns for hard-to-fill/niche roles
- Significant experience using digital tools such as LinkedIn Recruiter to identify and approach potential candidates
- Experience of working with Applicant Tracking Systems, developing their use to maximise their effectiveness
- Highly numerate with proven ability of taking a data-driven approach and making recommendations based on insight
- Highly organised with the ability to manage and prioritise a range of campaigns
- Flexible and proactive approach
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience of managing budgets and supplier relationships
Desirable
- Accreditation in one or more psychometric testing methodologies e.g. BPS RQTU certification
- Experience of hiring in the academic/scientific sectors
Key Information
This is a hybrid working role so you will be expected to divide your time between home working and working on-site at South Kensington.
All positions at the Natural History Museum are conditional subject to
receipt of:
- Proof that you are legally entitled to work in the UK
- A Basic Disclosure Check from the Disclosures and Barring Service (DBS)
- Satisfactory references covering the last 3 years of your employment or education
- Health clearance
The Museum supports flexible working.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking an experienced HR & Operations Manager to join our team in this important new role. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive HR support and manage key operational functions, ensuring the effective delivery of HR services and smooth day-to-day internal operations that support our mission.
This role will play a vital role in ensuring a positive and inclusive workplace, combining hands-on HR delivery and development with operational management, perfect for someone who enjoys variety and wants to make a direct impact in the homelessness sector. You'll work closely with the Co-Directors and senior leadership team to ensure our people and premises are well-supported. The role has access to a specialist HR consultancy for support with both immediate HR concerns and ongoing development initiatives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Civitas Recruitment are proud to be partnering with a historic and impactful charity based in East London. Since 1884, the charity has worked alongside people facing poverty, injustice and inequality—providing vital advice and support, and driving systemic change. A fantastic opportunity exists for an HR Business Partner to join the organisation on a fixed-term contract (30–35 hours per week). This is a hybrid role, with flexibility to work from home and from their East London offices. The salary is £40,000–£45,000 FTE and the role is expected to start from 1st July or as soon as possible.
Who are we looking for?
Ideal candidates will have a strong background in employee relations and generalist HR experience, ideally gained in a charity or non-profit setting. You will be confident in advising on HR policies and procedures, managing employee relations cases, and supporting recruitment and retention strategies. A CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience of 4+ years) is essential. Strong knowledge of employment legislation, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both strategically and operationally are key. Experience working independently in a hybrid environment and partnering with managers at all levels will be highly valued.
If the above role description sounds of interest and you feel you meet the criteria, please apply immediately or contact Syed at Civitas Recruitment for a full job description and informal discussion. Early applications are encouraged as we are reviewing on a rolling basis and the position may close earlier than advertised.
We're looking for a proactive, organised and customer-focused Talent Partner to join our Human Resources team located at our Head Office in Islington.
£29,784.50 per annum, working 35 hours per week.
Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
- Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
- Free DBS
- Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
- Fully paid induction programme and further training
- ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
- Online wellbeing resources
- A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
- Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
This role supports the organisation in providing a customer-focused, accurate and proactive administration service across Recruitment, HR and Learning and Development. You'll work closely with the team to streamline and improve processes, and ensure efficient service delivery.
This is a fixed term contract from 26th August 2025 to 1st April 2026.
The starting salary for this role is £29,784.51, increasing to £30,784.51 after successfully passing the probation period.
This is a hybrid role with a minimum two days working in the office.
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
For a full job description, please visit our website.
About you:
- Organised, responsive, and customer focused
- Strong communicator with a collaborative mindset
- Detail-oriented, adaptable, and resilient under pressure
- Team Player who shares workload and learning with the team and builds a positive team culture
- Decisive and able to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
- Keen interest in HR and L&D career development
What you'll bring:
Essential:
- Experience in recruitment or Learning and Development environments
- Strong administrative and IT skills and experience
- Confident in delivering training and attending recruitment events
- Excellent communication and customer service
Desirable:
- Familiarity with iTrent and Learning Pool
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
- We focus on Excellence and innovation.
- We are Caring and Compassionate.
- We are Inclusive and Trusted.
