Job Description

Location: Cheriton, Folkestone

Salary 34,000 pa (Grade APLd)

Hours: 37 hours a week

Annual leave: 29 days per year plus 1 concessionary day (plus 8 Bank Holidays)

Closing date: Wednesday 6 August 2025

Interviews: 11 and 12 August

Start date: As soon as possible

Are you an experienced HR professional with a passion for delivering high-quality, proactive HR services? Do you have proven experience in managing low level employee relations casework? If so, we'd love to hear from you!

We are seeking a

confident and knowledgeable HR Advisor

to join our Trust's central HR team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in shaping and supporting HR practices across our schools, ensuring compliance, consistency, and excellence in all we do.

About the Role

As our HR Advisor, you will:

Provide expert advice on low level employee relations including capability, performance, absence, and restructuring. Take ownership of the Single Central Record across all schools, our safeguarding register, ensuring full compliance and readiness for Ofsted. Oversee on-boarding and off-boarding processes, ensuring a smooth experience for all staff. Manage the HR inbox, contracts, and HR documentation using systems such as Access People, Collaborate, and Bromcom. Have overall responsibility for the accurate and timely issue of contracts. Manage the Occupational Health referral process Ensure that the performance appraisal process is effective Line manage the HR Administrator, supporting DBS checks, right to work, and training compliance. Collaborate with the Head of HR on ad-hoc projects and strategic initiatives. Deliver a professional and proactive HR service across the Trust.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

CIPD Level 5 (or working towards) Proven experience in a generalist HR role Strong knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload Experience with HR systems and data integrity A proactive, hands-on approach with a high attention to detail

Desirable:

Experience in a multi-site organisation Whilst experience in education is desirable, your approach and professionalism and HR expertise is what matters most.

Benefits:

Hybrid working after a successful probationary period Local Government Pension Scheme (with a 22.5% employer contribution) Generous occupational sick pay (linked to length of service) Enhanced maternity pay Cycle to work scheme Free on-site parking Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing

Safeguarding Commitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and must share our commitment to safeguarding in line with statutory guidance.

How to Apply

To apply or find out more, please visit

https://www.kent-teach.com/Recruitment/Vacancy/VacancyDetails.aspx?VacancyId=148218

Safeguarding Statement

Aquila, the Diocese of Canterbury Academy Trust respects and values all children and all member schools are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for every pupil so they can learn, in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. We believe every pupil should be able to participate in all school activities in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from harm. This is the responsibility of every adult employed by, or invited to deliver services at Aquila, the Diocese of Canterbury Academy Trust schools. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard all who access the schools and promote the welfare of all our pupils by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and bullying.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 34,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Education:

A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 06/08/2025