Hr assistant jobs in Islington, greater london

A little bit about the role 

Location: ​ Hybrid. If you are based in London you are required to attend the London office twice a week. If you are based outside of London, you are required to attend the London office once a month. Please note that travel to the London office is at your own expense.

Contract:​ Full time, Permanent

Salary: £44,400 – £53,747.68 depending on experience (inclusive of London Office Allowance if you are based in London) plus competitive pension

Please note that this role will be closing on Sunday 09 August 2026 at midnight.

As our People Partner, you’ll work alongside leaders across the organisation to build high-performing, inclusive teams, by developing confident managers and supporting them to make great people decisions. You’ll act as a trusted adviser to managers across the full employee lifecycle, balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery. Whether supporting organisational change, recruitment, talent, employee relations or wider people projects, you’ll bring sound judgement, a coaching style and a pragmatic approach to achieving great outcomes for our people and the organisation.

We are looking for someone with:

• Previous People Partner/Senior HR Adviser experience
• Experience partnering with managers on hiring and talent development
• A coaching mindset that builds management capability
• Strong employment law knowledge, charity experience a plus

Please see the job pack for a full list of responsibilities.

A little bit about you 

We are looking for a People Partner who builds strong relationships across the organisation and can turn business priorities into practical people solutions. You should work independently, using sound judgment to manage complex employee relations cases, while partnering closely with managers on recruitment, workforce planning and talent development. You should be comfortable with ambiguity and shifting priorities, bringing a coaching approach that knows when to challenge and when to step back. You should understand risk well enough to know when to escalate, and stay grounded in employment law, ideally with a CIPD qualification. You should be genuinely invested in creating an inclusive, high-performing culture, with charity sector experience a bonus and an appetite for a role that grows and changes with the organisation.

We have a fast-moving culture within the team and organisation, so we’re looking for someone who is who is well organised, details-focused and can use their initiative to do what works. You will have excellent communication skills, be able to build relationships with people and be willing to learn. There are lots of opportunities for growth and development in this role – and for the right candidate to make the role their own. 

If you feel you have the skills to make a real impact and contribute to creating lasting social change for children and families, we would love to hear from you. 

Important information

We have increased the diversity of Frontline’s workforce in the last 12 months, but we need to do more to have greater global majority representation in our senior roles. We know the value global majority voices bring and therefore, we are strongly encouraging applicants from these backgrounds to apply. We are also a disability confident employer and welcome applicants with disabilities.

We recognise that artificial intelligence (AI) such as ‘ChatGPT’ etc can be useful for applicants e.g. to shorten an initial draft, so we do not attempt to have an absolute ban on AI in applications. However we would caution applicants not to rely too much on AI in drafting answers to application questions. We want to hear your authentic voice arising out of your experience, and we will be looking for answers that use examples and experiences that are specific to you. You are more likely to be able to produce that kind of content yourself than an AI will.

We reserve the right to close this role ahead of the deadline once we reach a suitable number of applications, so please apply as soon as you can!

This role may be eligible for sponsorship.

For further information about this role, please contact Louise Theophile, Head of People (see job pack for contact details).

HR / People Manager

Fixed Term initial  7-months | Maternity Cover
Circa £45,000 FTE | Hybrid working (3 days in office, 2 remote)
Essex / Kent (multi-site)

I am excited to be working with a respected not-for-profit organisation seeking an experienced HR / People Manager for a 7-month maternity cover contract.

This is a senior generalist role with real influence. You’ll lead the people agenda, manage a small HR team, and partner closely with senior leaders to deliver change, manage risk, and drive performance through people.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the delivery of the People strategy

• Acting as a trusted advisor on complex ER matters, including ETs

• Managing TUPE transfers and organisational change

• Using people data to inform decisions and business cases

• Coaching managers and embedding best practice

• Working with Trade Unions and external partners

What we’re looking for

• Strong senior/generalist HR experience

• Proven background in complex ER and employment law

• TUPE and change management experience

• Confident stakeholder manager with commercial insight

• CIPD qualified (or equivalent experience)

Why apply?
High-impact role, flexible/hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference in a values-led organisation.

If you have the above skills and experience and are immediately available, please apply online today, I would love to have a conversation with you!

For almost 50 years, Animal Aid has been one of the UK's leading animal rights organisations. As we embark on an ambitious strategy to 2030, we're looking for an exceptional Head of People and Operations to help us build the organisation that will deliver our next stage of growth. 

This is a new and critical senior leadership role. While our mission is to create lasting change for animals, it is our people who make that possible every day. You'll help ensure Animal Aid is a supportive, high-performing and values-led organisation where staff can do their very best work for animals. 