- We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Job Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £33,256 - £36,952 per annum
Benefits: 27 days holiday bank holidays (pro rata for part time roles), healthcare cash plan, life assurance, paid compassionate leave, enhanced sick pay, membership plus many more staff benefits.
There’s never been a better time to join their team! They have launched an ambitious new strategy – and they want you to be part of it. There are loads of reasons to love cycling, even if you’re not someone who cycles. From cutting pollution, to making them healthier and happier, cycling can help them all thrive.
They're looking for a People Business Partner (HR), to work collaboratively throughout the organisation across the full spectrum of HR disciplines; employee relations, recruitment, retention, people development with a specific emphasis placed upon supporting the delivery of the people and engagement strategy.
Explore the attached job description for full details on this exciting opportunity. Complete the application form expressing why you are the right candidate for this opening. Focus on gearing your supporting statement to exemplify how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role, directly referring to the person specification. This enables the selection panel to assess your relative strengths against the specified criteria.
They are an inclusive organisation and would particularly welcome applications from candidates from a broad range of backgrounds. They strongly believe that diversity strengthens their work. If you are already passionate about cycling, that’s great, many of them are too! But if you are simply really excellent at what you do, no matter what your background, that is what matters most to them.
The role is home based in the UK, with regular travel to the Guildford and London office.
Applications close at 9:00am on the closing date shown.
You may also have experience in the following roles: HR Business Partner, People Partner, Human Resources Business Partner, Senior HR Advisor, HR Manager, People and Culture Business Partner, Employee Relations Specialist, HR Generalist, Talent and Development Partner, Organizational Development Specialist, etc.
REF-222 388
HR Assistant Location: Birmingham Salary: £28,163 - £29,572 per annum The Role Are you passionate about supporting people and playing a key role in nurturing a positive workplace culture? They’re looking for a proactive and detail-oriented HR Assistant to join their central team at the Multi Academy Trust. This is an exciting opportunity to support and develop your HR career in a values-driven organisation committed to delivering excellence in education, working closely with schools, leaders, and support staff. As an HR Assistant, you will:
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, takes initiative, and wants to make a positive impact across multiple schools. Skills and Qualifications
A CIPD qualification or working towards one is desirable but not essential. To Apply If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Fairfax Multi Academy Trust, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application. |
If so then this exciting HR Advisor is the right role for you.
Job title: HR Advisor
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £35,000
Location: A short walk from Gunnersbury station
Hours: Full time – 35 hours a week
Pattern of work: Hybrid, 4 days office, 1 day from home
In your role as HR Advisor you will work along side HR Business Partner and help the HR Team to deliver a timely and accurate service to the wider business.
This exciting charity, offers a variety of services to support the community, including the youth and the elderly through exercise.
In this busy and diverse role, you will provide 1st line support to the wider business. In your role as HR Advisor your day to day duties will include;
- Looking after the HR inbox
- Process and update employee records on HR system
- Coordinate all companywide recruitment administration such as interview dates
- Complete the onboarding of all new starters including raising contracts
- Manage all DBS and safeguarding for new starters
- Update payroll changes
- Working knowledge and experience of working in a busy and diverse role
- Good understanding of best practice in HR
- Knowledge of employment legislation
- Prior experience of working in a similar role ideally within the charity sector
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.
Location (UK): Office Hybrid* - London / Chesterfield (potential office relocation to central Sheffield in 2026)
Hours: Full-time 35 hours per week or Part-time 28 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent
Travel: Occasional travel to Versus Arthritis offices (London, Chesterfield, Cardiff, Belfast, Glasgow)
Join us and use your skills, knowledge, passion and energy to help us achieve a future free from arthritis.
We are seeking a Lead People Business Partner to join our People Services team. You will oversee and manage our people business partnering model, leading the team to build strong working relationships and provide expert advice and guidance across all people related matters. With expertise in employer relations and a passion for continuous improvement you will shape a positive, inclusive and high performing culture.
About the role
Our People Business Partners deliver trusted partnering services and help shape a positive, inclusive and high performing culture. Working in collaboration with leaders and managers across the charity, the team drives and embeds positive change. Through effective coaching, influencing and excellent people advice, the team make a significant contribution to our goal of making Versus Arthritis a great place to work and volunteer.
