HR Advisor

The Role

Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will manage day-to-day employee relations casework, ensuring policies are applied consistently and cases are progressed efficiently and fairly.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing disciplinary, grievance, capability, sickness absence, probation and dignity at work cases from initial concern through to outcome and appeal.
• Providing advice and guidance to Headteachers and School Business Managers on employee relations matters and HR procedures.
• Conducting workplace investigations, interviewing witnesses and preparing detailed investigation reports.
• Drafting correspondence, including invitation letters, terms of reference, outcome letters and case notes.
• Supporting sickness absence management, occupational health referrals, return-to-work meetings and reasonable adjustments.
• Advising on safeguarding-related HR matters, including allegations against staff and liaison with relevant external agencies.
• Applying HR policies consistently and supporting the review and development of policies and procedures.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential HR records and producing regular casework and absence reports.
• Working collaboratively with trade union representatives and external legal advisers where required.
• Delivering guidance and briefings to school leaders on key HR processes.

About You: To be considered for this opportunity, you will have:

• Essential: Previous HR casework experience within an education setting, such as a school, Multi-Academy Trust or council schools HR service.
• CIPD Level 3 qualification or above; Level 5 or higher would be advantageous.
• Experience independently managing a varied employee relations caseload from start to finish.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and preparing evidence-based reports.
• Working knowledge of the Burgundy Book, NJC Green Book and School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD).
• A strong understanding of UK employment law and current HR best practice.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures relating to allegations against staff, including LADO liaison.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to advise and challenge senior stakeholders when necessary.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement when handling sensitive matters.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft 365, Teams and Excel.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for regular travel across school sites.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary of £38,510-£40,444 FTE, depending on experience.
• Six-month fixed-term contract, commencing November 2026.
• Full-time hours of 37 per week, Monday to Friday.
• Part-time working arrangements of three days per week or more will be considered, with salary pro rata.
• Hybrid working, including typically two days per week from home once established.
• 26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, pro rata.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements to accommodate occasional early or late meetings and hearings.

Location

The role is hybrid, with a combination of home working, central office attendance and regular visits to schools across Cheshire, Wirral and Liverpool.

Interested?

If you are an experienced HR Advisor with a background in education and are looking for your next opportunity, we would love to hear from you.