Reporting to the General Manager and working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, you'll lead our people function, oversee HR strategy and operations, support organisational development, and play a key role in finance, governance and organisational effectiveness. 

We're looking for someone who combines strong HR leadership with excellent operational skills, strategic thinking and a genuine commitment to building positive workplace cultures. 

You'll bring: 

• Significant senior-level HR and people management experience 

• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice 

• Experience developing policies, processes and organisational systems 

• Excellent relationship-building, communication and leadership skills 

• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery 

• CIPD Level 5+ (or equivalent experience) 

• Commitment to Animal Aid's aims and values, and sympathy with our ethical vegan position. 

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a respected and influential not-for-profit at a pivotal moment in its development. 

Join us and help build the organisation that will power the next generation of progress for animals. 

Please note: Animal Aid cannot provide visa sponsorship, so applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK to be considered for this role. You must live in the UK and we are unable to pay any relocation costs.

First-round interviews will be held online the week commencing 14th September, with the second round held in person on 21st and 23rd September.

We're looking for a passionate and experienced People Relations Specialist to join our People Relations and Wellbeing team on a part time 21 hours per week, 12-month fixed term contract. This is an opportunity to make a real difference by helping managers navigate complex people matters, championing early resolution and contributing to the development of a modern, values-led employee relations service.

You'll use your employee relations expertise to influence positive outcomes for colleagues, build manager capability and help shape how people relations is delivered across the organisation.

What You'll Do

• Managing complex employee relations cases from start to finish, including grievance, disciplinary, capability and absence matters. 
• Providing expert advice and coaching to managers, supporting early and effective resolution wherever possible. 
• Producing high-quality case documentation, reports and correspondence. 
• Supporting employment tribunal preparation where required. 
• Contributing to the development of policies, toolkits and manager guidance. 
• Supporting the design and delivery of people management training. 
• Championing wellbeing, inclusion and Peabody's values in every interaction.
• Undertake basic analysis of people relations data, uncovering trends, themes, and patterns, presenting these to the strategic partnering team to be considered in the context of business change
• Establish collaborative and productive working relationships with Peabody’s recognised trade unions and colleague representative groups and networks, ensuring flexibility and multiple pathways to early conflict resolution

What You'll Need

• CIPD Level 3 qualification or above
• Able to demonstrate a strong working knowledge of employment law and HR best practice, including future changes
• Experience coaching and influencing managers at all levels
• Experience using HR systems and producing management information
• Excellent written skills, with a strong track record of drafting bespoke casework documentation that successfully achieves a satisfactory balance of managing risk and using an appropriate tone
• Ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting priorities to ensure KPIs are met

Why Join Us?

When you join Peabody, you're joining a team guided by our values: Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

What We Offer

• 30 days' annual holiday, plus bank holidays
• Two additional paid volunteering days each year
• Flexible benefits scheme, including family-friendly benefits and access to a discount portal
• 4 x salary life assurance
• Up to 10% pension contribution

Please read before applying

Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licensed UK employer.

This is a 12-month fixed term contract and is a part time role offering 21 hours per week.

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you're the perfect fit for this role.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Ryan Loasby, Talent Specialist.

Interview Date: Monday 17th August at Peabody, 45 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7JB

The closing date for this advert will be Monday 10th August. However, we reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

The People Experience Manager plays a pivotal role in delivering an inclusive, engaging and well-supported workplace culture at Battersea. Reporting to the Head of People Experience, this role is responsible for translating strategic people priorities into high-quality, consistent and impactful operational delivery across the employee lifecycle.

With line management responsibility for People Coordinators, the role ensures the smooth running of core people processes and services, providing an excellent employee experience day-to-day. The People Experience Manager acts as a key link between strategy and delivery—supporting engagement and people operations while ensuring policies, processes and systems are effective, compliant and user-focused.

Working closely with managers and colleagues across Battersea, the role contributes to a culture where people feel valued, supported and able to do their best work for dogs and cats.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year.
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans.

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working model:

We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.

Diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.

More about us:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Acceptable use of AI:

At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: 16th August 2026
All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

Interview date(s): Week Commencing 7th September 2026

For more information about the role, please download our Recruitment pack.

For over 40 years, The ClementJames Centre has been offering local people the skills, knowledge, opportunities and support they need to achieve their potential. Together, we work towards creating a fairer society where everyone gets the opportunity to achieve their ambitions. 

As People & Culture lead, you will help for shaping and sustaining an inclusive, supportive, and values-driven working culture at CJC. This hands-on role will work closely with the Chief Operations Officer to support HR operations, policy, recruitment, wellbeing, and training for both staff and volunteers. Our people—whether paid or voluntary—are central to our mission, and this role ensures that everyone feels welcomed, heard, and valued.

