HR Officer

HR Officer – Temp to Perm Salary: Level 5, SCP 13–23: £30,160 – £35,530 Hours: 37 hours per week – flexible where required Weeks: 44.9 weeks per year, including 5 INSET days Contract: Temporary to Permanent About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced HR Officer to provide effective, confidential and professional HR support within a busy education setting. This is a temp-to-perm opportunity, offering the successful candidate the chance to join on a temporary basis with the potential to secure a permanent position following a successful period. Working closely with the Headteacher, School Business Manager and wider leadership team, the HR Officer will oversee day-to-day HR processes, ensuring that recruitment, employee records, contracts, absence, employee relations and safeguarding procedures are managed accurately and in line with current legislation and school requirements. Key Responsibilities Manage day-to-day HR administration and employee records, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and GDPR compliance. Coordinate end-to-end recruitment, including adverts, shortlisting, interviews, references, DBS checks, right-to-work checks and contracts. Manage onboarding, induction and probation processes for new employees. Prepare and maintain contracts, variations, letters and other employment documentation in line with NJC terms and conditions. Support managers with absence, attendance, performance, capability, disciplinary and grievance processes. Provide guidance to staff and managers on HR policies, procedures and employment-related queries. Maintain accurate Single Central Record and safer recruitment documentation. Support payroll administration, including changes to pay, hours, leave and contractual amendments. Monitor and maintain training, appraisal and professional development records. Produce HR reports and workforce information for senior leaders and governors where required. Liaise with external HR advisers, payroll providers, occupational health, pensions, recruitment agencies and other relevant organisations. Contribute to the development and review of HR policies and procedures. Support staff wellbeing initiatives, occupational health referrals and reasonable adjustments where appropriate.Safeguarding Responsibilities Ensure all recruitment and pre-employment checks meet safer recruitment and safeguarding requirements. Maintain accurate and up-to-date safeguarding and personnel records. Support the management of staff-related safeguarding concerns, allegations and disciplinary matters appropriately and confidentially. Ensure mandatory safeguarding and other relevant training records are maintained. Work closely with senior leaders and the DSL to ensure HR processes support a safe environment for pupils and staff.Essential Skills & Experience Previous experience working in an HR Officer, HR Administrator or similar HR-focused role. Experience of HR within an education, public-sector or similar environment. Good working knowledge of employment law, HR policies and procedures. Experience managing recruitment and pre-employment checks, including DBS and references. Strong understanding of GDPR, confidentiality and accurate record keeping. Experience with contracts, payroll administration and employee terms and conditions. Excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail. Confident communication skills with the ability to work effectively with staff at all levels. Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel, and experience using HR systems. Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing deadlines. Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.Desirable CIPD Level 3 qualification or working towards one. Knowledge of NJC terms and conditions. Safer Recruitment training. Experience supporting employee relations casework. Experience working within a school, academy, MAT or local authority environment. Understanding of SEND/SEMH settings and the staffing considerations involved.Personal AttributesThe successful candidate will be: Professional, approachable and highly organised. Trustworthy and able to handle confidential information appropriately. Resilient and able to work effectively in a busy environment. Proactive, solution-focused and able to use initiative. Empathetic and confident when dealing with sensitive employee matters. Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Committed to equality, diversity and inclusive working practices.Temp-to-Permanent OpportunityThis role is offered on a temporary-to-permanent basis, providing an excellent opportunity for the successful candidate to demonstrate their skills within the role before progressing into a permanent position. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional with education or public-sector experience looking for a varied role with responsibility across the full HR function and the potential for long-term employment