Job Description

Please apply here: Bridge Schools - Vacancies www.bridgeschools.co.uk/Vacancies

About this Role

We are looking for a proactive and professional HR Officer to join our Multi-Academy Trust, which supports 15 thriving primary schools.

Working closely with the Head of HR, you will play a key role in delivering an efficient, modern HR service. This is a varied role where no two days are the same. You might be supporting employee relations casework, coordinating recruitment and safer recruitment checks, assisting with payroll and pensions accuracy, or helping schools use our HR systems effectively. You'll also contribute to Trust-wide projects, from staff engagement and wellbeing initiatives to process improvements that make HR smarter and more efficient.

We're looking for someone with lived HR experience who can provide confident, accurate advice on day-to-day employment matters. You'll be solutions focused, personable, and resilient, with the ability to build trust quickly and work collaboratively.

In return, we offer:

A supportive and close-knit HR team where your ideas will be valued. Hybrid working and term-time working options A wellbeing package, including access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
If you're passionate about people, enjoy improving processes, and want to help create a positive working culture across our schools, we'd love to hear from you.

Hours:

25-30 per week (negotiable)

Working weeks:

38 weeks + INSET + 4 (Term time +)

Paid weeks:

45.769 per year (includes holiday entitlement)

Pay:

32,708 full-time equivalent (actual salary 21,702 for 27.5 hours per week)

WE WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS THROUGH OUR WEBSITE:

www.bridgeschools.co.uk/Vacancies

About Bridge Schools Trust

Bridge Schools Trust is a family of schools across Cornwall, built on dedication and trust and united by a shared commitment to putting learning first.

Our values guide everything we do:

Creative in our approach to teaching and problem-solving Curious, always innovating and learning Responsible, accountable to our communities Enthusiastic, bringing energy and passion to every endeavour Excellent in our expectations and delivery Determined, rallying together to overcome challenges
By joining us, you will become part of a collaborative, supportive, and forward-thinking Trust where staff are valued, wellbeing is prioritised, and professional development is encouraged.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Bridge Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, Social Media check, and satisfactory references.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

If you have the drive and determination to enable every child to succeed, and wish to be part of a Trust that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement , we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your application as early as possible if you wish to apply, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to close this advert early dependant on the volume of applications received.

HR Officer

The Role

To provide a high-quality, professional HR service across the Trust, supporting 15 primary schools. The postholder will be a key contact for schools on day-to-day HR queries, working closely with the Head of HR to ensure consistent, accurate advice and support.

The role will support the Head of HR, and wider HR Team by contributing to operational delivery and assisting with Trust-wide HR and organisational development initiatives. This includes supporting employee relations processes (with escalation of complex cases), ensuring accurate payroll and pensions administration, maintaining HR system data, and contributing to policy implementation, culture, and process improvements

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Advice

Provide timely and pragmatic advice to managers and staff on employment issues, including conduct, capability, absence management, and grievance matters. Support formal meetings (investigations, hearings, appeals) by advising managers, preparing documentation, and ensuring compliance with employment law and Trust policies. Support organisational change activity across the Trust, supporting the Head of HR with processes such as TUPE, restructures, and staff consultation

Recruitment, Onboarding & Safeguarding

Coordinate recruitment campaigns, advertising, shortlisting, and conditional offers. Ensure safer recruitment practice in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)*, including right-to-work checks, references and enhanced DBS (with barred list where required).
Oversee pre-employment compliance and ensure accurate Single Central Record (SCR) entries are maintained. Support induction, probation, and onboarding processes.

HR Systems & Data

Maintain accurate employee records on the HRIS (iTrent or equivalent) ensuring data integrity. Produce reports, dashboards, and analysis to inform workforce planning and decision-making. Support completion of the annual School Workforce Census and ensure data accuracy for statutory and Trust reporting. Identify and help to implement opportunities to digitise and streamline HR processes. Provide data, reports, and analysis to support strategic workforce planning and HR decision-making.

Payroll, Pay & Pensions

Work with Finance to support accurate monthly payroll processing, including inputting starters, leavers, and contractual changes. Support the consistent application of pay and conditions in line with the STPCD (teachers) and NJC/Green Book (support staff) frameworks. Act as a first point of contact for routine payroll queries, escalating complex issues as required to the Head of HR or Finance. Provide administrative support for the accurate maintenance of the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) and Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), including notifications and data checks.

Policy & Compliance

Support the Head of HR in ensuring compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding, GDPR, and safer recruitment requirements.

Assist with the review and update of HR policies, ensuring they are accessible, user-friendly, and reflect best practice.

Apply confidentiality and professional standards in all aspects of HR service delivery.

HR Projects & Improvement

Contribute to HR initiatives such as wellbeing, staff engagement, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Assist the Head of HR in implementing Trust-wide HR strategies, projects, and policy reviews. Contribute to HR communications, training sessions, and the rollout of new HR initiatives across the Trust.
Champion continuous improvement by suggesting ideas, challenging outdated practices, and helping to implement smarter ways of working.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

CIPD Level 3 or 5 (or working towards) or equivalent experience. (Desirable)

Safer Recruitment training (desirable).

Evidence of continuous professional development.

Experience

Proven HR generalist/advisory experience within education or another complex organisation. Practical experience of supporting employee relations casework (e.g. investigations, hearings, note-taking, documentation), with escalation of complex cases to senior HR colleagues. Experience of advising on absence, grievance and disciplinary matters End-to-end recruitment and onboarding, Essential (Desirable: including safer recruitment compliance DBS, right-to-work, references). Strong competency in interviewing and selection, with experience supporting panels. Exposure to staff retention initiatives and contributing ideas to improve engagement and reduce turnover. Using and maintaining HR systems (ideally iTrent or similar). Payroll input/administration. Contributing to process improvements and implementing change.
Knowledge & Skills

Good, up-to-date knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice. Understanding of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)and safer recruitment requirements. (Desirable) Awareness of the STPCD (teachers) and NJC/Green Book (support staff) frameworks (desirable). Knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and their practical application. Up-to-date understanding of recruitment methods and approaches to staff retention. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility. Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities. Analytical skills with the ability to interpret HR data and produce clear reports. Confident IT skills (MS Office, HRIS, payroll systems, SharePoint/Teams). Understanding of GDPR, HR data management, and confidentiality requirements.
Personal Attributes

Professional, confident, and resilient, with a solutions-focused approach. Willingness to challenge outdated practices and contribute ideas for improvement. A collaborative team player who can also work independently and show initiative. Approachable and able to build trust with colleagues at all levels. Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and high standards. Committed to confidentiality, safeguarding, and equality of opportunity. Positive, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast-paced and changing environment. Willingness to travel across Trust schools and attend occasional evening meetings when required.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 32,708.00 per year

Expected hours: 25 - 30 per week

Benefits:

Free parking Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cornwall PL31 2RQ

Application deadline: 12/10/2025