Job Description

Are you an experienced HR professional ready for your next challenge? We're looking for a proactive and people-focused

People (HR) Advisor

to join our dynamic People Team in Cambridge.



This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering high-quality HR support across the employee lifecycle, contributing to a positive and inclusive workplace culture.



The People Advisor is responsible for providing expert HR advice and support to employees and managers across various HR-related areas. Advise and assist managers and employees with HR processes such as recruitment, onboarding, performance management, absence management, and employee development. The People Advisor will take a lead on employee relations and provide support and advice as required.

Location:

Central Office in Cambridge, near Cambridge Station.

Working Hours:

37.5 hours per week.


The successful Candidate will need to be able to travel to the Cambridge Office 5 days a week (with flexibility to work from home during the school holidays).

Key Responsibilities:

HR Administration & Compliance:

o Oversee employee contracts, salary administration, benefits, and leave management, ensuring timely updates and accuracy.


o Ensure job descriptions are in place for all roles.


o Manage employee attendance, absenteeism, and leave policies.


o Work with the finance department to ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll.

Employee Relations:

o Serve as the first point of contact for employee queries and concerns, offering advice on employment law, policies, procedures, and conflict resolution.


o Collaborate with managers to handle employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievances and attendance issues.


o Provide support and guidance to managers regarding employees who are on long-term sickness absence and support with return to work.


o Escalate complex cases, ACAS conciliation or employment tribunals to the People Partner.


o Support the People Partner with any change initiatives.

Employee Engagement:

o Contribute to employee engagement initiatives, ensuring employees feel valued and supported within the organisation.

Policy Implementation:

o Update HR policies and procedures that support the settings strategic objectives and provide guidance to managers on how to implement them.


o Regularly review and update the employee handbook, ensuring it reflects the school's values and current legal requirements.

HR Reporting:

o Support the collection and analysis of HR data, preparing reports on employee performance, turnover, absenteeism, and other HR metrics.

Wellbeing:

o Promote employee wellbeing programs, including mental health support, wellness initiatives, and work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

o Champion initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within all settings.


o Ensure that hiring, promotion, and professional development practices support a diverse workforce.

Person Specification:

Education:

o CIPD Level 5 qualification is preferred or must be able to demonstrate equivalent experience.


Experience:


o Previous experience as an HR Advisor (or equivalent) including HR administration and case management.


o Strong experience of disciplinary, performance, attendance cases, including all relevant documentation and letters.


o Experience of the employee lifecycle, including onboarding and offboarding and managing new starter and leaver procedures.


o Experience of supporting employee wellbeing, including supporting colleagues who are absent due to long-term sickness or who require reasonable adjustments to be made due to health conditions or disabilities.


o Understanding of HR information systems and people data reporting.

Skills and Competencies:

o A high level of attention to detail with a sense of accountability for delivering a high standard of work.


o A self-starter, able to take ownership of important tasks and work without supervision.


o Strong proven knowledge of employment law and its application in the working environment.


o Able to build strong relationships at all levels of the organisation.


o Able to advise managers and senior managers in accordance with HR policies and procedures.