In 2024 ClementJames introduced a 9 day fortnight policy through which, staff members work 9 days over a fortnight and have a Friday off every other week. We introduced this as a way of prioritising staff wellbeing, and ensuring individuals have a strong work-life balance. This policy will apply to you.

If you believe that everyone should have the opportunity to realise their ambitions and live fulfilled lives and you would like to join a dynamic, innovative organisation, then The ClementJames Centre could be the perfect career choice for you.

Vital Strategies is a global public health organization. Our programs strengthen public health systems and address the world’s leading causes of illness, injury, and death. We currently work in more than 80 countries, supporting data-driven decision-making in government, advancing evidence-based public health policies, and mounting strategic communication campaigns. Vital Strategies’ priorities are driven by the greatest potential to improve and save lives. They include noncommunicable disease prevention, tobacco control, road safety, food policy, environmental health, and data for health. Our programs are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries and cities in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Please visit our website to find out more about our work.

We believe our programs are strengthened when they are developed and supported by people with diverse life experiences whose understanding of social and cultural issues can help make our work and workforce more inclusive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, actual or perceived age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for those seeking employment.

Job Purpose:

Vital Strategies has experienced significant growth in both its programs and global footprint in recent years. As the organization continues to expand, it is essential that our people practices remain legally compliant, operationally effective, culturally responsive, and forward-thinking to support an increasingly diverse and distributed workforce.

We are seeking an experienced Global HR leader who will continue to build on our efforts to strengthen global HR operations and compliance. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, culturally agile leader who is passionate about operational excellence, continuous improvement, and making a meaningful global impact. 

The Director, Global HR Operations and Compliance is a critical leadership role within the Human Resources function, responsible for advancing HR operational excellence, strengthening global compliance, and supporting the continued evolution of our people practices. With seven global offices and Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements in thirteen countries, this position provides strategic leadership and oversight for Vital's global HR operations, compliance framework, and employee services, ensuring consistent, efficient, and legally compliant HR practices across all locations.

The Director will lead the development and implementation of inclusive policies, procedures, and best practices; provide guidance on global employment actions and employee relations matters; support workforce expansion into new countries; and oversee global compensation, benefits, and HR governance programs. This role is responsible for identifying and mitigating employment-related risks while ensuring a positive employee experience and operational consistency across diverse jurisdictions.

Reporting to the Vice President, Global HR, the Director partners closely with organizational leaders, HR colleagues, legal counsel, country offices, and external partners to strengthen HR infrastructure, optimize systems and processes, and enhance the organization's ability to manage a global workforce effectively. Success in this role requires deep global HR expertise, strong judgment, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to lead change while balancing organizational standards with local legal, cultural, and operational requirements.

This job opportunity may be based in the UK, Switzerland, or Kenya. Vital Strategies will offer a competitive salary based on local market benchmarking. Additional locations in Europe and Africa where Vital Strategies is operational may be considered. The applicable salary ranges for the hiring locations are:

• UK: £110,000- £120,000
• Switzerland: CHF 120,000 to 140,000
• Kenya: KES 14,000,000- 18,500,000 KES

Duties & Responsibilities:

Global HR Operations - 

· Maintain a high-quality global HR operations function, including standardized policies where legally appropriate, standardized processes, technology, systems, tools, forms, and guidelines that are accessible, well understood, and consistently utilized across all offices.

· Balance global organizational standards and compliance requirements with the operational, cultural, and legal realities of individual country offices, ensuring an appropriate and practical approach across diverse environments.

· Build trusted relationships with global office leadership, HR and Country Directors, to encourage transparency, collaboration, and timely sharing of HR-related information necessary for effective operations, risk management, and compliance.

· Partner with, support, and advise global HR team members and Country Directors on HR operational matters; while supporting local HR partners in assuming HR functions locally as appropriate for each office.

· Lead global HR due diligence (terms and conditions of employment, infrastructure and documentation) and manage the maintenance of international office employee handbooks and guides for EOR-hired staff.

· Partner with leadership, programs, and operation teams in opening offices or establishing EORs; as well as closing offices or programs.

· Ensure compliance with regulatory reporting requirements, maintenance of required documentation, and timely responses to HR audits and coordinate with the risk management committee.

· In partnership with local HR teams, lead annual global employee benefits renewals, including plan design, vendor coordination, and budget management.

· Oversee global compensation programs, including salary benchmarking, pay review processes, compensation guidance, and manager training.

· Work with Talent Acquisition, Grants & Contracts and Global Finance to coordinate the annual and reforecast workforce budget.

· Oversee the establishment of EORs and the ongoing vendor/employee/manager relationships.

· Ensure the global HR team is trained in the core HR operational areas, as well as any Vital HR specific procedures and practices.