About you
If your knowledge, skills and experience include the following then we’d love to hear from you:
- Delivering expert people advice which aligns to organisational objectives and culture
- Building and leading high performing teams of people professionals
- Leading, managing and successfully delivering people projects and initiative
- Navigating complexities through effective problem solving to deliver impactful results.
- Experienced in employee relations, managing risk and seeking positive outcomes.
- Driving cultural change and proactively embedding change across an organisation.
- Strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
*As a hybrid worker the expectation is that you will spend around 40% of your working time in our office spaces or working in community settings. As an inclusive employer we will consider home-based working for anyone where office-based hybrid working would be a barrier to being able to work for us, for example for someone living with a long-term health condition or disability.
Benefits
Your excellent benefits include:
- Flexible hours, environments and working practices to promote a healthy work/life balance.
- Health and wellbeing support – including the Employee Assistance Programme (free confidential 24/7 support with mental health, legal and financial queries).
- Simplyhealth cash plan.
- Supportive and inclusive culture, with a wide range of employee networks and support groups available to join.
- Learning and personal development opportunities.
- Competitive annual leave, with the option to buy/sell up to five days per year.
- Generous pension plan, with employer contribution of up to 10%.
- Life Assurance plan (4 x salary).
You must be based, and hold the right to work, in the UK to apply for this position.
Application deadline and shortlisting
- We advise candidates to apply early as we reserve the right to close applications ahead of this date.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
We do not wish to receive contact from agencies or media sales.
Please note that we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) during our recruitment and selection processes, and we would respectfully ask that you also refrain from using AI during the selection process. Whilst we do recognise that AI may be a beneficial tool for some when aiding research and preparation for an application or interview, we want to maintain a fair, inclusive and positive recruitment experience at Versus Arthritis where candidates can feel supported to demonstrate their experience, knowledge, and skills without the use of AI generated answers.
Interview
Interviews expected: Tuesday, 22 July 2025
As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee you will be offered an interview if you disclose a disability and demonstrate sufficient evidence within your application that you meet the essential criteria for this role. We will also make any reasonable adjustments you may require for your interview.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
About Chapter One
Chapter One is a dynamic, growing charity with a vision of a world in which all children have the literacy skills needed to thrive. Our mission is to close the reading gap by providing children with one-to-one support at the time they need it most.
Our unique Online Reading Volunteer programme currently supports around 3,000 children a year. It pairs disadvantaged, struggling five to eight-year old (KS1) readers with reading support volunteers who come from over 140 local and national businesses. The volunteer ask is very focused: readers commit 30 minutes a week to read with a child using a bespoke digital platform for an entire academic year. The results are transformative, boosting children's reading confidence and ability.
For more information about our programmes please visit our website. Please also take some time to visit our social media channels and watch our videos.
About the Role
The Human Resources (HR) & Administrative Assistant will provide support to the CEO, Line Managers and the wider team with a range of HR related and administrative tasks. They will work remotely and will need to have access to a reliable internet connection. They will report to the CEO.
This role is ideal for someone who wishes to pursue a career in HR, and Chapter One is willing to support the postholder to gain external qualifications. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and the post-holder must be permanently based in the UK at the time of applying and for the duration of their employment.
All Chapter One employees are required to attend quarterly in-person staff meetings held in various locations across the UK (all expenses covered); participation is mandatory.