· Ensure that HR policies, procedures, and compliance documents are accessible to all staff via the organizational intranet “Vital Pulse”.

· Collaborate with HR team to implement, analyze, and maintain operational metrics and people data to inform decision-making and strengthen organizational effectiveness.

· Serve as a key HRIS company administrator and partner to global HR teams, leveraging technology to improve HR operations, reporting, compliance and data integrity.

· Partner with HR and operational leaders to ensure HRIS data accuracy globally, establish effective governance processes, and support local teams in maintaining timely and accurate employee records.

Compliance - 

· In collaboration with Legal and VP HR, ensure that HR processes, policies, recordkeeping, and forms are in compliance with regulations, country and local labor laws, and donor guidelines.

· Oversee policy, process and procedure documentation to ensure consistency, accessibility, and compliance across the organization.

· Conduct spot checks to employee files to ensure audit readiness and compliance; and provide training to HR team members responsible for maintaining documentation.

· Ensure compliance with the Vital global data retention policy for employee data and HR documentation.

· Identify and proactively mitigate HR operational and compliance risks through strong controls, monitoring, documentation practices, and partnership with local offices.

Employee Services - 

· Coordinate the development and maintenance of HR programs and tools, including policies and procedures, SOPs, manuals, management guidelines, and other HR infrastructure to support business units, proposals, and projects.

· Ensure all offices and employees hired through EOR arrangements have access to an HR Help Desk or equivalent support structure with timely communication, responsiveness, and follow-up.

· In consultation with the VP HR and General Counsel, and in coordination with HRBPs, manage complex employee relations matters in a balanced, fair, and objective manner using appropriate counseling, investigative, intervention, and mediation techniques.

· Serve as an internal consultant and facilitator to managers and employees in resolving employment and performance-related issues in collaboration with HR business partners as appropriate.

· In collaboration with the Director of Talent Management and HR Country Teams, ensure timely delivery of training to managers on HR operations, policies, systems, and practices; and support clear communication of Vital HR business practices to employees globally.

· Foster a service-oriented HR culture that emphasizes responsiveness, partnership, trust, consistency, and practical problem-solving across all global offices.

Qualifications:

Education - 

· Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field required.

· Professional HR certification such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CIPD, or equivalent international HR certification preferred.

Skills & Abilities - 

· Strong knowledge of global HR operations, employment practices, compliance requirements, and HR infrastructure across multiple countries and regions.

· Demonstrated ability to balance global organizational standards with local legal, cultural, and operational needs in diverse international environments.

· Strong relationship-building, influencing, and partnership skills, with the ability to establish trust and credibility across global offices and with leaders at all levels.

· High degree of diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, discretion, and sound judgment when managing complex and sensitive employee and organizational matters.

· Ability to proactively gather, assess, and synthesize information from multiple stakeholders and environments to identify operational or compliance risks and support informed decision-making.

· Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced global environment.

· Excellent verbal, written communication, and active listening skills, including the ability to communicate complex HR concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use people data and metrics to drive operational improvements and business decisions.

· Service-oriented leadership approach with a focus on collaboration, responsiveness, practical solutions, and continuous improvement.

· Strong facilitation, training, and coaching skills for managers, HR teams, and employees.

· High level of integrity and ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

· Strong technology proficiency and ability to leverage HR systems and tools to improve operational effectiveness, reporting, workforce analytics, compliance, and employee experience.

· Fluency in English required.

· Knowledge of global HR operational best practices and employment lifecycle processes.

· Knowledge of compensation, benefits, employee relations, performance management, and policy administration practices.

· Understanding of change management principles and organizational effectiveness practices in global organizations.

Experience Required:

· Minimum of 15 years of progressive human resources experience, including significant experience in global HR operations, compliance, and employee services.

· Demonstrated experience supporting a complex, multi-country or global organization, preferably within the nonprofit, international development, public health, or mission-driven sector.

· Experience partnering with global offices and navigating varying labor laws, cultural norms, and operational practices across regions.

· Proven experience developing and implementing global HR policies, procedures, systems, and operational processes.

· Experience managing HR compliance, audits, employee documentation, and data governance in international environments.

· Experience overseeing compensation and benefits administration across multiple countries and/or employer-of-record (EOR) arrangements.

· Demonstrated experience managing complex employee relations matters and conducting or supporting investigations in collaboration with legal counsel and HR business partners.

· Experience leading or supporting HRIS optimization, system configuration, reporting, and data integrity initiatives; experience with UKG strongly preferred.

· Experience using HR metrics and workforce data to support operational planning and organizational decision-making.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

· The position may involve up to 10% travel to various international locations, depending on organizational needs

· Ability/willingness to work across multiple time zones