Main duties will include:
HR Administration and Data Management
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Maintain accurate and up to date HR records on Chapter One systems
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Be the in-house expert on Breathe, Chapter One’s HR system
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Lead on data entry and HR system (Breathe HR) management, including generating relevant reports to support staff management and key decision making
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Monitor and track training and DBS records ensuring timely renewals in line with Chapter One’s policies
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Assist with documenting and maintaining HR process and workflows
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Ensure employee documents are stored correctly and confidentially
Organisational Policies and HR Procedures
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Working with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to create, update and disseminate relevant Charity policies and/or updates to the staff handbook
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Prepare standard HR letters and documents (contracts, change letters)
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Lead on the liaison with and promotion of the organisations Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured EAP)
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Create process guides for staff in collaboration with Line Managers and the CEO
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Act as a first point of support for HR-related queries from managers, escalating to the CEO when needed
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Liaise with Chapter One’s external HR advice provider when additional expertise is required
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Proactively identify opportunities to streamline and improve HR administrative processes and procedures
Recruitment, Onboarding and Offboarding
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Support managers through the entirety of the recruitment process for staff and trustees - including, but not limited to, advertising vacancies, organising applications, arranging interviews, monitoring interview tasks, coordinating assessments, collecting candidate documents, requesting references
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Managing the onboarding process for all new staff, including, but not limited to, holding HR induction meetings, coordinating new starter paperwork, setting probation review dates and training
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Work with Line Managers to organise induction plans, schedule introductory meetings, and ensure new starters are fully supported during their initial weeks
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Coordinate the offboarding process for departing staff, including exit interviews, return of equipment, and removal from systems
General HR Support
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Organise and schedule staff meetings and organisation-wide training sessions
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Coordinate wellbeing and employee engagement activities, including, but not limited to annual surveys, staff away days, seasonal events
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Plan and coordinate in-person meeting logistics, including venue booking, accommodation, equipment and refreshments, ensuring all arrangements are inclusive and appropriately tailored to staff needs
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Work with the SLT to be a champion of Chapter One’s values, and a custodian of its supportive work culture
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Communicate instructions and other messages to Line Managers and staff clearly and promptly on behalf of the CEO
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Support with preparation for audits or compliance checks e.g. Right to Work, DBS
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Provide HR support to staff working groups e.g. Wellbeing or Learning and Development
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Attend external HR webinars (eg with DOHR or Breathe) and disseminate information to the CEO & Line Managers as required
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Stay informed of relevant employment law updates, notifying the CEO of possible changes needed to policies or procedures
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Support general organisational administration as needed, such as scheduling key meetings, maintaining registers or documentation, or assisting with regulatory filings
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Assist the CEO & Line Managers with additional HR and administrative/organisational tasks, assigned at the discretion of the CEO
We are looking for applicants with the following essential qualities:
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Educated to A-level standard or equivalent
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A genuine interest in Chapter One, with a passion for the work we do
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Experience in a similar HR role
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Proficient in use of Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets and Google Workspace
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Excellent written and oral communication skills
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Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with colleagues at all levels
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Thoughtful, compassionate and inclusive approach to interpersonal relationships
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Self-motivated and proactive, with a problem-solving mindset
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Goal-oriented team-player who also thrives working independently
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Meticulous eye for detail, who takes pride in holding themself to the highest standards in all aspects of their work
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Professional, discreet and able to handle confidential information
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Working knowledge of HR functions
The best applicants will also have the following desirable qualities:
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Experience of working in the charity/non-profit sector
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A desire to develop a career in HR
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A qualification in HR, e.g. CIPD Level 3, or working towards one
Interview Dates:
1st round interviews - Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd July
2nd round interviews - Monday 28th July
Chapter One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and celebrate diversity in backgrounds and experience and are deliberate about the kind of teams we are building. Literacy is a universal concern, and we need people from all backgrounds to maximise our innovation, creativity and impact. We especially welcome applications from individuals who have experienced disadvantage and/or from those who are of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who are currently underrepresented in the organisation.
Chapter One is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All postholders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure. Copies of our Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy are available on request
Please provide a CV and a covering letter (max 1 side of A4). Your letter must include:
1) A summary of your relevant experience, including clear examples.
2) Either: Tell us about a time when you helped onboard a new team member - what steps did you take to ensure they felt welcomed and prepared?
OR Tell us about a time when you identified an opportunity to improve an administrative process or system.
3) Tell us about how our organisational mission aligns with your values.
Applications that fail to meet these criteria will automatically be discounted. We want you to have every opportunity to shine and to show us your talents - please let us know if there is anything we can do to make sure the assessment process works for you.
At Chapter One, we want to create a world where all children have the literacy skills needed to thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
HR Advisor
Salary£32,000.00 per annum
LocationHome Based
Weekly Hours35
The Vacancy
Job Title: HR Advisor
Location: Home Based
Salary: £32,000.00 per annum
Weekly Hours: 35
Reference: YMC1095697
There’s a new opportunity for an experienced HR professional looking to make a real impact in a values-driven organisation! YMCA England & Wales is seeking an accomplished HR Advisor to join our national People Services team, supporting our operations across England and Wales.
In this field-based role, you'll act as a trusted HR partner to retail managers and teams, offering proactive and expert advice across a broad spectrum of HR matters. From employee relations and absence management to training delivery and change support, you’ll be integral in driving positive employee experiences and upholding YMCA’s ethos and people-first culture.
About YMCA England & Wales:
YMCA England & Wales supports 83 local YMCAs, advocating for vulnerable young people by providing essential building blocks for a better life—like a safe home, guidance, friendship, and employment skills. We are committed to ensuring fairness and opportunity for all, and through our collective voice, we influence national policy and media to improve the lives of young people across the country.
What you’ll be doing:
- Advising managers on employee relations issues including disciplinary, grievance, and capability cases
- Monitoring absence, conducting welfare meetings, and managing Occupational Health referrals
- Supporting store teams through regular visits, building relationships and trust
- Delivering training sessions to upskill managers and promote HR best practice
- Supporting HR projects, change initiatives, and data reporting
- Collaborating with the wider HR team and deputising for the Assistant Head of HR when needed
Who we’re looking for:
- MCIPD-qualified or equivalent HR experience, ideally in a retail environment
- Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices
- Confident managing casework with a fair, empathetic approach
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently
- Willing to travel frequently (full driving licence required)
Join us and help shape the future of HR in a mission-led organisation that makes a difference to communities across the UK. If you’re passionate about people and want to bring your HR expertise to a cause that matters — we’d love to hear from you
Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide expert advice and coaching to managers on recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and organisational change
- Manage Employee relations cases as they arise supporting line managers through conflict resolution, investigations, and disciplinary processes
- Communicate HR initiatives and updates clearly and effectively across departments
- Partner with managers to address resourcing needs and support job evaluation processes
- Contribute to the development and review of HR policies in line with current legislation
- Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives across the organisation
- Support the delivery of HR projects and continuous improvement efforts
We're looking for someone with:
- Proven experience in a generalist HR advisory role
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices
- Experience of working with Employee Relations matters
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Proactive, solutions-focused mindset
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
HR Officer - 3-Month Contract
Location: Central London / Hybrid
Start Date: Immediate
Duration: 3 months
Day Rate: £285/day (Inside IR35)
We are seeking an experienced HR generalist to join a high-performing HR team delivering strategic and operational people support across a respected not-for-profit organisation. Reporting to the Senior HR Business Partner, this role suits someone confident, working across the full employee lifecycle, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable juggling priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Operational HR Delivery
- Act as first point of contact for HR queries, offering clear and pragmatic advice
- Manage end-to-end processes for starters and leavers, including onboarding and exit interviews
- Liaise with Payroll to ensure accurate processing of HR changes
- Support HR inbox management and participate in operational meetings
- Prepare workforce metrics and updates for partnering conversations
- Contribute to HR projects and delivery of cross-organisational workstreams
Recruitment & Onboarding
- Coordinate full-cycle recruitment across assigned teams
- Advise managers and stakeholders through all stages of the hiring process
- Ensure onboarding compliance, including Right to Work checks and probation reviews
- Manage agency relationships and recruitment spend tracking
- Review and evaluate recruitment practices and provider performance
Engagement, Induction & Learning
- Support delivery of induction and onboarding programmes
- Assist in planning and coordinating wellbeing and engagement initiatives
- Contribute content to internal platforms and staff communications
- Liaise with networks and stakeholders to support a positive staff experience
Employee Relations & Case Management.
- Advise on day-to-day employee relations, including performance, absence and capability matters.
- Draft occupational health referrals and support case action plans.
- Prepare documentation and case summaries for consistent record-keeping.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Previous experience in a busy HR environment within a complex organisation
- Solid knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR policies
- Strong communication skills and confidence when advising stakeholders
- Proficiency in HR systems, reporting and data interpretation
- Organised and professional with a discreet approach to sensitive matters
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong generalist HR experience to contribute immediately and make an impact. If you're available now and ready to take on a varied and hands-on role, we'd welcome your application.
What you'll get in return
Flexible working options available.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk